CHAPTER 6

In Zephyra, under the warm breeze of a summer night, a story of eternal love unfolds. Terry and Zahori, separated by time but united by an indestructible feeling, meet after 25 years. Despite the distances, they never stopped dreaming of the moment of their reunion, keeping their love alive through the whispers of their dreams, as a delicate reminder of their constant affection, unchanging before the barriers of the world.

—¿Can you believe it, Zahori? After all this time, under the same sky, admiring the same moon,— Terry muses, marveling at the serendipity of their encounter.

Zahori, with a smile that lights up the darkness, answers with certainty: –I always knew we would meet again. Our love is like the stars; it may seem to fade at dawn, but it never dies–.

As conversation flows freely, filling the air with memories and promises, the sound of laughter intertwines with the rustling of leaves, creating a melody that celebrates their union. Each word shared between them paints a picture of their eternity together, a canvas filled with love and hope.

Terry, with nostalgia, remembers that summer when they swore eternal love under the same moon that now witnesses their reunion. —Do you remember? It was the day my world was illuminated by your smile,— he says, reliving that magical moment.

Zahori nods, excited – How could I forget? And now, here we are, defying time and destiny.

That night in Zephyra, Terry and Zahori faced no barriers, only the certainty of an unending love. Their reunion became a vibrant celebration, a testament to the fire that, against all odds, they never stopped feeding over the years.

It was a night meant to be celebrated by these two souls entwined by love. Upon meeting, their gazes intensified; it was Terry who took the initiative, moving closer to seal the moment with a passionate kiss. Hugging each other closely, they found themselves sitting on the bed, wrapped in a whirlwind of emotion. As they exchanged caresses, Zahori began to unbutton Terry's jacket, who in turn helped her take off her blouse. The night progressed to the rhythm of their desires, as they helped each other free themselves from the restrictions of their clothing, immersed in the anticipation of what was to come.

After years apart, they decided to make up for every lost moment in a night filled with passion and unforgettable memories. With the moon as a witness to their love, they stayed together, rediscovering each other in the warmth of their reunion. Each moment shared was a bridge between their past and their present, strengthening the promises of a future together.

Until late into the morning, they gave themselves over to a passion that intertwined their stories, sealing their love with every gesture, every word, and every sigh. The night in Zephyra was just the beginning of a new chapter in their life, one filled with renewed promises and an unbreakable love that had withstood the test of time.

The night became their accomplice, keeping the secrets of two reunited souls, while Zephyra slept oblivious to the magic that happened under her starry sky. In every shared memory, in every caress and in every glance, Terry and Zahori reaffirmed their commitment to never let time or distance separate them again.

As dawn began to tint the sky in pink and gold hues, they both knew that tonight had only been the beginning of a new stage in their eternal love. They decided that, from now on, every moment together would be lived with the intensity of someone who knows what it is to lose and find their true love again.

With a promise to make each day a testament to their unwavering love, Terry and Zahori said goodbye to the night that had sealed their fate. Facing the dawn of Zephyra, they pledged to build a future where, no matter the challenges, their love would be the beacon that would always guide them back to each other.

The next morning, Terry and Zahori's family, aware of the deep meaning of their reunion after 25 years of separation, opted for a gesture of kindness and respect. They decided not to interfere with the couple's moments of intimacy and recovery, letting them wake up naturally, without alarms or obligations that would prematurely take them from their shared dreams. They would not be the ones to disturb the tranquility and joy of these long—awaited moments. The house remained respectfully silent, enveloped in an atmosphere of calm and expectation, allowing Terry and Zahori to fully immerse themselves in their renewed union, celebrating their love without haste or interruptions, savouring every second of their reunion in Zephyra.

It was twelve noon when a mischievous ray of sunlight, sneaking through the crack in the curtain, gently kissed Terry's face, waking him up. Beside him, Zahori still lay in a deep sleep, nestled in his arms. With a gesture full of tenderness, Terry pulled her towards him to place a delicate kiss on her lips, a gentle call to the waking world.

—¿How do you feel, my love?— Terry asked, his voice tinged with deep, sincere love.

—Good,— Zahori murmured, still dreaming, her face seeking refuge in Terry's chest, the place where she felt safest and most loved. With a contented sigh, she snuggled even closer to him, finding in that simple gesture all the happiness and warmth that their reunion promised. In that room bathed in sunlight, time seemed to stand still, allowing them to live eternally in that moment of peace and reborn love.

It was around two in the afternoon when Terry and Zahori, already refreshed and dressed after a refreshing shower, decided to leave the privacy of their room. With the sun shining overhead, marking the slow pace of a working afternoon, they headed towards the dining room in search of something to satisfy the appetite they had built up during the hours of reunion and rest.

The dining room, bathed in soft light filtering through the windows, offered them a quiet and cozy space, just for the two of them. The absence of the other members of the family, immersed in their daily routines and work, offered them a moment of shared solitude, an oasis in the midst of everyday life.

Sitting opposite each other, they ate their meals in a complicit silence, enjoying not only the taste of the food but also each other's company. This lunch alone became an extension of their bubble of intimacy, a time stopped in which they could talk, laugh and plan the future, without any hurry. On that quiet afternoon, the outside world seemed to fade away, leaving them to savor the sweetness of the present moment, a gift of life that they were both determined to make the most of.

It was already four in the afternoon when Elian arrived at the castle, accompanied by Marcus and Darius, to talk with Terry about the future of the temple that had been his refuge during the years of his deep sleep.

—The temple has changed,— Elian began, his voice filled with significant weight. —During the time you were asleep, the parishioners have grown in number and now seek the guidance of their deity.

— I'm not a god,— Terry replied, reluctant to accept that role.

—We know,— Elian replied calmly. —But to them, you represent more than a mortal; they have revered you as a deity for years. You only need to turn to them; they crave your advice and leadership. You have the ability,— he reminded her, evoking memories from the past. —Remember how you lifted the Saharim out of poverty and raised them beyond mediocrity. Your leadership and discipline have forged success, not only with our clan, but you can do it again with your people.

Terry was hesitant, but Marcus's words gave him confidence. —Look what you've accomplished with us Saharim. We've come a long way from where we started. Don't underestimate your impact; you're a man capable of making great changes when you put your mind to it.— This support from his family gave him back his strength and determination.

—¿So what's next?— Terry asked, his mind already racing toward the future. —Also, I'd like to revisit Zenith and my old office.—

—¿Do you long to resume your former work? — Darius interjected, understanding, but wanting to emphasize the importance of the present –It is understandable, but first you must clarify your position before your people. You must show them that, in addition to being a military leader, you are also a

You can be a spiritual figure if that is what they are looking for from you – Terry reflected on his uncle's words, realizing the need to prepare a speech that would clearly outline his vision and the actions to follow.

—I should start outlining that speech,— Terry muttered thoughtfully. —First, we should focus on that.

—¿Is Vicenzo still at Zenith?— he asked, briefly changing the subject.

—Yes, he's still there. He works for Ashtar now,— Darius said, closing the conversation and bringing them back to the immediate challenges and decisions Terry had to face.

—Perfect, it will be essential to help me draft the speech,— Terry said, thoughtfully resting his elbow on his left hand and bringing his right hand to his lips. He was lost in thought, wondering if Ashtar would assume the title of Imperial High King or how the transition of office would be arranged. Darius, sensing the direction of his nephew's thoughts, intervened to clarify the situation.

–Ashtar has not taken over your office– revealed Darius with a slight smile –Even though Elio suggested he do so, he chose not to. He assured that everything would remain as you left it. He has been handling

Darius paused before continuing, —Elio has not been able to come; he has been immersed in his commitments with the Galactic Federation in Zenith. As you know, that is where he is now.

—Understood,— Terry replied, nodding determinedly. —First, I need you to bring Vicenzo. He will be key to drafting the speech.

—I can find him,— Marcus said quickly, ready to act. —I'll go get him right away.

With that plan in place, the meeting took a new turn, focusing on preparations for the immediate future. The collaboration and support between them was palpable, marking the beginning of a new phase in the leadership and direction of their community.

—That is crucial, Terry,— Elian looked at him seriously, underlining the importance of his next words. —I ask that you do not leave the castle and that we keep your presence here a secret for now. Up to this point, we have managed to ensure that no one knows that you are here. The truth is, if the parishioners discover your presence, they will be able to do so location, they will turn this place into absolute chaos. At the temple, we are making superhuman efforts to contain them and prevent them from knowing where you are. We have told them that you are in a period of meditation, preparing yourself spiritually to appear before them. The news of your awakening has already caused quite a stir .

Terry nodded, his concern evident in his frown. —I understand,— he said, his tone heavy with worry. The idea that his quiet, thoughtful return might spark a riot at home It didn't sit well with him. He didn't want the castle, his and his family's refuge, to become an epicentre of chaos, invaded by hordes of strangers lurking everywhere.

The responsibility of his influence and the impact of his mere presence were more palpable than ever. Terry knew that, at the right moment, he would have to confront his followers with a message that would calm their spirits and direct their fervor in a positive and constructive way. But, until then, discretion was the strategy to follow, both for his well—being and for that of all those residing in the castle.