The palace quieted as the morning stretched on. Cali and Calen were now settled into their quarters, both still wondering if they were dreaming—afraid to close their eyes, worried they might wake and find themselves back at the Wyatt Clan.
Jalen, meanwhile, after spending time with his wife and children, turned his attention to matters of state. He met with Simon, three of his sons—Simian, Shane, and Sam—and Tomlinson for an update.
So far, nothing had gone wrong.
Things seemed to be improving. The Flare State was growing richer and stronger. Within the Lunar Flare Clan—the state's top clan—only the most seasoned cultivators were advancing. Disciples over three centuries old and teachers who had cultivated for more than a thousand years were beginning to break through to the Imperial Realm—a feat that had been nearly impossible just a few years ago. This progress was largely due to the new cultivation methods introduced by Jalen, along with improved opportunities and access to superior resources.
Across the Reign Continent, nearly all the top clans and royal families—except for the Crown Kingdom, home of Lara, Jalen's stepmother, who already had an alliance with them—were extending generosity toward the Flare State, hoping to form official ties. They sent promising disciples to join the Lunar Flare Clan and offered resources to strengthen the bond.
The Sabre Clan, one of these top powers, had been seeking a meeting for over a year—ever since the battle between Lloyd and Phil. They even tried to use Emperor Raiden as a mediator to establish the link. Simon accepted the gifts and the disciples but refused to formalize any alliance without Jalen's input. And since Jalen brushed off the topic, it was clear: there would never be an alliance between him and those people.
As for the Solar Clan, who had once sought to destroy them—they seemed to have gotten the message. They'd stopped coming after the Flare State. Or so it seemed. This uncertainty is why Simon hadn't dropped his guard. The enemies might simply be waiting for the right moment—for someone to relax, to falter.
As for Simar, Simon's uncle, he remained in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Sage Realm.
As the meeting drew to a close, the two elders Patriarch Zakai had sent from the Light Clan—Elder Seth and Elder Joshua—entered the throne room after receiving permission to do so.
"Fellow Elders, it's good to see you again," Jalen greeted them respectfully.
They nodded in acknowledgment.
"And thank you for protecting my home," Jalen added.
"There's no need for that," Joshua replied. "You're an elder of the Light Clan. That makes your loved ones our family."
Simon and his sons watched quietly. They remembered when the two elders first arrived weeks ago, claiming they'd been sent by Jalen. At first, they suspected infiltration. But time proved otherwise. And now, seeing Jalen with them, the last remnants of doubt vanished.
With that, everyone departed to their own business.
__
Jalen was now back in his quarters, and this time, he was alone with his wife.
Earlier, Jana had insisted on babysitting the children—her tone playful, her intentions obvious. Rana knew her mother well. Always scheming. Always meddling. But this time, she didn't mind. The brief moments she'd spent with Jalen earlier had only stirred the ache of absence. She missed him—his presence, his warmth, and his touch. And tonight, she wouldn't wait for him to take the lead.
She did him the honor.
She pleased her husband.
And please him, she did.
Their bodies moved with the rhythm of memory and longing—slow at first, then urgent, then lost in each other. Her fingers traced the lines of his chest like she was relearning a map she'd once memorized. His lips found her neck, her shoulders, her breath. The hours passed like minutes, and the minutes like eternity.
When the storm finally settled, Jalen lay bare beside her, his arm draped across her waist, his breath steady.
"I'll be leaving two days from now," he whispered. "I don't know when I'll be back. It could be years… maybe centuries."
Rana rested on his chest, looking up at him with a soft smile. "And I'll be here, waiting—however long it takes."
"What did I do to deserve such a loving wife?" Jalen cupped her face and kissed her gently.
"Well, you spied on a girl while she bathed on your first encounter," Rana teased.
"Still not letting that go, are you?" Jalen chuckled. "And if I remember correctly, you saw me naked too that same day. So we're even."
"That was not intentional. And you didn't even flinch at shamelessly exposing yourself."
"I don't have an issue shamelessly exposing myself now."
Rana smiled, then whispered, "I love you."
"I love you too," Jalen said, kissing her once more.
Then, out of the blue, she asked, "So are you going to finally answer—who are that mother and son?"
"You too?" Jalen groaned. He sighed. "They're not some secret family, despite what your mother implied. They were in a predicament. I helped them. Nothing more."
"I know you'd never betray our love," she said. "But it's fun to push your buttons for once—like you always do to me."
"You mischievous, naughty wife," Jalen said, flicking her over with his aura to lay on the bed. He climbed on top of her, tickling her until she laughed through tears.
"Stop!" She giggled.
"Why should I? This is punishment for teasing your husband."
Minutes later, he paused, looking into her eyes—white as snow, beautiful as the first time they met.
"You're beautiful," he whispered.
Rana blushed. Jalen kissed her again.
One thing led to another.
And this time… they weren't on the bed.
They were mid-sky, wrapped in radiant qi and cries of pleasure. Jalen and Rana moved like twin stars in orbit—passion rekindled, love reaffirmed. The world outside heard nothing, felt nothing, thanks to the soundproof formation that sealed their sanctuary in silence.