When Lyra ended the call, another phone rang.


    "Alex," an elderly man''s voice came through, warm but formal.


    "You promised you''de check on our health. When will I have that honor?"


    Alex leaned back. "Well, I cane right now-if you know where to find me and send someone to pick me up."


    "Of course! How could I not know where the God''s Hand doctor is? We''ve been waiting patiently for our turn to be honored by your visit."


    "I''ll send my people for you immediately. Will that be eptable?"


    Alex nced at Josephine, a sly smile forming. "Fine-but I''ll be bringing a young woman with me. Is that alright?"


    "Certainly, certainly. Bring anyone you like. We will treat them with the same highest hospitality we give you.”


    "No need for special treatment. Just treat her like usual," Alex chuckled, then hung up.


    He turned to Josephine. "Pack your clothes. We''re going to Vind."


    Josephine''s eyes widened.


    "Vind State? That''s the most beautiful ce in the country! Lakes, forests, everything untouched. It''s been my dream to see it!"


    "Yeah, but this isn''t a vacation. We''re going to check on an elderly couple." "Something serious?"


    "No. Just a regr check-up."


    A few minutester, a long, ck limousine rolled up to the curb.


    Josephine froze, eyes wide. "I''ve never even touched a car like this, let alone ridden in one. You think I''m not gonna mess it up just by sitting in it?"


    Alex smirked. "Rx. They''ve already paid for it just enjoy the ride. You could probably scratch the seats and they wouldn''t even blink."


    Inside, Josephine couldn''t stop herself from touching everything.


    Her fingers traced the polished wood, the soft leather. Her eyes darted from detail


    to detail, drinking it all in. It felt like stepping into another world.


    Alex took the chance to make a call.


    "Yes, Sir Alex," Alfred Kingston answered with deep respect.


    "Alfred, is Jasmine—your daughter—alright?”


    "I haven''t spoken to her for a couple of days. Work''s kept me busy. Is there a problem, Sir?"


    Alex''s eyes drifted to the passing scenery outside the tinted window.


    "She called me two days ago, wanted to meet. But I haven''t heard from her since. Can you check on her for me?"


    "Yes, sir. I''ll find her and report back to you."


    "Thank you, Alfred."


    "My pleasure, sir."


    Of all the governors and allies Alex knew, Alfred was perhaps the most loyal.


    When they reached the airport, Josephine''s jaw dropped.


    "A private jet?" She clutched Alex''s arm. "Alex... are we even allowed to use something like this? It looks so expensive."


    "Rx. Our patient is very rich," Alex said casually, as if this kind of travel was nothing new.


    Josephine moved like a nervous mouse stepping into a five-star restaurant for the first time.


    The stewardesses greeted them with practiced elegance, making Josephine smile shyly and fidget in her seat. She clearly felt she didn''t belong in such luxury.


    When they settled in, the jet began to taxi and lift into the sky. Josephine leaned toward Alex and whispered, eyes fixed on the attendants.


    "They''re... really beautiful, aren''t they?"


    Alex nced at the stewardess, then turned to Josephine with a half-smile. “To me, you''re a thousand times more beautiful."


    "Hush!" Josephineughed, ncing at the attendants.


    "They''re stewardesses. They fly everywhere. Me? This is my first flight." She


    leaned closer, eyes sparkling with curiosity.


    "Alex, do you think they always wear new clothes?"


    Alex frowned slightly. "Why?"


    "Their uniforms... the colors are so bright, so fresh. I bet they don''t wear something that''s been washed a hundred times until it fades." She


    nced down at her own simple outfit.


    "You could always buy new clothes, you know."


    Josephine gave a soft sigh. "Yeah, but... there are still so many children who need food. I can be happy in my simple clothes and use the money so they can eat better."


    "Jo, you should start thinking about yourself once in a while."


    "Maybe," she said with a warm smile.


    "If the new king''s program works, and no one around me-no child-ever goes hungry again... then maybe I''ll finally buy something new for myself."


    Alex smiled back.


    "Alright, we''ve got four hours before we reach Vind. I''m going to teach you some massage techniques. It''ll help you ease people''s pain."


    Josephine''s eyes lit up. "I''d love that."


    Alex chuckled. She could never master a single thing he taught about fighting, but when it came to healing, to helping, she soaked it up like a sponge.


    Half a dayter, they arrived at a small urban vige just as the sun was dipping low. The car pulled up to a modest vi with a neat little garden.


    Josephine''s mouth fell open. "Wow... this isn''t what I expected."


    "What?" Alex asked, catching her surprise.


    ol


    "Well, after they sent us here in the most luxurious way possible, I figured their house would be some massive, elite estate. But... it''s small, warm, cozy. I actually love it."


    The front door swung open, and an elderly man in simple, well-worn clothes


    stepped out.


    "Alex, you''ve arrived," he greeted warmly.


    "Old man Jose," Alex grinned, giving his shoulder a friendly pat. "You''re looking


    better."


    Jose chuckled. "I''m just getting older... waiting for my time to go."


    "Jose, this is my friend, Josephine."


    She looked at the old man and instantly felt drawn to his humble, gentle smile.


    "Hello, sir. I''m Josephine."


    Jose froze, staring at her as if he''d just seen a ghost.


    His voice trembled. "Lucia... Lucia!"


    He turned toward the house, shouting, "Quickly, look who Alex brought home!"


    A woman''s voice grumbled from inside, "Why are you yelling at your age—" but


    the moment she stepped into the doorway and saw Josephine, her words died.


    Her eyes widened, filling with tears.


    "Ma... Maria.” Her voice shook, and her hands began to tremble. Josephine, confused but still smiling politely, spoke softly. "I''m... Josephine?"


    But the woman didn''t seem to hear her.


    With trembling hands, she reached out and suddenly pulled Josephine into a fierce, almost desperate embrace.


    "You... you finally came home. My baby... you''re finally home..." Her voice broke on thest words, heavy with years of longing.


    The old man stood nearby, his chin quivering, powerless to stop the hot tears that streamed silently down his face.