Epilogue

Ch-119

As the dust of battle settled and the adrenaline began to ebb away, Lenora and Adira hurried to the sides of their respective partners, Zaros and Maximus. With trembling hands and tearful eyes, they embraced them tightly, relief flooding through them at the sight of their loved ones safe and unharmed.

"How are you?" Lenora whispered, her voice choked with emotion, as she reached out to touch Maximus's cheek, searching his eyes for any sign of injury.

Maximus smiled weakly, his own relief palpable as he pulled Lenora close. "I'm alright, my love," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Just a few scratches, nothing serious."

Meanwhile, Adira wrapped her arms around Zaros, holding him tightly as if afraid to let him go. "Are you hurt?" she asked, her voice trembling with worry as she searched his face for any sign of pain.

Zaros shook his head, a soft smile playing on his lips as he reassured her. "I'm fine, my queen," he replied, his voice filled with warmth and affection. "Thanks to you, we emerged victorious."

As they held each other close, the gravity of what they had just accomplished began to sink in. 

"We should leave. Everyone must be waiting for our arrival for the crowning ceremony," Lenora reminded them. 

That's when they remembered the crowning ceremony of Vampira, a momentous occasion that they could not afford to miss.

Eudora, Elphaba, and Serene were so worried that they returned. "I am glad you all returned in one piece," Eudora, the stoic one, crumbled like a normal mother for the first time.

"Mom, we are fine," Zaros said. 

"Do you say this is fine?" she said as she pointed at Adira's wounds. 

"So, you are not worried about me?! But her! You no longer love me mom!" he complained. 

"You can heal quickly but my daughter-in-law is precious," Eudora snided. 

"Looks like Mother Serene's company did something to Mom," Lenora commented. 

"You! Shut up!" Eudora said and started getting worried about Adira's wounds. 

"Haye, I can help with that," Elphaba said coming forward. Elphaba applied some potion on Adira, which reduced the wounds almost immediately. 

"Now, it's time for the king and queen crowning," Eudora said. 

As Adira walked side by side with her partners, the grand hall of Vampira spread out before them like a vision from a dream. The air was alive with anticipation, the sounds of murmured conversations and the soft rustle of silken robes filling the space as nobles and dignitaries from across the kingdom gathered to witness the crowning of their new rulers.

The hall itself was a sight to behold, its towering columns and vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and gilded decorations. Tapestries depicting the rich history of Vampira hung from the walls, their colors vibrant against the backdrop of flickering torchlight.

At the far end of the hall, a magnificent throne sat upon a dais, its ornate design a testament to the power and prestige of the rulers who would soon occupy it. Flanking the throne were two smaller seats, equally regal in appearance, reserved for the newly crowned king and queen.

As Zaros and Adira approached the dais, a hush fell over the assembled crowd, all eyes turning to them in anticipation. With each step, their confidence grew, their hearts swelling with pride at the thought of the responsibility that lay before them.

Zaros stood tall and resolute as he ascended the steps of the dais, his movements graceful and assured.

With a flourish of trumpets, the ceremony began, the air alive with the sound of music and the voices of the gathered crowd. The crown of Vampira was brought forth, its jewels catching the light as it was placed upon Zaros's head, marking him as the rightful king of the realm.

Beside him, Adira's heart swelled with pride as she watched her husband accept his crown, knowing that they would face whatever challenges lay ahead together, as partners and equals.

As the last notes of the anthem faded into silence, the newly crowned king and queen rose from their thrones, their faces radiant with joy and determination. 

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