Time crept by slowly as Zorvax maintained his silent vigil beside the dark cocoon. It was a stark contrast to the frenetic battles and rapid pursuits they had endured. His typical readiness for action was replaced by a patient stillness, only his occasional shifts in position betraying any sense of restlessness.
Finally, the moment arrived. The cocoon that had enshrouded Ophelia began to show signs of fracture, small lines etching across its surface like the first cracks in a thawing river. Zorvax leaned forward, his eyes intent on these harbingers of change.
With a sound like the gentlest sigh of relief, the cocoon split open. Zorvax stood up, stepping back to give Ophelia room as she emerged. There was a sense of rebirth as the fragments fell away, revealing her form.