Welcome back, soap lovers—brace yourselves for another whirlwind in Salem. The episode crackles with secrets, guilt, and a long-awaited awakening.

Just as Sarah is about to come clean to Xander about her role in the Kiriakis cover-up, their moment is shattered by Stephanie and Alex’s unexpected arrival. They’re there for theater tickets, but what unfolds is far more dramatic. Xander mocks Philip’s scheming, only to discover Stephanie and Alex were already in on it. Enraged, he demands answers. Stephanie defends her silence, saying she was protecting the family. Alex, echoing her, claims he only wanted to keep the peace—for now. Xander isn’t buying it. To him, their excuses reek of cowardice.

As tempers flare, Alex snaps when Xander turns his fury on Stephanie. Sarah watches, torn by guilt, until Xander storms out to take a call from Wei Shin. Seizing the moment, Sarah apologizes and promises to confess everything if it means stopping Xander from firing Alex.

Meanwhile, Belle wrestles with Philip’s confession about his con job. He’s racked with guilt, and Belle—still tangled in her own feelings—finds herself admitting she can’t judge him fairly. Across town, Kate warns Rex against suspecting Roman or herself of wrongdoing, desperate to shield their family from more pain.

But the real miracle is unfolding in EJ’s hospital room. Susan, trusting her psychic bond, urges him to fight. As Belle confesses her love, a miracle happens—EJ opens his eyes. Emotions erupt. Tears fall. He remembers… her voice, her love.

And just like that, Salem trembles. News of EJ’s awakening spreads like wildfire. But Xander is unmoved—his world is already on fire. And Sarah? She still holds a truth that could burn it all down.

The storm is just beginning.