A soft knock echoed through Grace's chamber.
"Crystal… it's me. Are you awake?" Ronan's voice called gently from the other side.
"Yes… come in."
The door creaked open and Ronan stepped inside quietly, closing it behind him. His eyes softened when he saw her sitting upright on her bed, sunlight spilling across her silver curtains and resting against her hair.
"How are you feeling now, sis?" he asked, folding his arms but not in his usual proud stance. This time, it was almost protective.
Grace studied him for a moment.
Wow… he's finally coming back to himself, she thought. If not for Crystal's memories returning to me, I would never believe this is the same Ronan. He really can be such a big baby sometimes.'she thought to herself '.
"I'm alright, brother," she replied warmly. "Were you worried?"
He scoffed lightly, looking away. "Well… just a little. Considering everything that's been happening to you lately."
She smiled playfully. "I guess it's just part of growing up. I'll be fine."
Ronan sighed, relieved. "You should rest a little more. I'll leave you to get ready. You don't want to be late for the academy."
Grace hesitated. "Actually… I don't think I'll be going today. I need a bit more rest."
He studied her carefully before nodding. "Hmm. That's probably wise. Take care of yourself, dear sister." His tone softened. Then a teasing smirk returned. "But don't get too lazy."
She laughed lightly. "I won't."
With that, he left.
When Ronan arrived at the academy later that morning, the courtyard buzzed with students practicing their abilities. As he approached the grand entrance, his eyes caught sight of Suzan walking ahead of him.
His steps faltered.
I never properly welcomed her… As the prince, I should at least greet her.
He straightened his posture and prepared to approach — but before he could, two familiar voices interrupted him.
"Hey, Ronan! Wait!" Maria called, running toward him with Arnold beside her.
"What is it?" Ronan asked, raising a brow.
"I heard what happened to Crystal," Maria said quickly. "How is she?"
"And where is she?" Arnold added, concern written clearly across his face.
Ronan lifted a hand. "One at a time. You might be forgetting I'm still the prince here," he said with playful pride.
Maria rolled her eyes. "Of course you are."
"Fortunately, my sister is fine," Ronan replied. "Thanks to Arnold as well. But she won't be coming today. She needs rest."
"Oh," Arnold murmured, trying to hide his worry.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I have… important matters to attend to," Ronan said, already glancing toward Suzan before walking off.
Maria watched him go, then turned slowly to Arnold. "It's good she's okay… right?"
Arnold didn't respond immediately.
"Arnold?"
"I'm fine," he said quietly. "I just… I've never seen her like that before. It felt like something deeper was wrong."
Maria smiled knowingly. "You really care about her, don't you?"
"Of course I do. She's our friend."
Maria stepped closer and gently turned his face toward hers. "You know that's not what I mean."
His cheeks flushed instantly.
She laughed. "Oh my goodness, those cheeks are redder than my roses!"
"Are you serious right now?" he muttered nervously.
Her expression softened. "You should tell her."
"And what if she doesn't feel the same?" he asked, his voice lowering. "I don't want to ruin what we have."
"You'll never know unless you try," Maria said gently. "And Crystal would never let something like that destroy your friendship."
Arnold looked down, thinking. "I'll… consider it. Thanks, Maria."
She nudged him playfully. "Come on. We'll be late for class."
Later that afternoon, the training hall shimmered with streaks of power as students practiced. Near the far windows, Suzan stood bathed in sunlight, light energy dancing between her fingers.
Ronan paused at the entrance, watching her.
She moved with grace — every gesture controlled, elegant.
He swallowed his nervousness and approached.
"Hello there… Suzan, right?"
She turned smoothly, her golden hair catching the light.
"Yes. And you are Prince Ronan?"
"Yes," he replied, offering a confident smile.
She bowed respectfully. "It's an honor, Your Highness. I am Suzan, daughter of one of the generals in your father's army."
"Impressive," Ronan said. "That's quite honorable."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"So," he continued, shifting slightly, "you control light?"
A playful spark entered her eyes. "Would you like to see?"
She stepped fully into a beam of sunlight streaming from the tall windows.
"Now you see me…"
Her form shimmered.
"…now you don't."
In an instant, she vanished.
Ronan's eyes widened — and then she reappeared beside him with a soft laugh.
He couldn't help but stare. "Beautiful… and amazing."
A faint blush dusted her cheeks. "Thank you. And you?"
Ronan smirked slightly. "Allow me."
A breeze formed around him, spiraling faster until a small controlled tornado spun at his side. He dashed forward in a blur, wind trailing behind him before settling again.
"Impressive, huh?" he said, trying not to sound too proud.
"Very," she replied sincerely. "You move with the wind… it's smooth."
He felt warmth rise to his face. "Would it… be alright if we trained together sometime? Or… spent time together?"
Her smile softened. "I would like that very much."
"And," he added quickly, "you can drop the formalities. Just call me Ronan."
She held his gaze.
"Alright… Ronan."
For a moment, the world seemed quieter around them as they shared a warm, unspoken understanding.