With a heavy heart, Azrion's mother began to explain everything to him—every secret, every truth—just as Crystal's father had explained it to her.
When she finished, silence filled the throne room.
Azrion stood frozen, shock written across his face.
"Mother… why didn't you tell me about all this sooner?" he asked quietly.
The queen's eyes softened with pain.
"I was trying to protect you, Azrion," she said. "I wanted you to live a normal life. I thought I could shield you from it all… but you're just as stubborn as your father."
Her voice trembled.
"And now… I feel like I'm going to lose you too. I can't take that, Azrion."
Tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably.
Azrion stepped forward and pulled her into a warm embrace.
"You won't lose me, Mother," he said firmly. "I won't let that happen. There has to be a way to break this so-called curse."
The queen shook her head slowly.
"So far, I've never heard of any way to break it," she admitted. "That's why I feel this way. But… perhaps it's time for our kingdom to join hands with Aetherion. If we work together, maybe we can find hope—no matter how small it may seem."
Azrion nodded.
"I'm really sorry about all this, Mother. But I promise you… I won't leave you."
The queen wiped her tears and took a steady breath.
"I will leave for Aetherion tomorrow morning."
"I'll come with you," Azrion said immediately.
"No!" she replied sharply. "You will stay here and look after the kingdom until I return. Understood?"
Azrion sighed heavily.
"Yes, Mother."
"Good. Now go and get some rest."
"You should rest too," Azrion replied softly. "And please… don't worry so much. Just have a little faith, even if it seems impossible."
He gently kissed her forehead before leaving the throne room.
Later that night, Azrion stood by the window in his chamber, staring at the full moon glowing in the dark sky.
"Crystal…" he whispered.
"I'm sorry for putting you in such danger. But no matter what it takes, I promise I'll find a way."
He chuckled faintly, his cheeks turning slightly red.
"I can't lose you either… I already miss you so much."
The next morning, the queen prepared to leave with a small group of royal guards. After giving Azrion a few final instructions, she departed for the Kingdom of Aetherion, leaving him in charge of Zerathion.
Meanwhile, at the academy, Arnold and Maria couldn't help but notice Grace's unusual silence. She seemed distant and pale, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.
Maria finally walked up to her.
"Crystal… you look so pale. Are you okay?"
Before Grace could answer, Arnold scoffed.
"Don't tell me that prince is still on your mind."
"Arnold!" Maria snapped. "You forget she's not just our friend—she's your princess. What has gotten into you?"
Arnold rolled his eyes.
"I'm already suffocating here anyway. I'm leaving."
With that, he stormed off.
Maria sighed and turned back to Grace.
"Please don't mind him, Crystal."
Grace smiled faintly.
"It's okay, Maria. He probably has a lot on his mind too. And I'm fine, really."
Maria frowned.
"But you don't look fine. Whatever it is, you can tell me. We're like sisters, right?"
Grace gently held her hands.
"I know… and I appreciate that so much. But I promise, I'm okay."
Maria hesitated before nodding.
"Alright… if you say so."
Later, on their way home, Grace suddenly noticed a tiny crocodile waddling toward her.
She bent down and picked it up.
"Aww… you're so cute. Are you lost, little one?"
"I think it likes you," Ronan said with a smile.
Suddenly, the creature lashed out violently, scratching her arm and aiming for the shimmering scales on her skin.
"Ouch!" Grace cried, dropping it.
The small crocodile quickly ran away—clutching a small piece of her scale in its mouth, though Grace didn't notice.
"Are you alright?" Ronan asked angrily. "That vile creature deserves death."
Grace shook her head.
"It's alright, Ronan. Let's just go home."
The little crocodile ran deep into the forest.
Once it reached a hidden corner, its body suddenly twisted and shifted.
In a moment, the creature transformed back into its true form.
It was Leah.
She looked at the glowing scale in her hand and laughed darkly.
"What a foolish princess," she muttered. "You're lucky this is the only thing I can take from you for now."
She raised the scale to the shining sun.
"At least you're useful for something… freeing Rhaegor."
Her eyes gleamed with wicked satisfaction.
"Now all that's left… is to get something from Azrion."
With that, Leah turned and disappeared into the shadows, making her way back to Zerathion.