Leah's breath caught the moment she saw him.
"Rhaegor… you're finally free. We did it!"
She rushed forward and threw her arms around him, holding on as if afraid he might disappear again.
Rhaegor stiffened.
"Yes, my dear… but please, spare me this childishness."
He gently—but firmly—pushed her back.
Leah stepped away, embarrassed. "Sorry… I'm just so happy to see you. I can't wait to show you around."
Rhaegor exhaled, waving his hand faintly in the air before clenching his fist, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "Not now. There will be time for that… a perfect moment."
Leah tilted her head, studying him. "Is everything alright? And… what is that?"
She pointed at the small, dark red stone embedded in his chest.
Rhaegor's eyes darkened for a split second before he masked it. "It's nothing. Just… a family heirloom."
Leah smiled. "It looks nice."
"Yes…" he murmured. "But I am terribly drained. I'll need a few days to recover."
"Oh—I'm sorry. I could help you—"
"No." His tone sharpened slightly before softening again. "I prefer to be alone. I'll remain here, but I need the cavern to myself."
Leah hesitated. "For how long?"
"Three days," he replied calmly. "After that, I promise… we can even visit the Queen together."
Her face lit up. "Really? I'd love that. You've always been like a father to me… I want her to meet you."
"Of course, Leah."
She paused again. "But… why must you be alone?"
Rhaegor turned away. "I must gather natural essence. I cannot concentrate otherwise."
Leah nodded slowly. "Alright… I understand. I'll see you in three days."
"Thank you, my dear."
She gave one last smile before leaving the cavern.
The moment she disappeared from sight, Rhaegor's expression twisted.
A slow, sinister smile crept across his face.
Far away, on Herold Mountain, the wind swept across the open training field.
Crystal stood at its center, her energy crackling faintly as she demonstrated her powers under Sir Herold's watchful eye.
Suddenly—
A burst of heat rippled through the air.
Azrion appeared.
"Good morning," he said, a proud smirk resting on his lips, his amber eyes glowing like embers.
Sir Herold didn't respond.
Instead, he hurled his hammer straight at him.
Azrion barely dodged in time.
Crystal burst into laughter.
"Hey—!" Azrion protested.
"How's that for a good morning?" Herold snapped. "You arrive late and feel no remorse? I may be old, but I will not hesitate to teach you discipline."
Azrion raised his hands slightly. "Sorry… sir."
Herold scoffed. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood. Now—pick a weapon. Both of you."
Azrion grabbed a spear, mirroring Crystal.
They circled each other.
Crystal avoided his gaze.
"So… you found that funny?" Azrion said, smirking.
"Maybe." crystal said teasingly.
"He almost smashed my head." He added.
"Maybe it would've helped your arrogance."
Their weapons clashed with a sharp metallic ring.
"Oh really?" Azrion leaned closer. "Could you really bear to see my face smashed?"
"If you don't shut up," Crystal shot back playfully, "I'll destroy it myself."
"Ooh… feisty."
"Focus!" Herold barked.
Azrion chuckled. "By the way… about yesterday—"
"It's fine," Crystal cut in quickly. "I forgive you. We don't need to talk about it."
"Forgive me?" he scoffed. "Why would I apologize for something you enjoyed?"
Crystal froze.
"What?" Her cheeks flushed red.
"Am I wrong… princess?"
"The fact that I didn't slap you doesn't mean I enjoyed it," she snapped. "Do you think I'm easy?"
"Not exactly…" Azrion grinned. "But definitely cute."
"Cute?" Her grip tightened on her spear. "I'll show you cute."
She lunged.
Their fight intensified—faster, harder, sharper. Sparks of energy and force collided as neither backed down.
Minutes later—
They both stopped, breathing heavily.
"Still think I'm cute?" she panted, smirking.
Azrion lowered his spear, smiling softly. "I like you either way."
Crystal blinked, caught off guard. "What are you—?"
Suddenly—
"Ahh!" She clutched her head, dropping her weapon.
Azrion rushed forward. "Crystal!"
"It hurts…!" she cried.
Her eyes turned white.
The Celestial Dragon mark flared to life on her arm.
Azrion froze. "Crystal…?"
"Get away from her!" Herold shouted.
Too late.
She looked up at Azrion—her lips curling into a dark, unfamiliar grin.
She thrust her hand forward.
"Foolish boy." the voice echoed.
A bolt of lightning exploded toward him.
Azrion barely raised his fire shield in time before being hurled backward, crashing to the ground.
"Azrion!" Crystal's real voice broke through—but only for a moment.
Power surged again.
A massive sphere of lightning engulfed her as she rose into the air.
Inside her mind…
"Where am I?" Crystal whispered.
A voice echoed—ancient, powerful.
"You are within your subconscious."
"Who are you?" she demanded. "And what are you doing to me? How dare you hurt Azrion?!"
"I am the spirit of the Celestial Dragon," it replied coldly.
"You and the red dragon… have no future. You belong to me now."
"No—!" crystal snapped.
"Remember that."
The presence vanished.
Crystal gasped as she returned to her body.
Her strength gave out, and she collapsed.
Her eyes returned to normal.
She saw Azrion lying still on the ground, Sir Herold beside him.
"Azrion!" she cried, rushing over. "I… I'm so sorry!"
"He's alive," Herold said calmly. "I'll take him inside."
They laid Azrion gently on his bed.
Outside, Herold turned to Crystal.
"How are you feeling?"
Crystal hugged herself, trembling.
"Honestly… I don't feel good at all," she whispered. "I don't know what's happening to me…"
Her voice cracked.
"What if next time… I do something worse?"