Sir Herold placed a steady hand on Crystal's shoulder, his voice calm but firm.
"Calm down, Crystal. Hopefully, it won't come to that."
Crystal swallowed hard, her voice trembling.
"Okay… but please, I really need your help. I don't want to hurt anyone."
Herold studied her carefully. "Tell me—how did you feel at that moment? Did you encounter anything unusual?"
Crystal hesitated, searching for the right words.
"I… I couldn't control myself. I heard a voice… then I saw someone. She wasn't clear, like a shadow. She said something about a celestial dragon spirit… that I belong with her." She shook her head. "It all happened so fast."
Sir Herold's expression darkened. Without a word, he gently grasped her upper arm—and froze.
There it was.
Faint, but unmistakable.
A mark.
His breath caught. "It's certain… after all these years."
Crystal's eyes widened. "I—I don't understand."
"I mentioned this to Azrion before," Herold said slowly, his gaze still fixed on the mark. "Though at the time, I wasn't sure. But now… I am convinced."
"What do you mean?" she asked, panic rising in her voice. "Has this happened before?"
Herold nodded grimly. "Yesterday, during training. But it wasn't as severe as this. What you bear… is the Celestial Dragon Mark."
Crystal's heart pounded. "The… what?"
"A force that chooses its host once every thousand years," he explained. "History tells us it often consumes its bearer completely." He paused. "This is the first time I've witnessed it myself."
Crystal staggered back slightly. "Why me? What am I supposed to do?" Her voice cracked. "Please… you have to help me."
Herold softened, though concern lingered in his eyes.
"You must learn to tame the spirit."
"How?" she whispered.
"I don't know… not yet," he admitted. "But in time, you will. For now, control your emotions. Stay in harmony with yourself. I believe the mark is not separate from you—it is an extension of who you are."
Crystal's voice dropped to a fragile whisper. "And if I can't?"
Herold met her gaze, unwavering.
"You can. I see it in you, Crystal."
She exhaled slowly. "Thank you…"
"I'll leave you with him," he said gently, turning away. "Take care of Azrion."
The room felt heavier after he left.
Crystal stepped inside quietly and sat beside Azrion's unconscious form. Guilt and worry twisted within her as she reached for his hand, holding it tightly.
Her thoughts spiraled.
Was I given this new life just to suffer again?
I don't want to hurt anyone… I don't want to become a monster.
Her grip tightened.
I'm sorry, Azrion…
The afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across their skin. For a moment, she simply sat there, lost in her thoughts—until she slowly began to rise.
Suddenly—
A hand caught hers.
She gasped, turning back.
Azrion's eyes fluttered open, his voice weak but steady.
"Aren't you going to take responsibility for what you did?"
Relief flooded her, and she let out a soft, breathless laugh.
"You're right… don't worry. I'm not going anywhere."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Good…"
Far from the quiet room, darkness stirred.
Rhaegor had not been idle.
Over the past three days, he had moved like a shadow through the Kingdom of Zerathion—unseen, unstoppable. With his ability to shapeshift, he preyed on the vulnerable, draining their life essence to fuel his growing power.
People had begun to notice.
Whispers of disappearances spread through the kingdom.
But no one knew the truth.
Not even Leah.
On the third day, Leah approached his cavern, curiosity and unease tugging at her heart. As she stepped inside, she felt it immediately—
Power.
The air itself pulsed with it.
"Rhaegor?" she called softly.
From the shadows, he emerged.
Clad in a black cloak, his presence was heavier now—his aura darker, more refined. A sinister smile curved across his lips.
"Leah, my dear… you're just in time. I must admit, I've missed you."
She smiled, though uncertainty lingered in her eyes.
"Me too… You look… different. Stronger." She hesitated. "What am I in time for?"
"I promised we would visit the queen together, didn't I?" he replied smoothly. "And you've arrived exactly as expected."
"Oh… right," she said, nodding. "Are you ready?"
"Of course. If you are."
"Then let's go."
Rhaegor chuckled softly.
"Now, now… I prefer to travel in style. I don't run around."
Leah frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
"Come closer."
She stepped toward him.
In an instant, he pulled her gently by the arm. His staff struck the ground—
And a swirling black cloud engulfed them.
The world vanished.
They reappeared in the Queen's throne room.
The sudden intrusion sent a ripple of shock through the hall.
Queen Seraphine sat upright, her gaze locking onto Leah in disbelief.
"Leah… what are you doing here?" Her eyes narrowed. "And who is this?"
Leah stepped forward quickly.
"Your Majesty, I'd like to introduce a friend of mine. He's… like family to me."
"Is that so?" the queen replied, her tone sharp. "What an entrance." She turned her gaze to the cloaked figure. "May I know your name?"
Rhaegor stepped forward slowly.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
He lifted his hood.
The moment his face was revealed—
The queen's breath caught.
Her eyes widened in horror as she staggered slightly, gripping her throne for support.
"Rhaegor…?"
The guards reacted instantly, rushing forward—but with a mere flick of his power, they were hurled backward, crashing helplessly to the ground.
Silence fell.
Rhaegor's smile deepened as he looked directly at her.
"Nice to see you again… Queen Seraphine."