"You're supposed to be imprisoned… how did you get out?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Rhaegor only smiled faintly, as though amused by her fear. "It's a rather long story," he replied calmly. "But I do have my dear acquaintance here, Leah, to thank."
Queen Seraphine's gaze snapped toward Leah. "Leah?"
Leah stepped forward, confusion written all over her face. "There must be some misunderstanding… Rhaegor, what is going on?"
The queen rose slowly from her throne, her presence commanding and cold. "Leave this place at once," she ordered.
Her eyes burned with fury as she continued, "How dare you show your face here after killing my husband."
Rhaegor's lips curled into a dark grin. "Do you wish to join him?"
In an instant, the queen's eyes flared crimson, her entire body igniting into roaring flames. Leah froze, unable to comprehend what was unfolding before her.
With a burst of speed, Queen Seraphine charged. Rhaegor barely dodged the attack, retaliating with waves of dark energy and shadowy doppelgängers. The queen countered fiercely, unleashing torrents of fire that clashed violently with his magic.
The hall trembled under the force of their battle.
But as the fight dragged on, Rhaegor's expression shifted. He waited… watching… calculating.
The moment came.
As the queen prepared another devastating strike, Rhaegor pulled out the dark red stone. He raised it just as her flames surged forward—
—and in a flash, the attack was reflected back at her.
The impact sent her crashing to the ground.
She lay still.
Unconscious.
"Your Majesty!" Leah cried, rushing to her side. Panic filled her voice as she looked up at him. "Rhaegor… what is the meaning of this? Who are you really?"
Rhaegor stepped closer, his gaze cold and unwavering. "I am someone who has always been on your side." He extended a hand toward her. "Join me, Leah. Together, we can rule this world… and rid it of these pesky dragons."
Leah's heart pounded. "Were you lying to me all this time?"
"Let's forget the past," he said smoothly. "You saw what Azrion did. They don't care about you… but I do. Together, we can rule both kingdoms."
Leah hesitated. Her thoughts raced.
I hate you, Azrion… but not to the point of death. And your mother has nothing to do with this.
I need to find out what Rhaegor is planning… at least until you return.
She took a slow breath.
"Even if you defeated the queen," she said, lifting her gaze to meet his, "what makes you think you can defeat the King of Aetherion?"
Rhaegor smirked. "Time will tell. But this time… I won't be beaten."
A long silence followed.
"Well?" he pressed.
Leah's voice came out quieter than she expected. "Alright… you're the only one I have now, anyway."
"Excellent," he replied. "If you don't mind… step aside."
Reluctantly, Leah moved away.
Rhaegor approached the fallen queen, lifting her effortlessly. With the dark red stone glowing in his hand, he summoned an enchanted cage—one that sealed her powers completely. He placed her inside without hesitation.
Then, raising the stone once more, he cast a massive barrier over all of Zerathion.
Darkness spread across the land.
Finally, he walked to the throne… and sat.
Far away, on Herold Mountain, Azrion and Crystal were preparing for their journey.
Their griffins stood ready as they secured their supplies.
Suddenly, Azrion staggered slightly.
"Azrion, are you alright?" Crystal asked, concern in her voice.
"Yes… I'm fine," he said quickly. "Just a bit nervous, I guess."
She gave a small smile. "You don't have to be. We've got each other."
He nodded. "You're right. I just wonder how our families are doing… they must be worried sick."
"Exactly why we need to reach Mount Solemn and come back quickly," she replied.
Just then, Sir Herold approached, handing them a map.
"I'm proud of you both," he said. "Rewriting your destiny now lies in your hands. But Mount Solemn is a dangerous and deceptive place. No matter what happens, trust each other—and remember why you are there."
"We will," Crystal said firmly.
"And we'll be back soon," Azrion added with a reassuring smile.
With that, they mounted their griffins and took to the skies.
Hours passed before the looming silhouette of Mount Solemn appeared ahead.
Dark clouds churned violently above it. Eerie whispers echoed through the air, and storms raged endlessly around its peak.
"I think… we're here," Azrion said, glancing at the map.
As they flew closer, lightning began striking all around them. The storm intensified rapidly, making it nearly impossible to navigate.
Despite their efforts to dodge the bolts, one struck too close—
—and they were sent crashing down to the base of the mountain.
Miraculously, neither of them was hurt.
Azrion exhaled. "You know… that celestial ability of yours would've been helpful. You could've redirected those lightning bolts."
Crystal rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and maybe zap you too. That thing has a mind of its own—I'd rather it doesn't show up at all."
Azrion smirked. "So… you're afraid of hurting me?"
"Would you focus?" she shot back. "Don't think so highly of yourself."
He chuckled. "If you say so."
As the fog slowly cleared, a massive gate appeared before them.
With hesitation, they pushed it open.
The moment they stepped inside—
the ground beneath them vanished.
They fell.
Separately.
Crystal landed hard in a dimly lit room.
It was filled with mirrors.
Endless mirrors.
"What is this…" she whispered.
Then—
one of her reflections moved.
"A place where you'll finally realize the truth," it said.
Crystal froze.
She turned sharply—and saw her own reflection staring back at her… alive.
"Who… who are you?" she stammered. "Why do you look like me?"
"She is you," another reflection spoke.
"And so am I," a third added.
A chill ran down her spine.
She stepped back, her breath unsteady.
"Leaving so soon?" another voice echoed.
"W-what do you want from me?" she asked.
"Nothing," one replied calmly. "Only for you to be honest with yourself."
Crystal's voice trembled. "What do you mean?"
The reflections darkened.
"You know you're not the right person for this," one said.
"Did you forget who you really are?" another added.
"You're Grace… not Princess Crystal."
"You're just going to ruin her life—just like you ruined yours."
The words struck deep.
Crystal collapsed to her knees, her heart aching as darkness crept through the room.
For a moment…
she said nothing.
Then—
a spark of determination ignited within her.
Slowly, she stood.
Her eyes hardened with resolve as she faced the reflections once more…