A heavy silence fell across the chamber as Crystal's voice broke through, uncertain yet sharp with recognition.
"Rhaegor…?" she whispered. "That name… isn't he the one who once caused chaos between the Red and Blue Dragon clans? After all these years… how is he back?"
The Supreme Ruler's gaze darkened slightly.
"You are correct," she replied. "And it is clear—someone aided his return."
Azrion stepped forward, urgency burning in his eyes.
"My mother… I can't leave her alone. Crystal, we have to go. Now."
Crystal nodded firmly. "Agreed."
The Supreme Ruler studied them both, her expression unreadable.
"Rhaegor possesses immense power—especially with that stone. Do you truly believe you can face him?"
Crystal exhaled slowly. "We don't know… but we have to try."
For a brief moment, silence lingered. Then the Supreme Ruler extended her hand. A pale white stone materialized in her palm, glowing faintly like moonlight.
"Take this," she said gently. "It will neutralize the forbidden stone's power for at least 5 minutes. Consider it… a small aid. I cannot promise you a way to break the curse, but I will not send you away empty-handed."
She paused before adding, her tone more serious now:
"The Blood Eclipse will occur tomorrow at twilight. You must confront Rhaegor before then."
Azrion frowned, clearly unsettled.
"If he's been such a threat for so long… why haven't you dealt with him yourselves?"
A sharp voice cut through before the Supreme Ruler could answer.
"Because he was never our burden to carry," one of the generals snapped. "Rhaegor is the consequence of your ancestors' actions. Their ally… their mistake. Be grateful you are even receiving guidance."
The tension in the room thickened, but the Supreme Ruler raised her hand, silencing further conflict.
With a soft gesture, a portal tore open in the air, swirling with light.
"You must go," she urged. "Your Griffins await you on the other side."
Azrion didn't hesitate. He stepped through immediately.
But Crystal lingered.
She turned back, her voice trembling slightly.
"Wait… my celestial dragon mark… I know you understand it. Please—how can I control it? I'm afraid… it might take over again. I don't want to hurt anyone else."
The Supreme Ruler's expression softened.
"It is not something you control, Crystal," she said quietly. "It is part of you. You must understand it… accept it… and learn to exist in harmony with it."
Crystal shook her head, confusion clouding her face.
"But I don't—"
Suddenly, a hand grabbed hers.
Azrion pulled her through the portal just as it snapped shut behind them.
Crystal stumbled forward, frustration flaring.
"What is wrong with you? I was asking something important!"
"I know," Azrion said, his voice tight but sincere. "But you need to focus. Our families are in danger. If we don't move now… we might be too late to save them."
The weight of his words settled in her chest.
Crystal lowered her gaze briefly. "I'm sorry… you're right."
They mounted their Griffins without another word.
With a sharp command, the great creatures spread their wings and launched into the sky, cutting through the evening winds. They soared higher and faster, racing toward Aetherion and Zerathion as the sun dipped toward the horizon.
Meanwhile, darkness had already taken root.
Rhaegor stood at the heart of Zerathion, his presence now far more terrifying than before. Dark energy pulsed violently around him, feeding on the life essence he had consumed.
The once-thriving kingdom had fallen silent.
Its people—no longer themselves—stood as shadow slaves, their eyes hollow, their wills shattered.
With a single command, they marched.
Toward Aetherion.
The skies blackened as waves of dark energy spread outward, swallowing the light.
Rhaegor lifted his hand slowly, a twisted smile forming on his lips.
"Let the new age begin…"
In the kingdom of Aetherion, Ronan stood in the courtyard when the sky suddenly dimmed.
A chill ran down his spine.
Something was wrong.
He wasted no time, sprinting toward the royal balcony where his parents stood.
"Father! Mother! What is happening?"
King Darius stared out at the horizon, his expression grim.
"I do not know…"
Then his gaze sharpened as he turned to Ronan.
"Assemble the guards and the royal army immediately. Every student in the academy is to be armed and on high alert. We cannot take any chances."
Ronan straightened. "Yes, Father."
He turned and ran without hesitation.
King Darius remained still, his eyes fixed on the darkening skies. A familiar, ominous presence pressed against his senses—one he had hoped never to feel again.
Beside him, the queen stood silent, her worry unspoken.
But the king knew one thing for certain.
Whatever was coming…
They had to be ready.