The early afternoon sky had darkened unnaturally, choked by the suffocating presence of dark magic. Shadows stretched across the land like creeping fingers, and the air itself felt heavy, as though the world held its breath in fear.
In the midst of it all stood King Darius.
His eyes sharpened, predatory and unyielding. In a swift motion, he thrust his hand forward, unleashing a barrage of razor-sharp ice shards toward Rhaegor. The frozen projectiles sliced through the air with deadly precision—but Rhaegor, cloaked in dark power, twisted away just in time.
Darius didn't relent.
In the blink of an eye, he vanished—then reappeared behind Rhaegor, his speed disorienting. A spear of ice formed in his grip, and with lethal intent, he hurled it straight for Rhaegor's chest.
But the forbidden stone pulsed.
Dark energy surged, and with a mere flick of his hand, Rhaegor sent the spear hurtling back. Darius barely dodged, yet it grazed his shoulder, tearing through flesh.
"Urghhhh!"
Pain shot through him—but he stood firm.
The battle only grew fiercer.
Not far away, Crystal and Azrion raced toward the kingdom.
"Oh no…" Crystal whispered, her voice laced with dread. "So much negative energy."
Azrion's expression hardened. "It's… coming from my kingdom."
"Then we don't have time to waste. Come on!"
They surged forward, urgency driving every step—until the battlefield came into view.
King Darius was barely holding his ground against Rhaegor.
"Father!!"
A Griffin swooped down, landing with force. Crystal leapt off and ran straight to him, Azrion stepping protectively in front of them.
"Father, are you alright?"
Darius turned, his expression softening despite his weakened state. "My treasure… I'm so glad to see you safe. I see Azrion kept his promise to protect you…" he said, his voice faint.
Azrion smirked lightly. "It wasn't easy, Your Majesty."
Crystal exhaled, relief flickering across her face. "Please… I'm just glad you're okay."
A cold voice cut through the moment.
"Enough of this foolishness."
Azrion stepped forward, flames beginning to swirl in his palms. "So you're the despicable Rhaegor. Where is my mother?"
Rhaegor smirked. "Instead of asking, why not let me take you to her?"
"How dare you!"
Azrion unleashed a surge of fire. Rhaegor dodged—but not completely. The blast struck him, sending him crashing to the ground.
Azrion advanced, eyes blazing. "I'll ask one last time… where is my mother?"
Meanwhile, deep within the palace, Sir Herold moved like a shadow, silently trailing Leah. She entered a hidden cavern, and he followed cautiously.
What he saw froze him.
Queen Seraphine lay imprisoned within a small enchanted box, her body motionless as her power was slowly drained away.
Herold's grip tightened around his hammer. "You heartless witch!"
He slammed it against the ground. The earth trembled violently.
"Wait—!" Leah tried to speak, but the shockwave sent her crashing to the floor.
Ignoring her, Herold rushed to the cage and struck it—but it didn't even crack.
Magic-proof.
Leah struggled to rise, her voice trembling. "That won't work… please, just listen to me. Help me—she doesn't have much time."
Herold hesitated. "Why should I trust you?"
"Because I'm the only one who can get her out," she said, desperation clear in her eyes. "I made a mistake. I never wanted this… I let jealousy consume me—over Azrion… over Crystal. But the Queen… she's always been good to me."
Herold studied her, then glanced at the Queen.
After a moment, he sighed. "…Fine."
Leah nodded and closed her eyes, focusing deeply. Arcane energy flickered around her fingers as she whispered ancient words.
The cage trembled.
Then—
Shattered.
The Queen collapsed forward, and Herold caught her instantly.
"She's alive," Leah said softly. "But weak. Rhaegor drained too much of her power."
They quickly moved her to a hidden chamber beneath the palace.
"Only the royal family knows of this place," Leah said, activating a protective barrier. "She'll be safe here."
Herold looked at her. "Why now?"
Leah lowered her gaze. "I was afraid… and confused. I thought Rhaegor cared about me. I never imagined this."
Herold tightened his grip on his hammer. "Then decide—are you with us?"
Leah paused… then nodded. "Zerathion is my home. I'll fight for it."
"Then let's go."
Back on the battlefield, the clash intensified.
Together, Darius, Azrion, and Crystal pushed Rhaegor back, their combined attacks forcing him to stagger.
But then—
He rose.
"Enough!!!"
A violent surge erupted from the forbidden stone, blasting outward in a devastating wave.
Crystal and Azrion were thrown to the ground.
Before they could recover, Rhaegor lifted his hand—and suddenly, they were suspended midair.
They couldn't move.
"Your end has come," he said coldly.
"The stone…" Azrion strained. "We have to neutralize it…"
"I know…" Crystal gasped. "But I can't move…"
Darius tried to intervene—but was struck down, falling unconscious.
Herold and Leah rushed forward—
Only to be seized midair as well.
"Leah?!" Azrion shouted. "What are you doing here? Let her go!"
Leah winced. "Long story… and not one I'll tell you right now."
Azrion's voice softened. "Leah… I know I hurt you. But you're not just my friend—you're my sister. I'm sorry."
Tears filled her eyes. "I'm sorry too, Azrion…"
Rhaegor chuckled darkly. "Foolish child. I thought you'd be useful."
Leah's expression faltered. "Use me…? I thought you cared…"
"And that," he said coldly, "will be your downfall."
He pulled her closer.
And began to drain her.
Her essence, her life, her power—ripped away.
"NO!!!" Azrion screamed.
Leah's fading eyes met his, tears silently falling.
Then—
He dropped her.
Her body hit the ground, lifeless.
"Mmm… delicious," Rhaegor murmured.
Crystal's eyes widened in horror.
"LEAH!!!" Azrion roared. "I'll destroy you!"
"Calm down," Rhaegor said mockingly. "You're next."
He turned toward Azrion—
"Don't you dare touch him!" Crystal shouted.
"Watch and learn."
He descended, reaching for Azrion's essence.
Azrion struggled—but couldn't move.
Crystal trembled.
Fear.
Rage.
Desperation.
It all exploded at once.
"STOP!!!"
Thunder cracked across the sky, her voice echoing like a divine command.
"I said… leave him alone!"
Lightning tore through the heavens.
And suddenly—
Rhaegor lost his hold on her.
He staggered back, eyes narrowing.
"What… is this?"