As they walked in silence, the scenery gradually changed. The dense, whispering woods gave way to open meadows, bathed in pale light and dotted with wildflowers in shades of violet, gold, and soft white. Petals fluttered gently in the mountain breeze, as if nature itself sensed something sacred in the air. Each step upwards felt lighter and colder, the atmosphere growing thinner with altitude. The peaks loomed in the distance — majestic, glistening like the shards of a fallen star.

  Suddenly, Era stopped.

  Raphael nearly took another step before realizing she had halted. He turned to her, noticing the way her gaze seemed fixed somewhere far beyond the visible horizon. Her expression was thoughtful — almost solemn.

  – Yes? Is something wrong? – he asked, trying to read her eyes.

  She hesitated, her lips parting slightly before closing again. Then she looked at him, really looked at him — as if searching for something behind his eyes.

  – Raphael, before we reach the peaks, there’s something I need to tell you. It’s reted to Kael’s prophecy… and your role in all this.

  His heart skipped a beat, but he gave a small nod.

  – Ok. Shoot.

  Era inhaled deeply, drawing in the sharp, clean air of the mountains. When she spoke again, her voice was soft, barely above a whisper — yet every word carried weight.

  – The prophecy Kael mentioned… it spoke of a human born under unusual celestial alignments. A child marked by the stars themselves. Destined to bridge the gap between supernatural realms.

  She paused, watching him closely.

  – Raphael… those alignments… they match the night of your birth.

  He stared at her, stunned. The words struck something deep within him — something he hadn’t even known was waiting to be touched.

  – How do you know when I was born? I don’t even know it precisely. My parents went missing when I was really little. And all about my earliest past is a vague mystery.

  His breath quickened. A cold wave surged through his chest, sharper than the mountain air.

  – You’re starting to freak me out.

  Era’s eyes softened with something like regret.

  – I’m sorry, Raphael. I know what I’m saying must sound crazy, but hear me out — there are methods we supernaturals use to track celestial events. Your approximate birthdate... it checks out with the prophecy.

  His legs gave out before he realized it, and he sat heavily on the ground, the cold seeping through the fabric of his trousers. He buried his face in his hands, trying to make sense of the puzzle pieces suddenly tossed into his p. A prophecy? A bridge between worlds? Celestial alignments?

  What the hell was happening to my life?

  Era knelt beside him, her presence calm and grounding — like the silence before a storm.

  – I know this is a lot to take in, Raphael – she said gently. – But please understand, this prophecy has been circuting among supernatural circles for centuries. For it to align with your existence… it’s unprecedented.

  He didn’t look up, but his voice came through his fingers — low, uncertain, fragile.

  – I hear what you’re saying. But it’s really a lot. This morning I woke up in a world new for me… and now I’m learning that I’m somehow special. Even if I don’t really know myself who I am.

  She pced a hand on his shoulder, warm and steady despite the chill in the air.

  – I know it seems sudden and overwhelming. But Raphael, your true identity is just starting to unravel. You’ve barely scratched the surface of who you really are.

  Her fingers gently squeezed his shoulder — not to push, not to urge, but to reassure.

  There was a long silence between them. The wind whispered through the meadow grass. Somewhere in the distance, a bird cried out — distant and sharp, then gone.

  Finally, Raphael drew in a slow breath and nodded.

  – Ok. Let’s go.

  Era smiled softly and helped him to his feet. Her touch was patient, her expression kind.

  – That’s the spirit.

  She didn’t let go of his hand as they resumed their journey. The trail ahead coiled like a silver thread, leading them further up the mountain. With each step, the world grew quieter. The wind now carried with it a certain reverence, as if even nature itself was holding its breath.

  – It’s beautiful and peaceful here – he murmured, his voice ced with quiet wonder.

  As they reached the top of the mountain, the view exploded around them. Raphael’s breath caught in his throat.

  The Crystal Peaks stretched across the horizon — not just mountains, but a cathedral of light and stone. Shimmering crystals jutted from the earth like frozen waves, catching the sunlight and scattering it into radiant, shifting patterns across the snow-covered slopes. The air shimmered faintly, ced with magic so old and pure that even Raphael, inexperienced as he was, could feel it humming beneath his skin.

  Era stopped, gazing out with reverence.

  – This is the Crystal Peaks – she said, her voice full of awe.

  Raphael let out a quiet gasp, eyes wide.

  Era smiled, clearly enjoying his reaction.

  – It’s one of the most sacred pces for celestial beings. The crystals here are said to absorb and reflect divine energy.

  She pointed toward the rgest crystal at the center — a towering, multifaceted gem that pulsed faintly with inner light.

  – That one is called the Heart Crystal. It’s said to hold immense power.

  – Why is it called Heart Crystal?

  – Because it’s believed to be the physical manifestation of the celestial heart — the core energy that binds all supernatural realms together.

  Era stepped forward, her boots crunching gently in the snow as she approached the radiant monolith.

  – Legend has it that anyone who touches it can glimpse their true destiny.

  Raphael’s heart pounded. Destiny. The word felt too rge, too ancient, to belong to him.

  – Wait… supernatural realms? Like… more than one?

  She nodded, still watching the Heart Crystal.

  – Yes, Raphael. There are countless realms that coexist with the human world, each with its unique inhabitants and characteristics. The celestial realm, the demon realm, the fae realm, the shifter realm… the list goes on.

  He tried to take that in. Realms. Plural. He’d grown up believing in one world, one reality. Now the borders of his understanding were unravelling like threads.

  – So… in which realm are we now?

  – We’re currently in the celestial realm – Era said, turning to face him.– It’s one of the higher realms, known for its divine energy and powerful beings. But remember, each realm has its own hierarchy and rules.

  She gestured again toward the Heart Crystal, now glowing softly as the sunlight shifted.

  – One more question – Raphael said, his voice quieter now. – Creatures and beings from different realms… can they travel between realms?

  Era nodded slowly.

  – Yes, they can. But it’s not easy or safe for everyone. Traveling between realms requires immense power and knowledge of the portals that connect them. Some beings are born with the ability to traverse realms freely, while others need special artifacts or spells to do so.

  Raphael swallowed hard.

  – That makes me wonder again… how did I get here?

  She stepped closer, her smile gentle — but full of certainty.

  – I know it’s confusing, Raphael. But remember… you’re special. Maybe you have celestial blood flowing through your veins, and that means you have a unique connection to this realm.

  They stood in silence for a moment, facing the Heart Crystal, bathed in its gentle light. The wind had quieted, and for a breathless instant, the world seemed to wait.

  Then Raphael spoke, his brow furrowed in thought.

  – If this is the celestial realm… then how did I even get here? I mean, if it usually takes powerful magic or special knowledge… why was it so easy?

  Era turned toward him, her expression calm — as if she had been waiting for that question.

  – It wasn’t just chance, Raphael. The pce you arrived in — Amaltea Academy and the nds surrounding it — are part of a sacred region within the celestial realm. It’s unlike any other.

  She paused, gncing toward the horizon, where the peaks faded into a golden glow.

  – That entire area has been set aside for a special purpose: learning, growth, connection. It was created as a sanctuary for all supernatural beings, regardless of origin. A space where barriers between realms grow thin, and cooperation becomes possible.

  – A sanctuary? – Raphael echoed.

  – Yes. It’s one of the only pces in existence where beings from different realms can gather freely — as long as they come with pure intent. The magic that protects the academy can sense the heart of anyone who enters. Those driven by hatred or conquest cannot even find their way to its gates.

  – That’s… incredible – Raphael said quietly, the weight of her words settling into him.– So it’s like a bridge between worlds?

  – In a way, yes. It’s neutral ground. A living symbol of what could be possible if our worlds stopped fearing each other and started understanding.

  She looked back at him, something shimmering in her eyes.

  – And maybe… just maybe… that’s part of why you’re here. Why the prophecy points to you. You didn’t come just to learn, Raphael. You came to become.

  - Became what?

  - I think we will have to wait and see – Era smiled reassuringly.

  She reached out and took his hand again.

  Together, they moved slowly toward the Heart Crystal.

  As they approached the Heart Crystal, its towering form shimmered in the waning sunlight. The surface pulsed faintly with an inner glow, like a heartbeat of light echoing from another world.

  Era released Raphael’s hand and stepped back, her expression solemn, yet full of quiet encouragement.

  The crystal's glow brightened as if sensing Raphael’s presence, its pulse growing stronger, more alive.

  Her voice came soft, but carried the weight of something sacred.

  – Touch it, Raphael. Let the crystal show you your destiny.

  He stepped forward slowly, each footfall muffled by the snow. The energy in the air thickened, humming against his skin like invisible static. Swallowing hard, he lifted his hand and gently pressed his palm against the crystal’s surface.

  The moment skin met crystal, a surge of energy exploded through him.

  Light enveloped him instantly, golden and warm, wrapping his entire being in a radiant cocoon. The outside world vanished. In its pce visions hit him like an electric pulse— not like dreams, but fshes of something real.

  A sword raised high, its bde glowing with otherworldly power.A circle of allies standing at his side, their bond forged through trials and trust.Lips brushing his own in a kiss so tender and aching it made his chest tighten.Wings unfurling into the sky. Fire. Shadow. Light.A choice. A breaking. A becoming.

  Then, just as suddenly as it began, the light faded.

  Raphael staggered back a step, blinking hard. The world returned in fragments — the mountain air, the crunch of snow beneath his boots, Era watching him closely from a few paces away.

  – Well? – she asked softly. – What did you see, Raphael? Your destiny, perhaps?

  He ran a hand through his hair, still dazed.

  – Perhaps. Maybe… I’m not sure. It was a lot. And not clear, like a vision.

  Era stepped closer, her voice calm and knowing.

  – It’s normal for the visions to be unclear at first. The Heart Crystal shows you glimpses of your destiny, but it’s up to you to interpret them — and choose whether to make them real.

  She pced a comforting hand on his shoulder, her presence grounding him once more.

  Raphael gnced at the sky, where the sun now dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the glittering peaks.

  – Ok. I think we should get back to school. It’s getting te.

  Era followed his gaze and nodded in agreement. The sky was streaked with hues of orange and deep purple, painting the realm in twilight splendor.

  – You’re right, Raphael. The other students will be wondering where we’ve gone off to.

  They turned together and began the descent.

  As they walked, the celestial ndscape gradually faded behind them, giving way once more to the familiar surroundings of Amaltea Academy. The glowing arches, the ancient stones, the gentle hum of warding enchantments. The world here felt more grounded — but no less magical.

  A few students looked up as they passed through the courtyard. Their whispers fluttered in the air, curious and hushed, though none approached. Era ignored them, her gaze steady as she turned to Raphael with a warm smile.

  – Thank you very much. Could you show me my room? – he asked.

  – Of course, Raphael. Follow me.

  She led him through a side hallway lined with arched windows and silver nterns flickering with enchanted fmes. Finally, she stopped in front of an ornate oak door carved with swirling patterns.

  – Here we are.

  She pushed it open to reveal a spacious room bathed in moonlight. A rge bed stood near the window, beside it a reading nook with plush cushions and a small table. On the far wall, a wardrobe and a tall bookshelf waited, half-filled with tomes. Everything felt warm, welcoming — like a home he never knew he needed.

  – It’s nice – he said sincerely. – What time is the meal? I’ll refresh myself before.

  Era smiled at the practicality in his voice.

  – Dinner is served in the Great Hall at 7 PM sharp. You have about an hour to freshen up and get ready.

  She stepped closer, her voice softening.

  – I’ll leave you to it then. If you need anything, just call out my name.

  – Ok. Thank you once again. See you soon.

  Era gave him a gentle smile before turning away.

  – See you soon, Raphael.

  The door closed with a soft click, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

  He took a moment to walk around the room, fingers trailing across the fabric of the curtains, the smooth wood of the furniture. Then he entered the attached bathroom and let the hot water rinse away the cold of the mountains — though it did little to ease the weight of what he had seen.

  Later, after drying off, he sat on the bed wrapped in a towel, staring out into the starry night.

  The events of the day unfolded in his mind like a tangled reel — the arrival at the academy, the shocking revetions, the prophecy… the Heart Crystal. Every part of it shimmered with unreality.

  Then, suddenly, an image cut through the noise.

  Kael.

  The memory of his face appeared unbidden — so light, so warm, and yet unmistakably unsettling. Raphael saw again those eyes: piercing, luminous, carrying an impossible mixture of allure and something darker… dangerous.

  – It’s strange – he whispered. – He looks scary and attractive at the same time.

  A chill ran down his spine. His heart beat faster.

  Kael’s presence lingered in his mind like heat on skin — dangerous beauty, he thought. Something magnetic. Something alive.

  He shook his head quickly, trying to dispel the image.

  I have to focus on something else. Thinking of Kael makes me… surprisingly aroused.

  The memory of Kael’s gaze returned — not just seen, but felt in every inch of him. It had stirred something primal, something physical. His chest rose and fell faster now, as if caught between confusion and craving.

  What disturbed him most wasn’t just the arousal.It was the fact that he hadn’t wanted to stop thinking about it.

  His cheeks flushed. A warmth bloomed low in his belly, spreading like fire through his limbs. His body stirred, reacting before his mind could stop it. The towel around his waist felt suddenly insufficient.

  – Yes… I should better put on my clothes before I lose myself to these thoughts.

  He stood up and walked to the wardrobe, fumbling for something simple to wear. As he passed the mirror, he caught a glimpse of himself. His cheeks were flushed. His lips slightly parted. And… something else had clearly stirred.

  He looked away, pulse quickening.

  The shape beneath the towel had been unmistakable just moments ago. Now, even clothed, he could still feel the lingering pressure, the dull throb between his legs.

  – It’s so strange – he murmured. – I don’t know him, but my body reacted so intensively.

  He exhaled sharply, trying to compose himself, though the image of Kael’s face still pulsed in the back of his mind like a forbidden fme.

  I could not only feel it… I saw it in the mirror that something… woke up.

  He pulled on the rest of his clothes quickly, trying to calm the racing storm inside him.

  But even as he dressed, the memory of Kael's face remained — vivid and untouchable, like fire behind gss. It wasn’t confusion he felt now — it was undeniable arousal, raw and urgent, like a switch had been flipped deep inside him. Something Kael had awakened with nothing more than a memory.

  And with it came a question, quietly forming in the back of his mind:

  What exactly is he? And what does he want from me?