Nix wandered through Ambrose’s study, running his fingers along the spines of the many books that lined the shelves. He felt a strange reluctance as he searched for something—anything—about sea creatures. Should he even be going through the prince’s private collection? The absence of Ambrose all day weighed on him, the unsettling quiet gnawing at his nerves. He hoped the prince would return soon. The thought of them sharing a meal together brought a small smile to his face.

Distracted, Nix pulled the small starfish from his pocket and held it up to the light. It seemed ordinary, almost mundane, yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more to it. Hamford had given it to him, calling it protection. Nix turned it over in his hands, but no matter how hard he stared, the starfish remained a mystery. Was it simply a trinket, or was there something deeper about its magic?

A knock at the door broke his concentration. The royal guard stepped in, announcing, “Professor Ithil is here to see you.”

Nix quickly pocketed the starfish and hurried to the door. In walked the tall, slender elf, his presence commanding without effort. He had long, flowing white hair that shimmered like moonlight, falling gracefully down his back. His fair skin seemed to glow, accentuated by the gold-rimmed glasses perched delicately on his nose. He wore a dark plum cloak that swayed gently as he moved, his steps so light it seemed like he glided across the floor.

Nix stood frozen, momentarily awestruck by the regal figure before him.

"Hello, young sorcerer," Ithil greeted with a soft, melodic voice. "I am Professor Ithil. Prince Ambrose has spoken very highly of you." He extended a slender hand toward Nix.

Nix blinked, caught off guard. "T-thank you for seeing me. My name is Nix. It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor," he stammered, clumsily shaking the elf’s hand.

Ithil’s sharp, lavender eyes quickly caught the gleam of the necklace around Nix’s neck. A curious smile played on his lips. “What a beautiful necklace. It matches your striking eyes perfectly.”

Nix’s fingers instinctively reached for the jewel, fiddling with it. “Thank you... It was a gift from my sister.”

The professor gestured toward the armchairs by the hearth. “Shall we sit? Prince Ambrose mentioned that you had a rather intriguing dream related to your magic. Perhaps we can explore it together.”

Nix hesitated. The dream felt distant now, almost foolish to bring up. Maybe he should ask about sea creatures instead. But before he could decide, Professor Ithil spoke again, as if sensing his hesitation.

“Dreams, my dear boy, are often magic in their own right. For a sorcerer, most things—whether you realize it or not—are connected to your magic.”

Nix felt a sudden sense of relief at the elf’s words. He sank into the chair, nodding.

“I’m... not very good at magic,” Nix began, his voice quieter. “Most of my family are healers, except my mother’s parents, who were fire mages from the Southern Kingdom. But me? I’ve never found my specialty. I can do the basics, but it feels like there’s something blocking me.”

Professor Ithil listened intently, his piercing gaze unwavering. “In my dream,” Nix continued, “I was floating deep in the water. It was peaceful at first. Then I saw a mermaid. She was terrified, panicked. Suddenly, I felt like I was drowning, and she tried to pull me to the surface, but there was smoke everywhere—like we were trapped in a storm.”

As Nix spoke, the vividness of the dream returned to him—the mermaid’s desperate eyes, the crushing weight of the water, the sting of the smoke. Why did it feel so real?

Ithil tapped a finger to his chin thoughtfully. “Fascinating... But first, let’s call for some tea. Yan makes an excellent pomegranate blend. It will help us think.”

The request seemed almost too casual, but the calm in the professor’s voice made Nix feel at ease. Within moments, Yan arrived, setting a tray of tea and delicate pastries on the small table. She winked at Nix before bowing politely and excusing herself.

Ithil stirred his tea, taking a small sip before smiling. “Delicious, as always.”

Nix, still wrestling with his thoughts, picked up a jam-filled biscuit and nibbled on it absentmindedly.

“Professor,” he began hesitantly, “I also encountered mermaids on the island where we were stranded. They kidnapped Ambrose, but when I swam near them, they seemed terrified of me. That’s not normal, is it?” 

The professor’s expression shifted slightly. "Nix, my dear boy, have you heard of the Water King?"

Nix nodded slowly. "Yes, but only a little. He lived over a hundred years ago. He was said to be the strongest of the elemental kings, but he died young."

"That’s correct," Ithil replied. "I met him once. He was a giant of a man, standing at least seven-and-a-half feet tall. His white hair was tinged with the colors of the sea, and his eyes were bluish-green, like the ocean itself. Some say he was a halfling—his mother a mermaid, his father a human. He was not only an incredible sorcerer but also a kind-hearted king. He ruled alongside Queen Sunna, the jewel of the coast."

Nix’s eyes widened. “Queen Sunna?” His heart raced. “That’s... That’s my mother’s name.”

Ithil smiled knowingly. "You look remarkably like her. She had ruby-red eyes, just like yours, and long black hair. Her skin was kissed by the sun, and she wore a necklace much like the one you have now."

Nix felt like the air had been knocked from his lungs. He had never been told any of this. His family had never spoken of any connection to the Water King or Queen Sunna. How could this be?

"I don’t understand. No one in my family has ever mentioned anything about this," Nix said, his voice shaky, his mind swirling.

"After the Water King’s death, much of his legacy was deliberately forgotten by humans. His passing threw the balance of elemental magic into chaos, leading to the Great War. The elves and dwarves remember, but humans... they chose to forget."

“What happened to all the knowledge about water magic?” Nix asked, his mind swirling with questions. “Why isn’t it taught anymore?”

Ithil paused, his expression grave. “Because water magic vanished with him. You, Nix, may be the first to possess that power in over a hundred years.”

Nix felt a rush of cold dread. “That can’t be right! I’m not good at magic—I can’t even do the basics properly, let alone master something extinct.”

Ithil smiled gently. “Think, Nix. When have you felt most at peace? Has anything unusual happened when you’ve been near water?”

The memory struck Nix like a wave—when he had pulled the water from Ambrose’s lungs by the lake. He hadn’t used a spell; it had just... happened. He wanted to save him, and the water responded to his will.

“I... I did something once,” Nix whispered, the realization dawning on him. “I saved Ambrose. I didn’t know what I was doing, but the water moved... because I needed it to.”

Ithil’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “There it is, then.”

Suddenly overwhelmed, Nix stood and began pacing, his breath coming faster as panic took hold. “No... no, this doesn’t make sense.”

Professor Ithil rose, placing a calming hand on Nix’s shoulder. “Breathe, Nix. It’s a lot to take in, but you don’t have to face this alone.”

Before Nix could respond, the door burst open, and Ambrose stormed in, his frustration palpable. “I am done with today! No more meetings!” He growled, tossing his ascot to the floor before freezing at the sight of Nix, clearly distressed.

“Nix!” Ambrose rushed to him, concern flooding his features. “What happened? What’s wrong?” He cupped Nix’s face, his eyes searching his for answers. “Did someone hurt you?”

Nix shook his head quickly, unable to speak.

A polite cough drew Ambrose’s attention. “Nix has a great deal to process,” Ithil said gently. “I believe you two have much to discuss, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait!” Nix called after him, his voice trembling. “Before you go... What about the sea creatures? We need to find proof of the monster to clear Hamford’s name.”

Ithil smiled softly. “From what I’ve heard, it was likely a kraken. They disappeared after the Water King’s death, but if one has resurfaced, you’ll manage just fine.” He bowed slightly before slipping from the room.

As the door closed behind him, Nix’s legs gave out, but Ambrose caught him, pulling him into a protective embrace.

“What did he do to you?” Ambrose demanded, his voice tight with worry.

“Nothing...” Nix whispered, resting against the prince’s chest, his body relaxing. “It’s just... a lot to take in. Ithil thinks I might be a descendant of the Water King.”

Ambrose was silent for a moment before speaking, his tone soft but firm. “If that’s true... it means you could be the new Water King. We’ll figure out how to handle your powers, but for now, we should keep it a secret.”

“I can’t be king!” Nix exclaimed, panic rising again.

“You don’t have to be,” Ambrose reassured him, tilting Nix’s chin up so their eyes met. “I’ll protect you. We’ll figure this out together.”

Nix’s heart swelled with the comfort of Ambrose’s words, the prince’s presence grounding him. “I... I was worried about you today,” Nix admitted softly.

Ambrose’s gaze darkened with emotion, his lips hovering dangerously close to Nix’s. “I missed you too,” he whispered, before closing the distance between them and capturing Nix’s lips in a passionate kiss.

The anxiety, the confusion, the overwhelming revelations—all melted away as Nix responded, clumsily but earnestly. He might have been inexperienced, but the desire was there, intense and real.

When they finally broke apart, breathless, Ambrose lifted Nix into his arms, carrying him toward the bedroom with a whispered promise. “We’ll face whatever comes together.”