“Will! Come here... oh, there you are,” Lola said. “This is Felix.”

The man slowly turned toward him, and William stared at him far longer than necessary. He’d expected an old man. But this man... he was young. And incredibly handsome. So handsome that Ryan felt like walking over to Will and picking his jaw up off the floor. To make matters worse, Felix stood there with his hand extended, and Will didn't move. He was still reeling, tears still shimmering in his eyes. After a moment, the wizard cleared his throat, and Will snapped out of it, shaking his hand. When his skin brushed against Felix’s, it felt as if the man’s hand was burning him. He pulled back and gave a forced smile. After the initial shock, reality began to flood back.

“Grab your essentials. I’ve found a place for us for a while. I think it’ll be fine, though it’s a bit cramped,” Felix told the group. “Once you’re ready, we’ll go through the portal. Anyone have an objection?” Silence. “Well then, to work!” Lola pulled a wand from her pocket and announced she was going to pack. When Ryan asked about things for himself and Will, Sophie assured them she’d pack some extra unisex items. A moment later, the three of them—Will, Ryan, and Felix—were left alone in the living room.

A silence fell. A silence so heavy and oppressive it became uncomfortable. Finally, William suggested:

“Maybe I’ll bring something to drink?” Felix looked at him and, with a friendly smile, announced he’d love something warm. Preferably tea. Fruit tea. As soon as Will vanished with obvious relief, Ryan decided to sit on the sofa and gestured for Felix to do the same. The man sat down, first removing his worn coat and draping it over the back of the armchair. After a brief, hollow silence, he spoke:

“Your name is...?” He wanted to be sure; he didn't have a great memory for names.

“Ryan,” the boy replied.

“Oh, a good, dimless name.” Ryan paused, wondering if he’d heard correctly, before asking with clear confusion:

“I’m sorry, a what?” Felix looked at him and answered:

“An ordinary one.” Ryan’s jaw tightened at the wizard's tone. Well, at least HIS name sounded fancy enough, Ryan thought. He bit back a retort, though it seemed the wizard wanted to say more. Just then, Will walked back into the room with a mug of hot tea. Felix’s gaze locked onto him, scanning him from head to toe. As if that wasn't enough, Will blushed under the scrutiny and nearly tripped over the rug. Ryan snorted inwardly, hoping Lola wasn't planning on packing the entire room.

In the morning, everyone gathered downstairs. The room was far from spacious, yet everyone managed to find a corner for themselves. Felix sat on the cabin’s only piece of furniture—an old, worn-out chair—directly across from William, who leaned against the windowsill. Finally, after a lingering silence, the wizard began to speak.

"I realize that what you’ve been forced to face so suddenly is no walk in the park. Regardless, I want you to know I have no intention of coddling you. I expect your full devotion to this cause; in return, you have my word that I will defend you against your uncle." He paused for a moment, studying the boy intently. After a beat, he continued: "By law, you are eligible to take the throne, and you must do so to stop your uncle. The entire land is calling for you and searching for you, so sooner or later, he will find you."

William gripped the fabric of his trousers. He thought the man hadn't finished his monologue yet, but when he realized it was over, he dared to ask:

"So, am I... a mage, like you?"

Felix looked at him in surprise, then let out a short laugh. Seeing that he had clearly said something foolish, William flushed crimson. Noticing the boy's reaction, Felix cleared his throat and replied:

"Forgive me, it’s just... I didn't think you'd come to that conclusion. You aren't a mage. You are a hybrid. Half-fairy, half-angel. Well, not exactly half and half," the mage's slight smile briefly interrupted his explanation. "You can cast spells, but as some claim, your magic is more refined and you cannot simply wield it at will. Besides, you have everything to learn. Before we even head to Sarihmas, you must undergo training. I don't imagine you’ve ever learned to cast spells or fight before, am I right?"

Will nodded. "Where do I start?" he asked, feeling a surge of determination. He wanted to get moving; the fear gnawing at him was becoming more unbearable by the second.

"First of all, anyone not directly involved in this matter should go home." Felix didn't say Ryan’s name out loud, but it was more than obvious who he meant. Silence fell. Finally, Ryan scoffed under his breath, shifting from foot to foot.

"Not a chance," he said. His voice, initially calm, suddenly rose in strength. "Do you think after everything that happened, I’m just going to go back to doing homework and waiting for a phone call that might never come?"

"It would be safer," Will muttered, clenching his fists. "For you."

Ryan threw his hands up, looking at the others as if searching for support. But everyone looked away, except for William, who watched him intensely.

"I don't give a damn about safety! I won't let you leave me here," he pointed at Lola and Sophie, before his gaze settled on Will. "Especially you, William. I won't let you push me out of your life now, when you're in danger. I’m staying, period. You can get angry and try to drive me away, but it won't change anything," he said firmly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Sophie’s mouth hung open in shock, caught off guard by the bluntness of his declaration. What was happening now shed a different light on the situation. She had no idea...

Lola pressed a hand to her lips, her eyes immediately welling up with emotion. "Ryan..." she whispered softly, moved by his devotion.

And Will? Will stood motionless. He looked straight into Ryan’s eyes, but his face was like it was carved in ice—not a single muscle twitched. "If that’s how you’re putting it..." he said simply, turning his gaze back toward the window.

On the outside, he appeared unmoved, but inside, he felt every wall he had so carefully built around himself beginning to crack under the weight of Ryan’s words.

"You must be joking?" Felix muttered in disbelief.

"No one here is in the mood for jokes, man," Ryan replied, glaring at the wizard. Felix snorted and shook his head.

"I get the opposite impression. But have it your way. Just so we're clear—I’m not responsible for him," he added, standing up. "I think we all need a break. Let’s meet back here at noon."

Everyone nodded in agreement, welcoming the wizard’s suggestion with relief. William decided to get some fresh air and suggested the others join him. Felix politely declined and headed out of the cabin toward a destination known only to him. The rest moved slowly into the damp, dense forest, which was bathed in mist. They walked leisurely among the trees, staying close to the cabin. After a while, they came upon a small stream flowing into a pond where wild ducks were swimming. The girls were completely captivated by the sight, while William and Ryan, only moderately interested in the birds, wandered further on.

Eventually, Will sat down beneath a tree whose old, sprawling roots jutted out above the earth and leaves. He stretched out his legs, leaned his head back, and took a deep breath. Closing his eyes with a blissful expression, he listened to the sounds of the forest. Ryan watched him with a silly grin. After a moment, he sat down beside him, their shoulders touching.

"You won't get rid of me that easily," Ryan said playfully, smiling widely at him. William only shook his head, though a smile briefly touched his lips.

"What about your parents?" he asked his friend. Ryan sighed heavily.

"I didn't tell you this, but... I got into a student exchange program. My parents really encouraged me. Initially, I didn't plan on going, but since the opportunity came up, it would be a shame not to take it," he joked, nudging the boy's side with his elbow. William immediately nudged him back.

"A school exchange between dimensions, huh? I wonder what kind of curriculum Sarihmas offers," they both chuckled, setting their anxiety aside for a moment. He hasn't been this happy in a long time, Ryan thought, leaning over him. With a calm, almost solemn expression, he looked into Will's eyes. A moment later, Will grew serious too. He began to study his friend's face—from his eyes to his nose, down to his well-shaped, pale lips. He knew every one of Ryan's moles, which Ryan didn't particularly like, though Will personally thought they added to his charm. Not that he would ever admit that out loud.

Ryan suddenly moved even closer, as if he were about to kiss him. William stared at his lips and, a moment later, closed his eyes. But just as he anticipated the kiss, Ryan licked his lips and laughed loudly. Startled, the boy pulled away abruptly, frowning and grimacing. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand with a hint of disgust, shaking his head in disapproval.

"Idiot," he muttered, a shadow of a smile on his lips, as he scrambled up from the ground. The weather wasn't doing them any favors, and his seat was getting cold, so he preferred to head back inside. As soon as Will stood up, Ryan pushed himself up as well and cuddled affectionately into his friend's back. No, he wouldn't leave him for anything in the world. Never.

"Besides, my parents are almost never home. I think the chances of this plan succeeding are exceptionally high. And who knows, maybe the educational offer in Sarihmas is much more tempting than the one in the States," he added with a smile, taking William’s hand. The boy looked at their intertwined fingers and looked away, a bit embarrassed. When Ryan acted like this, Will felt as if he were melting inside.