The Astral mansion was quiet again after the Crown Prince's visit… but June was not.
She stood by the window, staring at the distant northern mountains barely visible beyond the horizon.
Her expression was no longer playful.
It was determined.
Jenny entered the room carrying a tray of snacks.
"I brought—"
She stopped.
June looked different.
Calm. Strong. Like the Tower Master she truly was.
"Jenny," June said softly, without turning."I have to return to the Northern Pole."
Jenny's eyes widened. "What?"
"To the Magical Tower."
The tray trembled in Jenny's hands.
"So suddenly? Why?"
June finally turned around, her blue eyes serious.
"Because staying here is becoming dangerous. The Crown Prince is already suspicious… and if he discovers who I really am—"
She shook her head.
"It will bring trouble to you and your family too."
Jenny set the tray down and rushed to her.
"But the tower is lonely… You just came back after so long."
June smiled gently.
"That's exactly why I must return. The Blue Sparkler Crystal there is unstable."
A cold wind suddenly blew through the open window, making the curtains flutter like ghostly wings.
"If it loses control," June continued quietly,"the entire northern region could freeze forever."
Jenny grabbed her hands.
"Then I'm coming with you."
June shook her head immediately.
"No. The tower is dangerous. Only its master can enter the inner seal."
Jenny's voice trembled. "Then… when will you come back?"
June hesitated.
"…I don't know."
Silence filled the room.
Then June hugged her tightly.
"Thank you for protecting me, Jenny… and for being my family."
Jenny buried her face in June's shoulder.
"Come back safely… June Oberoi."