Omniscient narrator.
The night had fallen over the Kingdom of Lacrontte. The cobbled streets of the town were bustling with activity, as merchants closed their stalls and mothers reassured their restless children. The kingdom was just a few hours away from the most important event of the decade: the appearance of the heir to the throne's marks.
However, in the imposing royal palace, an aura of tension filled the air. In the king's chambers, the monarch paced back and forth with a worried expression. He was a tall and imposing man, with a dark beard and deep blue eyes that reflected a mixture of determination and anxiety. This day marked a crucial event in the life of his son, Keith, and the king couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the responsibility weighing on his shoulders. If things didn't go as expected... his son's life would be in danger.
Keith, on the other hand, was in his room, nervous but excited about the events of the night. Despite being just an eleven-year-old boy, he understood the importance of the ceremony that would take place that night. Being presented before the kingdom meant much more than just receiving his marks; it was the moment he would demonstrate his worth and determine his place in Lacrontte's hierarchy.
But... if something went wrong with his perfect genetics, if he didn't have many marks or they weren't powerful at all, he knew that his position as heir to the throne would be greatly questioned.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the town, a solitary figure watched the palace from a distance. It was a hooded man, with a penetrating gaze that seemed to see beyond the stone and marble walls. This man, known only as the Wandering Sage, had traveled throughout the continent in search of knowledge and wisdom. And now, his eyes were fixed on the royal palace with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
The Wandering Sage had had visions about Keith's destiny and the ceremony that would take place that night. He knew that King had devised a plan B that he wouldn't hesitate to execute. He had to stop it, but he knew well that stopping fate was not possible, and Keith's destiny was to kill his father.
The church bells rang twelve times, marking midnight. Within a couple of minutes, the king and the royal family were expected to come out and present their son to the kingdom for the first time, along with what was expected to be, some powerful marks capable of keeping the kingdom's name high.
At the top of the central tower of the castle, the king, his advisor, and Keith gathered in a secret room. Keith thought it would only be them until his awakening, but soon noticed the presence of another child his age with a powerful aura. His marks must be quite strong.
"Who is he?" the prince asks, beginning to fear that his worst nightmare is coming true.
"He's Nolan's apprentice," the king responds quickly.
That is his only explanation, but the boy's heart does not calm down. As previously agreed, King Sirio and his advisor, Nolan, sit at a safe distance from Keith, who waits for his awakening on the floor while the intruder watches from a corner.
In the dimness of the room, the figures of the four were outlined against the glow of the moon filtering through the high windows. Keith watched the other child with curiosity and a slight hint of envy. Why did that child have such powerful marks while he was barely about to awaken?
The royal advisor remained silent, observing the scene with an impassive expression. His penetrating gaze seemed to scrutinize Keith's deepest thoughts, as if he could read the secrets of his soul with just a glance.
Time seemed to stand still as they waited in anticipation for Keith's marks to awaken. The air was charged with electricity, as if the universe itself were holding its breath in anticipation of what was to come.
And then, in a flash of light and energy, Keith's body began to vibrate. A faint glow at first, but then it intensified, enveloping him in a luminous halo. Keith felt a shiver run through his body as magical power flowed through him, awakening his senses completely.
The young prince feels an intense burning sensation coursing through his body, every cell seems to vibrate with an unknown energy. The pain is so sharp that it cuts off his breath and he feels his strength leaving him. Everything becomes blurry, and finally, he falls into the darkness of unconsciousness.
When he regains consciousness, he finds himself lying in a bed, still feeling a persistent sense of dizziness. He looks up and notices his father, the king, standing by the window, his gaze lost on the horizon. Beside him, the kingdom's advisor murmurs words that Keith can't make out.
With hesitant steps, he approaches stealthily, feeling an urgent need to understand what is happening. The advisor's words reach his ears as a barely perceptible whisper:
"You should do it before it's too late and he wakes up."
"Do what?" Keith asks, feeling a lump in his throat.
The king and the advisor turn to him, surprised by his presence. The king looks at him with a mixture of surprise and concern, while the advisor seems puzzled by his interruption.
"Nothing, son," the king responds quickly, although his gaze betrays a barely concealed unease.
Keith furrows his brow, feeling that something doesn't add up in the whole situation. Why do his father and his advisor seem so nervous? What are they hiding? However, he decides not to press further at that moment, but before he can leave, his father stops him by putting his hand on his shoulder.
"Come, sit here and talk to me."
Following his father's silent order, Keith sits on the balcony ledge. Only then does he realize that, hidden among the curtains, that sinister boy is watching him.
"You know, my son, that all my life I wanted to have a child, and my wish was granted when you were born.
"I know, father. You've told me that story hundreds of times."
"And do you know why it's so important for you to have a good number of marks, at least?"
"For the good of the kingdom."
"Exactly. Do you want to know how many marks awakened in you?"
I shake my head.
"One mark. Just one mark."
I detect the disappointment in his voice. I know I disappointed him. But more than just him, my mother, the kingdom, and its future.
"I'm sorry, father."
There is a moment of silence in which only he looks at me, seeming confused, but finally he speaks.
"No, I'm the one who's sorry, son."
Then he pushes me and I start to fall into the void. I try to hold onto him, but he doesn't even flinch at seeing his only son fall to a certain death. After the fall everything is black.