Nitish Vayne's life had been a balance of quiet determination and unshakable hope, even in a world that had cast him as an outcast. Yet, despite the scorn and ridicule he endured, he had found solace in one person: Elizabeth Solari, daughter of Elder Drystan Pyre. A prodigy known for her mastery of fire magic and her radiant charm, Elizabeth was widely regarded as the most promising candidate to unlock the mythical third chakra. Her talent and beauty made her the envy of Terrasol, but to Nitish, she was something more—a beacon of warmth in a cold and ruthless kingdom.
Elizabeth and Nitish: A Connection Forged in Shadows
Nitish's engagement to Elizabeth had been a political arrangement, orchestrated by Elder Drystan to strengthen ties between the Vaynes and the Solari family. Though Nitish lacked chakras, his lineage and his parents' legendary status made him an advantageous match for Elizabeth. For Nitish, however, the engagement became something far deeper. Elizabeth's kindness and attention gave him a sense of belonging he had never known. She often visited his workshop, praising his elixirs and offering words of encouragement. Her public gestures, such as commissioning statues of Eryndor and Lyra to honor their sacrifice, only deepened his admiration for her.
Elizabeth, in turn, seemed to radiate compassion, endearing herself not just to Nitish but to the people of Terrasol. She was a symbol of hope, a prodigy with unmatched potential, and her connection to Nitish gave him a rare sense of pride. He loved her wholeheartedly, seeing in her the same kindness and strength he had cherished in his parents.
The Night of the Meeting
One evening, Elizabeth sent a message to Nitish, asking him to meet her in the Moonlit Grove, a secluded garden on the outskirts of Aetherfall. She said it was urgent and that she needed to speak with him privately. Nitish, though exhausted from hours of preparing elixirs, eagerly agreed. He finished his work hurriedly and left his workshop without locking the door, his mind consumed with thoughts of Elizabeth.
The grove was empty when Nitish arrived, the moon casting a pale glow over the flowers and trees. He waited for what felt like hours, pacing nervously as doubt crept into his mind. Had Elizabeth changed her mind? Was she delayed? Eventually, he decided to return home, disappointment weighing heavily on his heart.
The Morning After
The next day, Nitish resumed his routine, distributing his elixirs to the poor as he always did. He noticed nothing unusual at first, the people accepting his potions with gratitude. But as the day wore on, whispers began to spread. One by one, the recipients of his elixirs began to collapse, their breaths shallow, their faces pale. Panic erupted as more and more people fell unconscious, some never waking again.
As the crowd turned on him, a man stepped forward, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade.
Random Man: "This is the man who claims to help us, but look at what he's done! These elixirs were poison!"
Nitish: "No, no! That's impossible! I tested every batch—I wouldn't harm anyone!"
Random Man: "Don't lie to us! You've been using us as test subjects, haven't you? Selling your failed potions to other kingdoms and laughing while we die!"
The accusation sent a wave of anger through the crowd. People who had once thanked Nitish now glared at him with hatred, their trust shattered.
Nitish: "Please, you have to believe me! I would never—"
Before he could finish, the first blow landed, a fist to his jaw that sent him reeling. The crowd descended on him, their rage boiling over. He was beaten mercilessly, the pain of their fists and boots a pale shadow of the agony in his heart. He tried to speak, to defend himself, but the words wouldn't come. All he could see were the faces of those he had tried to help, twisted with fury and betrayal.
The Trial
By the time the guards arrived, Nitish was barely conscious, his body battered and broken. He was dragged to the palace, where the High Court awaited him. The Elders sat in judgment, their expressions a mix of disdain and curiosity. High King Alaric Solari presided over the trial, his piercing gaze fixed on Nitish.
The accusations were read aloud: culpable homicide, distribution of poison, and, to Nitish's horror, assault.
Nitish: "What? No! That's not true! I didn't—"
The courtroom fell silent as a figure stepped forward from the shadows. It was Elizabeth. Her clothes were torn, her face streaked with tears, and she walked with a limp as if she had been attacked. Gasps rippled through the court as she pointed a trembling finger at Nitish.
Elizabeth: "It was him. He... he attacked me."
Nitish's heart stopped. The woman he loved, the one person he had trusted above all others, now stood before him as his accuser.
Nitish: "Elizabeth... what are you saying? I would never—"
She didn't meet his eyes, her gaze fixed on the floor as the court murmured in shock. Nitish tried to approach her, but the guards held him back.
Nitish: "Elizabeth, please! Tell them the truth! You know I didn't do this!"
But Elizabeth said nothing more. Her silence was louder than any words, and the court took it as confirmation of his guilt.
The Sentence
High King Alaric's voice rang out, cold and final.
Alaric: "Nitish Vayne, you are hereby found guilty of poisoning the people of Terrasol and assaulting Elizabeth Solari. For your crimes, you are sentenced to death by exile into the Abyss."
The words hit Nitish like a thunderclap. He looked around the courtroom, searching for someone—anyone—who might stand up for him. But all he saw were cold, indifferent faces. Even the Elders, who had once respected his parents, turned away.
As the guards dragged him from the courtroom, Nitish's eyes locked on Elizabeth. For a brief moment, she looked up, and he saw something flicker in her expression—regret, guilt, or perhaps fear. But before he could say anything, she turned away, her face a mask of sorrow.
A Heart Shattered
Nitish was thrown into the dungeons to await his exile, his body broken but his mind racing. He replayed the events over and over, searching for answers. How had his elixirs been poisoned? Why had Elizabeth betrayed him? The woman he loved, the person he had trusted more than anyone, had condemned him with a single word.
As he lay in the darkness of his cell, the weight of the betrayal crushed him. He had lost everything—his parents, his reputation, and now, his faith in the one person who had given him hope. But deep within his despair, a spark began to grow. It was not hope, nor love, but something far darker: the seeds of vengeance.