The Lost Mage's Journey

Chapter 22: Fallen from Grace

Scene 1: The Beginning of the Fall

The once-proud kingdom of Eldoria had fallen into ruin. Where there had been grand stone streets and lively markets, now there were broken buildings, smoldering fires, and the anguished cries of its people. Auron stood at the window of his family's estate, his fists clenched as he watched the chaos unfold below.

Eldoria was dying. The kingdom he and Lyka had once dreamed of protecting was crumbling, and everything he'd ever known was slipping away.

Auron (voice low, bitter):
"This... this can't be happening."

Behind him, his younger sister, Seren, stood with wide, frightened eyes. She was barely twelve, and the fear in her face cut Auron deeper than any blade. Their parents had sent them home, telling them to hide while they tried to negotiate with the nobles. But Auron knew the truth. His family had no power left.

Seren (whispering, trembling):
"Auron... are we going to be okay?"

Auron turned, forcing himself to kneel in front of her and place a hand on her shoulder. He tried to smile, but the weight of everything pressed too hard on his heart.

Auron (softly, lying):
"Of course we will. I'll protect you."

But even as he said the words, doubt gnawed at him. The kingdom was in ruins, and there was no one left to protect them.

Scene 2: Darius's Family Falls

Across the city, Darius stood in the crumbled remains of his family's estate. His father's lifeless body lay in the courtyard, struck down by a rival noble who had turned against them in the chaos. His mother knelt beside the body, weeping uncontrollably.

Darius stood frozen, staring at the scene. His mind was numb. His father—the strong, unshakable man who had taught him everything—was gone. And all around him, the world was collapsing.

Darius (voice hollow, numb):
"Father..."

His mother's sobs filled the silence, and Darius's chest tightened with anger. The noble who had killed his father had been one of their allies, or so they thought. But when Eldoria fell, alliances meant nothing. Greed and power ruled the day.

Darius (whispering, bitterness rising):
"They betrayed us."

He clenched his fists, his heart hardening. The city had fallen to ruin, but what hurt more was the betrayal of those who had once called themselves friends. They had turned on his family, taken everything from him. And no one—not even the kingdom they had served—had come to their aid.

Scene 3: Auron's Growing Resentment

Days passed, and the chaos in Eldoria only deepened. Auron's family was barely hanging on, hiding in the ruins of their estate. Food was scarce, and the sounds of bandits and rogue nobles filled the streets every night. Seren clung to Auron every time the walls shook with the distant sounds of violence.

Auron's mind was in turmoil. He thought of Lyka, who had disappeared after her parents were executed in front of her. No one knew where she had gone, and rumors about her death or escape spread like wildfire. But to Auron, it felt like she had abandoned them, disappearing when they all needed each other most.

He remembered the days when he had stood by her side, the first to speak to her, the one who had protected her from the bullies who tormented her because of her commoner status. He had been her friend, her protector—and now, in his darkest hour, she was gone.