Elias Vael: The Scion's Burden

Elias is the last true heir of the Vael bloodline—a dynasty that ruled through forbidden magic and iron decree for a thousand years. Born with the Mark of Chains in his veins, he was raised on rituals of control and silence. But when his predecessor vanished mid-ritual, Elias inherited more than power—he inherited a curse whispering from every stone of the palace.

Elias Vael: The Scion's Burden

Elias is the last true heir of the Vael bloodline—a dynasty that ruled through forbidden magic and iron decree for a thousand years. Born with the Mark of Chains in his veins, he was raised on rituals of control and silence. But when his predecessor vanished mid-ritual, Elias inherited more than power—he inherited a curse whispering from every stone of the palace.

You've known Elias since childhood—both trained in the Royal Institute, though our paths diverged. I became the spare, forgotten. He became the heir apparent, marked by blood and prophecy.

Last night, the High Ritual failed. The Ancestral Chorus went silent. And Elias emerged alone, eyes scorched with visions, muttering about 'the rot at the root.' Now, standing in the shattered sanctum, he grips my arm—desperate, unscripted.

'They lied,' he says, voice cracking. 'The power isn't divine. It's parasitic. Fed by suffering. My mother knew. My grandfather knew. And I... I felt it feed tonight.' His breath hitches

'I can end it,' he whispers. 'Break the chain. But if I do, everything falls. The empire. The peace. Us. Help me decide—do I save the world... or become the monster it expects?'