Chương 31: Chapter 30: Exile

Dawn arrived. The capital stood silent. Smoke rose from destroyed districts. The palace felt emptier than ever. Rayan stood before the throne. Only three people remained. The king. The prince. And silence. For several minutes neither spoke. Finally— King Dasrath rose. His face looked older than before. More tired. More human.

"The Veil wants you." Rayan nodded.

"I know."

"The Celestial Court has noticed you."

"I know."

"The kingdom cannot protect you anymore." The prince remained silent. Because he already understood. The king stepped closer. For the first time in years— He placed a hand on Rayan's shoulder. Not as a king. As a father.

"What I am about to do..." His voice trembled slightly. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"... will make the world hate me." Rayan looked into his eyes. And understood. The official announcement came an hour later. The entire kingdom heard it. The Second Prince had been exiled. Stripped of succession rights. Banished from Ayanor. A criminal. A disgrace. The people erupted in outrage. Some celebrated. Others mourned. Nobody knew the truth. Nobody knew the king had just sacrificed his reputation to save his son. At the northern gate. Rayan prepared to leave. A single bag rested on his shoulder.

Shadowbreaker hung at his waist. The road ahead stretched endlessly. Then footsteps approached. Siena. The Lotus Saint. She stopped before him. For several moments neither spoke. Then she handed him a small flower. A white lotus.

"You'll come back." It wasn't a question. Rayan smiled.

"Maybe." Siena shook her head.

"No." Her golden eyes met his.

"You will." Silence lingered. Then she turned away. Because some goodbyes were harder than battles. Rayan left the kingdom. Alone. Or so it seemed. Far behind him. Hidden among the trees. Pavan followed. Watching. Protecting. Waiting. The ancient Vanara grinned.

"The journey begins." Hours later. The heavens shook. The entire continent froze. Every kingdom. Every empire. Every battlefield. Everyone looked upward. A colossal crack appeared in the sky. Golden light poured through it. Ancient energy flooded the world. A gate. A massive gate. Older than history itself. Older than the First Age. The Divine Gate. It had finally opened. And from beyond it... something was coming. The Guardian appeared beside Rayan. For the first time— Fear was visible in his eyes.

"The countdown has begun." The prince stared at the gate. His heart pounded. His journey had only just started. But deep down— He already knew. Nothing would ever be the same again. -----------------------END OF SEASON 1----------------------------