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Chapter 3

Vorrik stood in the center of the grand chamber, his presence commanding despite the looming figures of the Council. Their eyes, filled with a mixture of disappointment and anger, bore into him, but he held his ground, his expression one of defiant arrogance.

"You have failed us, Vorrik," Aurora, the tall and majestic Councilwoman of the Umbraen, began. Her dark skin seemed to glow in the chamber's light, and her bright eyes held a piercing intensity. "We offered you a position of power, expecting you to uphold justice and maintain peace among the races. Yet, time and again, you have abused your authority, punishing the innocent and turning a blind eye to those who cause true harm. Explain to us, if you will, your reasoning behind such actions."

Vorrik's lips curled into a sneer. "Innocent? Do not be naïve, Aurora. There are no innocents in this world. Those you speak of are but pests, scurrying in the shadows, causing chaos. It is their just due to be punished. As for your accusation of leniency towards the true malefactors, I simply recognize that power must be respected. They have earned their freedom through strength, a strength that your soft hearts fail to comprehend."

A murmur of discontent rippled through the chamber, and Rue, a green-scaled Drakyr, rose from his seat. His scales shimmered with a dangerous light, and his eyes blazed with fury. "How dare you, Vorrik! Do you truly believe that might makes right? That our own kind should be above reproach, regardless of their actions? You speak of strength, yet you hide behind your rank while innocent lives are shattered by your cruelty!"

Vorrik's gaze remained unwavering. "I do not hide, Rue. I stand here, before all of you, proud of my actions. I am above them, above the petty squabbles and emotions that cloud your judgments. My decisions are made with the greater good in mind, a concept that you have failed to grasp."

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Eclipse, the enigmatic Nyxari Grand Seer, their voice carrying an otherworldly echo, spoke next. "Vorrik, your views are distorted. We rule this Isle to bring harmony and understanding between all its inhabitants. Your actions threaten the very peace we strive for."

Cadmus, the eldest of the Council and a Black Drakyr, raised a hand, his eyes sad but resolute. "Vorrik, your loyalty and service to this Council are not in question. However, your methods are abhorrent and unjust. Your refusal to acknowledge the harm you have caused and your insistence on maintaining your cruel ways leave us no choice but to take drastic action. It is with a heavy heart that we strip you of your rank and banish you from this Court."

Vorrik's eyes widened in fury, and his hands balled into fists. "You cannot do this! I have dedicated my life to serving this Council, to maintaining order! I will not be cast aside so easily!"

Aurora's voice was firm, yet laced with a hint of regret. "It pains us, Vorrik, but it is done. You may remain on the Isle, but you will no longer hold any power or influence here. Your title, your privileges, they are all revoked. You are fortunate that we show you this mercy, allowing you to stay with your people."

As the reality of their decision sank in, Vorrik's anger consumed him. Without another word, he turned and stormed out of the chamber, his footsteps echoing angrily on the stone floor. Once alone, he released a primal scream, his hand still bleeding from where he had struck the wall in rage.

"Fools," he snarled, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "They will rue the day they crossed me. I will make them pay, and when I am done, I will turn this Isle upside down. No one denies me what is rightfully mine."

Vorrik's wounds healed, but the scars would remain, a constant reminder of the injustice he felt. In the coming days, he would plot and scheme, his mind working tirelessly to devise a plan that would ensure his return to power. He would not fail, for failure was not an option. The Council would learn that Vorrik was not one to be dismissed so easily.