"For the one-hundredth time, you insufferable buffoon, I am not a genie," Enak winced in exasperation, his wispy form rigid with disapproval as he examined the foolish mortal standing before him.

Once the second heir to the throne of Sira and a prodigy mage, Enak was now bound to a magic lamp, cursed by a court witch to rot in the dungeon of Eden, where darkness festered and shadows lurked.

The greed that plagued his heart had sealed his cursed fate. Enak had always hated his twin brother, Kane—the golden boy crown prince, whose soul was as pure as driven snow. He hated him for everything he was—kind, loving, and caring as if those sentiments came easily to him.

King Aeris, the court, and the people of Sira practically danced at Kane’s feet, showering him with the lavish praise and approval Enak had always craved with no qualms. But they were fools, blind to the truth. Kane was weak-willed and naive—he would lead their kingdom to ruin. Enak was more graceful, intelligent, and appealing than his brother. He deserved the throne. How could the court deem him lesser—tainted and unstable—when he was the better choice?

He had taken matters into his own hands, concocting a brilliant plan to destroy Kane. But fate loathed him; his uprising crumbled after his right hand, and best friend fell in love with Kane, revealing his plan and leaving him behind. The betrayal led to him being swiftly thrown into a cold cell, treated like a mere dog. His brother was the only one to visit, eyes wide with tears as the fool desperately begged Enak to show remorse, to spare himself from the punishment to come.

Enak did not regret his decision. He did not care if he remained trapped in a lamp for all eternity as punishment; he knew Sira would fall without him. However, after years of silence, he did not expect to receive a visitor; a persistant adventurer, who kept insisting he was a genie.

"Just because you rubbed a lamp and I appeared does not mean I can grant you three wishes." He pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance.