Jealousy

Alex moved quickly and quietly through the corridors of the palace he once called home. The place was heavily guarded, but he knew every nook and cranny to avoid detection.

It wasn't the first time he'd sneaked in unnoticed, and likely wouldn't be the last. His footsteps were soundless on the polished floors as he made his way toward the vault.

He had one goal in mind: to retrieve the signet ring. It wasn't just a symbol of royal authority, it granted access to an immense amount of wealth and served as a key to the treasury.

Additionally, there was a ring stored there, a powerful artifact capable of forming a protective barrier against any kind of magic. It was not for him, that ring was about to get a new owner.

Alex stopped outside the vault door hidden in his room, pulling out a thin, engraved pendant he always kept hidden under his shirt.