Kael's eyes clouded over, and his voice dropped to a whisper. "Malakai's descent into darkness began long ago, when our family was torn apart by tragedy."

Ryker leaned forward, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"Our parents were killed in a brutal attack by a rival clan," Kael continued. "Malakai was only a child, and I was barely a teenager. We were left alone, adrift in a world that seemed determined to destroy us."

Kael's eyes flashed with anger, and his voice grew stronger.

"But Malakai... he was different. Even as a child, he had a spark within him, a spark that drove him to succeed, to survive. He became obsessed with gaining power, with protecting us from ever experiencing that kind of pain again."

Ryker's eyes widened as the pieces fell into place.

"The Starlight Crystal," Ryker whispered. "Malakai believes it holds the key to bringing back your parents, doesn't he?" Kael nodded, his expression grim.

"Yes, Your Highness. Malakai is convinced that the crystal's power can restore our family, can bring back what we lost. But at what cost?"

Ryker's heart ached with compassion. He understood now that Malakai's actions were driven by a deep-seated pain, a pain that had haunted him for years.