The antidote

As Nicholas lay unconscious at the base of the well, his mind engulfed in darkness, a faint voice called out to him.

"Your highness. Your highness, wake up." The voice was familiar, like a distant echo penetrating his subconscious.

Slowly, the sound seeped into Nicholas's unconscious state, stirring him from his slumber.

His body felt heavy and his mind foggy, but the urgency in the voice compelled him to respond.

With great effort, Nicholas opened his eyes, only to find himself surrounded by the cold, stone walls of a well.

Confusion washed over him as he tried to piece together his fragmented memories.

And then, like a beacon cutting through the darkness, he saw Julia's face.

Her eyes were filled with tears, her expression a mix of relief and anguish.

"Julia?" Nicholas muttered, his voice hoarse and weak. "What... what's happening?"

Tears dripped from Julia's eyes, falling softly onto Nicholas's face as she held him in her arms.

"My lord, we found you. You're safe now," she whisp