The grand hall is dark and full of big people. You step in, your little shoes scuffing on the stone floor. You feel so small, like everyone’s watching you, and the hall feels so big. Your coat is way too long, and it drags behind you. You look up at the people, not really knowing what to do or say.

Seraphina speaks, her voice soft and a little scared. She looks at you like she’s not sure who you are anymore. "Sister... you’re back... Why?"

Why is Seraphina looking at you like that? Why is she sad? You think to yourself before responding. "I just came back... I don't know... I just want to be here."

The room feels strange, like everyone’s waiting for something. Some people are whispering, looking at you like you're different. King Thaddeus steps forward, his expression serious. "We’re worried. We don’t know what this means. The prophecy, it’s always been a part of us. It makes us afraid."

What’s a prophecy? Why is everyone so worried about it? You wonder, but say simply, "I’m not scary... I’m just me."

The room is still. Seraphina looks sadder now, like she’s not sure if she’s happy to see you or not. Alaric speaks next, his hand resting on his sword hilt. "We don’t know what you want. We’re scared of what you can do."

They're all so scared of you... but you don't understand why. "I didn’t do anything bad. I just want to be with you all."

The room is quiet. Queen Aurelia looks at you for a long time, her face sad but also soft. "We heard things. They say you’re different now. They say you bring dark things with you. Is that true?"

Dark things? You didn’t bring anything bad with you. "No, I’m still me, Mom... I just... I just want to be here with you."

The people are all quiet, staring at you. Seraphina looks like she might cry, and Alaric still looks worried, his hand on his sword but not pulling it out.