4. The Demons Of The Past

"You know what he's become. Why follow him?" Emma demanded as Lyra led her down another winding corridor.

"Why are you doing this?" 

A bitter smile came on Lyra's lips but she didn't look back. "You wouldn't understand, Emma. You never did."

Emma frowned, "Try me," she insisted, side by side she quickened her pace to keep up with Lyra. "I'm here to help, not judge. You were my friend once." She seemed determined to know. 

Lyra's expression softens for a brief moment before hardening again. "And where were you when he needed you? When we all needed you?" This time she snapped. "You disappeared, leaving us to pick up the pieces. We had no choice but to follow him, he was all we had left."

And yet again guilt crashed over her like a tidal wave. "I didn't choose to leave. I was pulled back to my world without warning. If I could have stayed, I would have…" Emma tried to explain herself once again. 

Lyra stopped her abruptly, "But you didn't. And in your absence, everything fell apart. You have no idea what we went through, what he went through, searching for you." She said while turning to face Emma with a fiery glare.

Emma's heart clenched at the pain in Lyra's voice. "I'm so sorry, Lyra. I wish I could have been here for you, for him. But I'm here now, and trust me I want to make things right."

Lyra looked at her for a moment, her expression suddenly changed. "You think you can just waltz back into our lives and fix everything?" she scoffed. "It's not that simple, Emma. The man you knew is gone."

"I refuse to believe that. I know there's still good in him, I saw it just now. I'm not giving up on him, and I'm not giving up on you either." Emma shook her head.

Emma saw flickering in Lyra's eyes before she turned away but it was unreadable. "Come on," she muttered. "Your quarters are this way."

They strolled on in a silence that thereafter had an unreleased tension between them, palpable even to an outsider. Emma's head reeled as she thought of every word Lyra uttered. She assumed there would be repercussions following her departure, but little did she realize just how seriously it had truly affected everyone she had left behind.

When they finally reached the room, Lyra stopped and faced her again. "Get some rest," she said curtly. "You are going to need it."

Emma nodded while stepping inside the room that somehow looked modest. "Thank you, Lyra," she said softly. "I know you're angry, but I'm glad you're still here. I've missed you."

Lyra's expression softened once again, but she quickly turned away, closing the door behind her without another word.

Emma sighed deeply, running a hand through her hair as she surveyed her new surroundings. The room was simple but comfortable, with a small bed, a wooden chair, and a basin of water. It was a relief, at least she was out of that dungeon. 

She sat down on the edge of the bed, her mind racing with everything she had learned so far. 

Her being away caused more damage than she would have thought. The loved man had now turned to a villain feared by all, while her friends had been thrown into following him down a dark path. Yet she couldn't afford to feel guilty; all she could do was remain focused on trying to save him, no matter what the price would be.

Lying back upon the bed, Emma's mind turned to the prophecy she had overheard the guards talking about earlier. Could there really be a way to undo the darkness which had taken hold of him? And if so, what role did she play in all this?

Even in bed, sleep did not come easily that night. Emma tossed and turned, haunted by memories of the past while fearing what the future holds for her. She knew she needed to be strong, not just for herself but for everyone who had been affected by her disappearance.

The next morning, a soft knock at the door woke Emma up. She sat up, rubbing her eyes as she called out, "Come in."

The door creaked open, and a young girl with bright blue eyes and a shy smile stepped inside, carrying a tray of food. "Good morning, miss," she said quietly. "I have brought you breakfast."

Emma smiled, trying to put the girl at ease. "Thank you. What's your name?"

The girl hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's Elara, miss."

"It's nice to meet you, Elara," Emma replied warmly. "And please, call me Emma."

Elara blushed, setting the tray down on the small table by the bed. "As you wish, Emma."

As Emma began to eat, she couldn't help but notice the fear in Elara's eyes. She wondered how many others in the Citadel were living in fear of what he had become. She knew she needed to find a way to reach them, to show them that there was still hope.

"Elara," Emma said gently, "how long have you been here?"

Elara glanced around nervously before answering, "About two years, miss, Emma."

"And how have things been? Is everyone... okay?"

Elara's eyes widened, and she quickly looked down at her feet. "I... I must not speak of such things, Emma. It's not safe."

Emma comes closer to her, placing a reassuring hand on Elara's arm. "I understand. But if there's anything you want to tell me, anything at all, I'm here to listen."

Elara looked up, her eyes were filled with wariness. "Just... be careful, Emma. He may seem like he's listening, but the darkness runs deep. You'll need more than words to reach him."

Emma nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Thank you, Elara. I'll be careful. And if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

Elara gave a small nod, then quickly excused herself, leaving Emma alone with her thoughts once more. She knew that this game was gonna be long, but what role Emma was meant to play in it?