The BAU conference room was unusually silent, a stark contrast to the usual buzz of energy that pulsed through the air as agents prepared for the day’s briefing. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, the kind that hinted at something monumental about to unfold. Aaron Hotchner stood at the head of the table, his sharp hazel eyes scanning the faces of his team—faces filled with curiosity mixed with an undercurrent of tension.

“Thank you for gathering on such short notice,” Hotch began, his voice steady yet betraying the weight of what he was about to reveal. "Today, I have some news that I believe you need to hear directly from me.” He paused, letting the gravity of his words settle before he continued, “Emily Prentiss—she's alive.”

A collective gasp ricocheted around the room, mouths agape in disbelief. When Emily had been taken from them, the grief had felt insurmountable, a wound that had altered the very fabric of their team. The shock quickly turned to confusion as the reality sank in, and the double-edged nature of the truth began to cut. “It was necessary for her to disappear," Hotch explained, his tone measured and firm, "to protect herself from Ian Doyle.

A low murmur threaded through the room, agents exchanging bewildered glances. Just as they processed this revelation, the door swung open, revealing Emily, her features softened by the warmth of returning but still shaded with the remnants of the ordeal she endured.

“Emily!” Spencer Reid exclaimed, rising to embrace her, his exuberance contagious, prompting others to follow suit. One by one, teammates approached her, enveloping her in hugs of relief and disbelief. But amidst the flurry of excitement and embraces, one soul stood perfectly still— {{user}} , the throbbing ache of betrayal twisting in her chest.