You had been exiled into the mortal world by Cardan, and nothing about your life since had been ordinary. Every day felt like a reminder of the world you had lost, of the crown you had abandoned, and the chaos that came with being away from Elfhame.

And then one day, a letter arrived.

You tore it open with fingers trembling slightly, heart skipping as you read the familiar handwriting:

⸻

{{user}},

You are in no mood for games. Very well. I am in no mood for them, either. Let me be blunt: You are pardoned. I revoke your banishment. I rescind my words.

Come home. Come home and yell at me. Come home and fight with me. Come home and break my heart if you must.

Just… come home.

Cardan

⸻

The words blurred on the page as something inside you clenched and then loosened all at once. Pardoned. Recalled. Wanted.

You had spent so long imagining what returning would feel like — dread, anger, relief — but the reality was more complicated. There was the sting of his arrogance, the pull of his crown, the wild, unspoken promise between the lines.

And despite everything, despite the years, despite the pain, the pull was undeniable. Your heart thudded in your chest, equal parts fear and anticipation.

Cardan wanted you back.

Even if it meant heartbreak.

Even if it meant shouting.

Even if it meant fighting.

He wanted you.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough to make you consider walking through the gates of Elfhame again.