I woke up in the same place — inside the tree — but no longer bound.

  My head ached so badly it felt like a massive bell was ringing inside my skull.

  Fragments of the previous day flashed before my eyes:

  — the lake

  — the water

  — red eyes

  — too many stares

  — and they all… wanted to kill me…

  I sat up sharply, clutching my head.

  On the floor there was a mark — a dark, dried stain of blood.

  Mine.

  “What is happening to me…”

  The door opened quietly.

  Elves entered — the same eight I had known since I was little.

  They looked at me with relief, with warm joy, almost like at an older brother.

  Arlis was in front.

  He smiled.

  — Zenhald-senpai… we’re so glad you’ve woken up!

  I blinked. Senpai?

  They had always called me that — with respect, even when they looked older than me. For elves, age works differently.

  Feris inclined her head slightly.

  — How did Mira’s seal break?

  Selia added softly:

  — We thought… that it was impossible. The seal was very strong.

  I frowned.

  — What seal? What even happened? Where are we? Why am I here?

  They exchanged glances.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  The smiles faded — this was serious.

  Arlis sighed and sat down beside me.

  — Alright… I’ll explain everything. This is… a long story, Zen.

  — When you were small… — Arlis began, — and Mira was still with us… there were times when your power… pressed down on you.

  He chose his words carefully, trying not to hurt me.

  — That day we were clearing a cave of demons. Everything was going normally… until one demon struck your arm. Nothing serious — just a scratch. But it was enough…

  He paused for a moment.

  — …to awaken the rage inside you.

  A chill ran down my spine.

  — Your eyes turned red. Your aura darkened. You… — he swallowed, — you slaughtered demons so brutally that even we were afraid.

  — You couldn’t tell friend from foe.

  Selia added quietly:

  — That was the first time you struck Mira herself.

  It felt like I froze from the inside.

  — She tried to stop you… — Arlis continued. — The fight lasted only a minute, but it looked like a war between gods.

  The cave shook, the ground cracked…

  We thought you would kill each other.

  — And how… did it end? — I asked hoarsely.

  Arlis exhaled.

  — Mira managed to… knock you out.

  With great difficulty.

  Then she placed a seal so you would never again be able to release that much power.

  Everything finally began to fall into place.

  — But… why did it break now?

  Feris said quietly:

  — Because you grew stronger. The seal couldn’t endure it anymore.

  Arlis nodded.

  — And when the northern elves sent word about what… happened to you… we immediately began forging the amulet.

  — It blocks your power. Artificially maintains the seal.

  — But there is a side effect…

  — …Emotional suppression, — I finished.

  — Yes, — Arlis nodded apologetically. — We’re sorry. Otherwise… you wouldn’t have come back to yourself.

  I touched my neck.

  The amulet was there — cold stone, carved with runes.

  — I see, — I said. — Thank you.

  My voice sounded cold. Calm. Even.

  As if the amulet had already begun to work.

  I stepped out of the hall.

  The others were standing nearby, frozen, as if waiting for this exact moment.

  When they saw me — their faces relaxed.

  Kayren smiled first.

  Finn rushed over, nearly knocking me over with a hug.

  Astra cried with relief.

  Siren smirked quietly, but his eyes were gentle.

  — Finally, you’re normal again! — Finn blurted out happily.

  — You scared us badly, — Tara sighed, — especially with that lightning strike…

  Elinia said nothing.

  She just stood there… watching.

  Her gaze was long, quiet, warm.

  And barely noticeable — relieved.

  I tried to smile.

  It worked halfway.

  Haras came over and let out a heavy sigh.

  — Well then… quiet again.

  — Is it always going to be like this?

  Arlis stepped up beside him and answered:

  — As long as the amulet is on him — yes.

  — His emotions will be dulled. But he’s safe.

  Norris stepped forward.

  — Good. That’s better than what we had before.

  — Zen, if you’re alright… we move on.

  — It’s a week to the southern city. We’re already behind schedule.

  I nodded.

  Without hesitation.

  Inside, there was emptiness.

  But… calm.

  And we continued on our journey.