As we stepped out of the room, the joy I'd thought I would feel was devastatingly absent. Instead, I felt immediate fear and dread. I froze once the door closed. I was outside my safe space. I was vulnerable.

I didn't notice the others staring at me. I was lost in my thoughts. What if that man with the red hair was somewhere? What would we do?

Cold fingers lacing with mine pulled me from my trance. I looked up to meet Sebastian's face, which was frowning at my obvious fear.

"We can turn back if you feel you aren't ready," he said gently.

I stared at him for another long moment, contemplating what I should do. I was in an unfamiliar place that held new threats than the ones I was used to. The powers that came with this prophecy weren't stable, and if something did happen, I could very well blow up the castle as Lisa feared.

When he didn't get an answer, Sebastian continued, "I know what you told Lisa was the truth. I understand you are scared, but you will need to face this new reality eventually. I will not leave your side. All you are doing is taking a walk. Should something disturb you, I will take care of it."

Someone took my other hand, and I glanced over to see Jasmine and Sarah looking at me earnestly. They agreed with what Sebastian said. I took a deep breath and nodded.

"I know. I'm sorry. I'm acting like such a child..."

Jasmine and Sarah pulled me to them. "No! It's alright. We were nervous when we first woke up, too. You are not being a child. Your fears are legitimate." Sarah smiled. "You have always had so much on your plate, Chrys. More than any of us. And you're stronger because of it. We'll get through this, just like always."

"We're right here, Chrys," Jasmine added. "Let's go explore this place together."

I forced a smile and nodded. I believed what they said, and their words did help ease the fear, but I was still scared of what could be waiting for me. I gripped tightly to the hand holding mine, straightening myself. "I'm ready."

At that, we began making our way about the castle. Most of what I saw appeared to just be long corridors. We didn't enter any of the rooms in these halls, so I assumed they were just spare rooms that no one used. Sebastian confirmed my theories when he told me they were either spare bedrooms or servant quarters.

Our first stop was the throne room. I immediately recognized the walls and chandeliers. This was the room Sebastian had been in when I'd teleported to him.

I stared around the room, looking at everything from the tapestries on the walls to the blood red carpet that led from the doorway to the thrones. When my eyes finally landed on the thrones, I felt drawn to them. I released the hands holding mine and approached the regal chairs.

They appeared to be made out of a black marble. Black cushions were on the seat and the back, making them more comfortable to sit in. There were three of them, two of equal size, and one slightly smaller.

I brushed my hand lightly over the fabric of the pillows. It was soft and smooth, and I felt a chill go up my spine.

A hand lightly placed itself on my shoulder. "Would you like to sit in it?" Sebastian's voice asked.

I didn't look away from the throne. "Can I?"

I heard his smile as he spoke again. "Of course. It is yours, after all."

I didn't move for a moment, considering what he said. It's mine. This throne, this castle, this kingdom...

I backed away from the throne.

"What the matter?" Sebastian asked.

I shook my head. "I don't know why I agreed to do this. I can't. I can't be a queen." My hands held my head, my anxiety taking over.

"Chrys, if you hadn't-" Sarah started, but Sebastian silenced her by holding up his hand.

He knelt before me. "Chrystal, you will learn. You remember everything, don't you? You remember why you chose this life?"

I closed my eyes, thinking back to before I'd become a demon. We'd been preparing for my final trial in Hawaii. I'd had a massive headache. I'd...

"Because I would've died otherwise," I mumbled. "If a demon didn't come along and kill me, then my powers would have become too strong and my human body wouldn't have been able to take it." I sniffed, fighting back tears as I returned my gaze to Sebastian. "But that wasn't really it. I don't think I was truly afraid of dying."

Sebastian raised a hand and cupped my cheek, wiping a stray tear away with his thumb. I leaned into his touch. "It was because I really wanted my eternity with you, wasn't it?"

He smiled at me and nodded. "And I will be here with you every step of the way, My Queen."

I choked out a sob as I smiled at him, nodding.

"Now, would you like to sit in it?"

I looked back at the chair beside me. It suddenly seemed like so much more to me than just a throne. It was something I wasn't worthy of. Not yet.

I shook my head. "No. Not until I'm ready to do this for real. I have to earn that throne."

He stared at me for a moment before his smile grew and he pulled me close. "Yes, My Queen. As you wish."