It is now completely dark. The moon is hidden behind the clouds, the only light comes from the castle and the lightning above, as it moves ever closer. The air is heavier now as the rain fast approaches and the wind has a chill to it. This storm will be a strong one. I feel his presence before I hear his footsteps. I don't bother turning to him. I simply pull my knees to my chest, trying to fend off the chill.

"Now you know why I was adamant that you remain here," he says as he sits beside me. He removes the jacket he had put on and drapes it over my shoulders. I relish the warmth from his body heat. "Had I...had we lost you too...I don't know what would happen. To m- to anyone."

The emotion in his voice nearly causes me to break down again. But I reach over with my left hand and place it on his. "I know you're afraid of losing me, Keith. And I know that after everything we've been through these past couple of years since Lotor we wanted to believe it was completely over. But you and I both know it will never be completely over. There will always be something or someone trying to disrupt the peace we fought so hard for. The names, races, places may change over time, but war is never truly gone."

"You should move inside, Allura. The storm is closing in and the temp is dropping fast."

"Are you coming?" I ask as I turn to look at him. The first time I've looked since his arrival. I see the worry, the horrors he's seen in the way his eyes look. The fact that he's so shaken by what he saw he's not able to shut it out completely scares me. Maybe it is for the best that I remained here. I shift my weight to my feet and stand slowly, my joints stiff from the coming storm and the damp. Once I am on solid footing, I shrug off Keith's jacket and hand it back, instantly missing it's warmth. He reaches for it, then shakes his head.

"Keep it. I'll be in in a few minutes. I know you'll be heading to the tombs. It's chilly down there."

I try not to look shocked, but I know I fail when a brief smile crosses his face. "Thank you," I say as I put it on, grateful for the longer sleeves. I dip my chin in thanks before turning and walking across the grass to the closest door to the castle. I duck into the alcove and place my hand on the scanner and the door slides open. I turn to the right and enter the pantry, food stores full. This year's harvest was good. I start taking mental notes, seeing what we can spare to spread amongst the survivors. I begin planning a response to this tragedy, we'll need soldiers to help protect the survivors, people to find bodies and give them proper burial.

Who is this new threat? How did we not know Pollux was being attacked? As I ponder these things, I realise I have stepped into the tunnel leading to the tombs. Did I pass anyone on my way? I blink and look around. I don't know. I stand in silence and utter a prayer for those who have gone before placing my face to the small hole that serves as an iris scanner. A flash of light and the large metal door slides into the wall of rock and I enter the royal tombs, the door sliding shut behind me. I take a candle from the alcove to my right and use a match to light it as I walk along these familiar walls at the portraits of the great rulers of Arus before me. I study how I favour some more than others as I approach the place where my parents are laid to rest. I drop to my knees before the statue of my father, looking every bit the warrior I remember him as. Behind him a portrait of him and my mother, looking so full of life...and hope. I feel tears well up in my eyes and blink them away, but a few manage to escape and slide down my cheeks as I place the candle in the carved holder at the foot of the sarcophagus. Wiping my eyes, I take a breath to calm myself before doing what I came for.

"Father, Mother, Pollux has fallen. Bandor was beheaded before his throne. Romelle is missing, and so many have been killed or captured. And we have no idea by whom. We only know this much because a few managed to escape and they have begged me to take their crown. The one they took from Bandor's head." As I say it all aloud the emotions overtake me and I begin sobbing.

"Be strong, my child. Your people need you to lead them."

I choke down a sob and look up to see the spirit of my father keeling before me as I sit on my knees. "Haven't we suffered enough? Don't we deserve peace?" I say as another wave of sobs hits, my shoulders shaking from my trying to contain it. "I - I can't lead both. I can't lead Pollux and Arus. I am but one person."

He gives me a smile of pity and sympathy. "My daughter, Allura, you are so much like your mother. She too asked such questions. But you will not rule alone, my child. You have many people to help you. People you trust. Don't be afraid to ask for help. That is where I failed, Allura. Do not make the same mistake again. I should have listed to your mother's advice and sought the help of my cousin before it was too late. Learn from those you hold dear to your heart. They want you to succeed."

"Can you…" I can't make myself finish the thought. I want to know, but if he knows the answer and tells me and it's not good, I'm not sure I can bear it. I have so little family left.

"There are things I know, and things I am not allowed to see. Whether your cousin is your side or mine, I know not. For now you must go on the assumption that she is simply missing and you are but a temporary figurehead for her people. Focus on those you can help, and the rest will come to light in time."

"Thank you, Father. You are wise, as always."

"Be well, Allura and follow your heart. Be strong. You will prevail if you do these things."

I go to say more, but a sound catches my ear and I turn and see no one. Perhaps the mice followed me down. No one else could come unless the spirits permit it. I look back to where my father had been and see just his statue and crypt. A wave of grief hits me, raw and fresh and I break down again, I move to a sitting position and pull my knees to my chest and just let myself cry. Here is the only place I dare permit myself to grieve, to be weak. Knowing I am safe to let my grief and fears out. The spirits protect me here, so long as this place stands.

"Allura?" A voice calls out with uncertainty.

I suck in a breath in shock and fear. Who - who else could be here?

"Allura?" The voice calls again. Closer this time.

A familiar voice. But it can't be. No one but Coran and I can-

"Allura…" astonishment in his tone as he steps from the darkness to the dimly lit crypt.

"Keith." I mutter in shock.