Jinri's eyes felt sore and swollen. She knew she had been crying a lot and she had already scolded herself for breaking down. She could barely hear the conversation that the boys were having outside the door, but she knew they planned to spring her from this place like she was a princess trapped in a tower. 

It was funny really, how they always seemed to be coming to her rescue. She appreciated their vigilance and desire to keep her safe, but she also lamented the fact that she couldn't protect herself. She had her few days of training from Henry, which had rapidly improved her skills; however, it still fell short of what she wanted for herself. She had spent most of her life being put down by her aunt and she knew that was the reason why she always felt the need to prove herself.  It was silly, really. The only person she had to prove something to was herself. She needed to do well to show herself that none of Sena's toxic words were true. She needed to prove to herself that she was a capable human being who could rise to the test of surviving on her own and fulfilling her purpose in life. She was her own harshest critic.

She stood in front of the stand mirror that was placed against the wall next to the bed. Her appearance left something to be desired. She had changed into the plain white t-shirt and black sweatpants that had been given to her by one of the staff. Her hair fell limp over her shoulders and her skin looked pale and gray.

"Ugh, you look terrible," she mumbled to her reflection. She stuck her tongue out and pulled on her cheeks. "Blah. Come one, Yeon Jinri; get a grip." She shook out her limbs and rolled her shoulders back. Smirking, she pointed at the mirror and pointed her finger, freezing the glass over in a little display of Xiumin's magic.

"I see you've managed to control your magic, child."

Jinri whipped around, startled to see Saedemia sitting on the edge of the bed, looking ever so like the forest witch she was. Her hair was riddled with leaves and small twigs, and her clothing looked like it was made of soft mosses and deer skin.

"You startled me," Jinri said, clutching the space over her heart. "I'm not going to ask how you got in here; you're a witch and that's reason enough for me." Jinri got to see the witch's smile for the first time since meeting her.

"Wise words from such a young one," Saedemia crowed. Her smile disappeared and she beckoned Jinri to come closer. "There is so much that has yet to be taught to you, child. Your magic has been made stronger by the bond, and there is no question about your connection to the prophecy."

"This is so stupid!" Jinri exploded, her confidence from a few minutes prior dissipating. "Every time it seems like things are becoming clear, they just become more complicated. I had a dream where a Tree talked to me. A literal tree talked to me and told me that I was its voice. What kind of sense that make? Not to mention men who can turn into GIANT WOLVES to fight SHADOW DEMONS! It's simply absurd!" Jinri was shouting and pacing, throwing her arms up and gesturing wildly. Saedemia just watched and let Jinri vent her frustrations.

"I can't stand it, Saedemia. I can't. I can't deny that this is all happening, not matter how much I want it all to be a dream. But I can't just give up either. I'm stuck," Jinri huffed, flopping down on the bed. "I don't know what to do. Why me? Why not some other girl who gre up with this and who knows what to do in these situations? What's so special about me?" Jinri fell silent, angrily swiping at her tears of frustration.

"You're not special," Saedemia told her after a moment. "No one is special. You just happen to be the one that got picked for all of this. Magic is fickle and unforgiving. Sometimes, we get caught in the crossfire of battles we would rather ignore. We get brought in by forces out of our control, and usually it is too late for us to turn back and forget. I am not special - my powers were given to me when I was still nebulous and without a body. I cannot claim to be all knowing and powerful like the pups on the council make me seem." Jinri managed to crack a smile at Saedemia's jab at the council.

"Look here, child," Saedemia continued. "We all have the things we were meant to do, and the things that we have to do because of uncertainty of what life will bring us. I have lived long, and have seen much. You will make it through this. You may be changed, as I see you have changed already, and you will get through this."

Jinri, overwhelmed with emotion and Saedemia's encouraging words, threw her arms around the witch and hugged her. Saedemia, startled at the show of affection, slowly brought her hands up and let her hands linger on Jinri's back. It had been a long time since Saedemia had encountered a girl like Jinri, and she knew it would be a long time coming before she met another.

Jinri pulled away and wiped her tears, letting out a little laugh as she did so. "I can't believe I found you a little scary when we first met." Saedemia just gave a small smile in response.

"Now, I came here to speak with you about something important," Saedemia said, growing serious. "There have been talks of someone within the ranks of the Ulrica who has aligned themselves with the Hadrian. I do not know how, and I do not know why. I have come to warn you." Jinri felt a shiver run down her spine. Yeah, things got more complicated no matter how much she wished they wouldn't.

"What does that have to do with me?" she asked, hoping that the answer would be nothing.

"You are a symbol of hope to the Ulrica," Saedemia explained. "Powerful or not, your existence means that there is a chance to save everyone from destruction. That chance, no matter how small, has inspired renewed unity amongst the packs and a mass effort to stand against the forces of darkness. You can see why a spy for the other side is troublesome."

Jinri let out a derisive snort. "Troublesome is an unde