Your future is bleak, your kingdom will splinter.

Your land shall be cursed with unending winter.

With blasts of cold will come a dark art and a ruler with a frozen heart.

Then all will perish in snow and ice unless you are freed with a sword of sacrifice.

**

The Snow Queen tilts her head back. Her long, dark curls sway around her shoulders. "Rapunzel found the prophecy, but only because I planted it there for her. I know Rapunzel much better than you do. I knew exactly what she would believe. Three years ago she failed me. She would not give me what I wanted, so I decided that I would just have to take it instead."

How does she know Rapunzel? If only I had listened to Rapunzel's story.

"I have a kingdom to run, but first...I have one last gift for you. You know, since you did give me your power so willingly."

I try to stand again. "Leave Arendelle alone." I fall back against Jack, my energy spent with those three words alone.

"A queen must have a kingdom." The Snow Queen holds out her hands, as if what she says makes perfect sense. "I will take better care of it than you ever did. At least people will know from the start who I am. I have no reason to hide my powers."

Jack's hand finds mine. "Elsa." His breath stirs my hair. We lie on the floor, my back to him. And I know that even now, with the world ending around us, we will get through this together.

The Snow Queen walks past us. She nudges Pitch's motionless side with her shoe. "I'm sorry, old friend. But you worthless. You are nothing at all."

She wraps her gloved hands around Jack's staff and lifts it above her head. Instead of attacking us like I expected, she sings. Her voice is soft and clear. Snow and ice float gently from the staff.

Snow falls gently over the room. A snowflake melts on the Pitch's cloak. He closes his eyes.

Anna's head nods forward. Kristoff snores quietly beside her.

A snowflake brushes Jack's skin first. His fingers loosen from mine.

"Jack!" I whimper. Wake up! The thought has barely grazed my mind when ice touches my arm.

My head falls onto Jack's chest. Darkness closes around my vision.

The familiar chill of ice wraps around my skin

And I know that darkness is the beginning of the end.

**

The door creaks.

I hesitate at the loud sound. I know I shouldn't do this. It is a needless risk...but I need to escape the heaviness in the castle, even if it is just for a moment.

I tug my gloves and inhale deeply. I can do this.

I slip through the side door and step out of the castle. My cape rustles against my dress. I pull my hood up and move silently away from my only home.

And I know that Anna cries alone in her room next to mine. I know the servants whisper as I pass by. I know that the aching cavern inside me widens with each passing day.

I need Father and Mother. Right now, all I see is darkness. Will the pain inside me ever subside?

I walk around the small houses, hidden by my dark hood and determination. It would be safer for everyone if I just stayed inside like I was supposed to.

But I have to say goodbye for the last time.

The moon is weak tonight, but the stars make up for its lack of light. They crowd the sky above me. I wish I could lose myself in their steadfast beauty.

I am almost to the edge of the village when a door slams. I jerk against a wall. Shadows weave around me. I am glad the moon is not full.

Someone strolls from one of the houses. The tall person whistles and meanders past me.

I sigh and push away from the wall. My cape catches on a loose brick. The fabric tears. I wince and catch my breath.

I need to hurry before anyone sees me.

It does not take long to reach my destination.

Thick grass stretches around me. Mountains press against the sky. And there rising from the ground, are two large stones. Side by side, with runes marked onto them.

I stumble towards them, my hands trembling. I press my hands against the first one. My gloved fingers trace over the letters forming my father's name.

A sob catches in my throat. I want to let go, I want to cry and scream until the pain fades. But I can't. I have to be strong. If I mess up everything will be ruined.

I pull away from the stone and turn towards the other one. Mother...

Tears slip down my cheek. I do not wipe them away.

Instead I slide to the ground and wrap my arms around my knees. My hood falls back and my cape folds around me. The grass is wet with dew or maybe rain, I am not sure.

Why did I think coming here would be a good idea? Another sob shudders through me.

My hands shake. I blink back the tears and steady my breathing.

"Conceal. Don't feel. Don't let them know." Father's voice bursts through my thoughts.

I stand and tilt my head up towards the stars and the moon. I can be strong. I can do this.

I pull my hood over my hair. With one last look, I leave the gravestones of my parents behind and walk home alone.

**

Leaves rustle in the tree next to me.

I freeze, my blood running cold. I am almost to the castle. If anyone sees me now...

The tree shakes again. "Hello?" I ask. "Is anyone there?"

No one answers. I shake my head. Of course no one answered. I am just imagining things. I hurry the rest of the way. No one should be out at this time.

But then I remember the figure who walked past me. Why would he-or she-be wandering through the town so late at night?

Never mind. It does not matter. I push open the door and step inside the safety of the castle walls. I do not step back outside until the day I was crowned queen and the world fell apart.

The memory-so vivid, so real-slips away from me. I blink. My eyes open, but I do not wake up.

I am still lost in a dream, one that seems to have no end.

I need Father and Mother. Right now, all I see is darkness. Will the pain inside me ever subside?