Aaron Dragonheart, also known as Ron Ongard in his previous life, reached for the doorknob of his apartment. He was about to step inside, ready to greet his world, to say "I'm home." But as his hand touched the cold metal, a surge of energy coursed through him. He felt a dizzying sensation, a swirling vortex of light and sound, and then… darkness.
He opened his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. He was no longer in his apartment. He was standing in front of the throne room of the Royal Palace, the massive oak doors looming before him. His father, King Eldric Dragonheart, his mother, Queen Elara, his brother Cassius, and his sister Lyra stood before him, their faces a mixture of shock and disbelief. Nobles, maids, and guards crowded the room, their eyes fixed on him.
He had vanished from this world twelve years ago, a young prince whisked away by a mysterious force. Now, he was back, in the same place he had disappeared, the same place he had left behind a life he thought he would never see again.
"I'm back," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and disappointment.
His parents rushed towards him, their arms engulfing him in a tight embrace. The guards, their eyes narrowed with suspicion, drew their swords, ready to strike. King Eldric, his voice booming through the room, stopped them.
"Stand down," he commanded. "He is my son."
He turned to the nobles and the maids, his voice firm. "Everyone, leave. I need to speak with my son."
The room emptied quickly, leaving Aaron alone with his family. The king and queen, their faces etched with concern, led him to his chambers, their hands resting gently on his shoulders.
"We thought we would never see you again," Queen Elara said, her voice choked with emotion.
Aaron, his heart heavy with a sense of loss, nodded. He knew that he would never be able to return to his previous life, to his apartment, to his world. He had been transported to another realm, another time, and now he was back, forever changed.
He closed the door to his chambers, his eyes filling with tears. He thought of Amanda, her smile, her laughter, her touch. He knew that he would never be able to see her again. He had lost her, and he would carry that loss with him for the rest of his days.