The One Who Vanished

TWO

Moscow, RUSSIA.

As the lunch time at the mall approaches, the siblings decide to take a break from their shopping spree and have a meal together. They find a spot in the food court, where there is a variety of food options to choose from. Aegon suggests going for some fast food, while Aemond, ever the more health-conscious one, suggests finding a place with healthier options. Shaera, as usual, doesn't seem to have a preference. As they sit down with their lunch, they discuss their purchases so far and the various stores they have visited. The conversation is lively and light-hearted.

After they've all taken a few bites of their meal, Aemond brings up the topic of their return to the outer banks."So... I've been thinking," he says slowly, his expression more serious now. "There's something we need to talk about."Shaera and Aegon both look up at him, their interest piqued. They know what he's going to say, but they're waiting to see how he'll approach it.

Aemond pauses, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. "As you both know," he continues, "We're scheduled to return to the outer banks in a few hours."Shaera and Aegon nod, their expressions betraying a hint of mixed emotions. They both know that the return is nearing, but they have very different feelings about it.

Aemond takes a deep breath, his gaze shifting between his siblings. "I know we haven't talked about it much, but... I wanted to know how you guys are feeling about going back home."Shaera looks down at her food, pushing it around on her plate. Her expression is unreadable. Aegon, on the other hand, shrugs nonchalantly.

Aegon speaks first, his tone a bit casual. "I don't know," he admits, running a hand through his hair. "I guess I'm a bit excited, but I'm also kind of nervous."Shaera glances up at him, her eyes narrowing slightly, but she doesn't say anything. Aemond waits a moment, giving her a chance to speak, but she remains silent.

Aemond glances at Shaera, sensing her hesitation to speak up. "And what about you, Shaera?" he asks, his voice gentle. "How are you feeling about going back home?"Shaera takes a moment to respond, her eyes returning to her food. "It's... complicated," she finally says, her voice soft.Aegon raises an eyebrow at her answer, intrigued. "Complicated how?" he asks, leaning forward a little.

Shaera takes a deep breath, as if preparing herself to explain. Her fingers fidget with a napkin on the table, a nervous habit. "It's not that I don't want to go back," she starts, her voice measured. "It's just... I don't know how it's going to be."Aegon and Aemond exchange a quick glance, both listening intently.

As the conversation continues, Shaera's demeanor gradually shifts. The initial hesitation in her voice morphs into a mixture of bitterness and defensiveness. She finally looks up from her food, her eyes holding a defensive glint."I didn't want to do it," she nearly snaps, her tone laced with a hint of anger. "I didn't want to push her, but she made me."

Aemond and Aegon both look at her in surprise, taken aback a little by the sudden change in her tone. They can sense the defensiveness in her voice and the underlying resentment in her words. They are a bit perplexed at her statement, but they don't interrupt. They let her continue, both curious and slightly concerned.

Shaera's tone has turned more intense, her expression hardening as she speaks. Aemond and Aegon both listen intently, their own expressions shifting subtly as they hear her words."You both know it," she repeats, her gaze shifting between her brothers. "Mother and father knew what she was, how she was, but the people there don't. I know I'm violent and I don't mind hurting people but I... I don't want to hurt family."