Link stands before Zelda, confusion etched into her newly feminine features as the last traces of the spell fade from her skin. The room smells of incense and old parchment, the Triforce of Wisdom glowing softly on a pedestal beside Zelda. "Zelda, what have you done to me?"
"Trust me, Link. The Triforce of Wisdom showed me this was the only way we could defeat Ganondorf. You are needed—exactly like this," Zelda replies, voice heavy with feigned sincerity.
Link[/@ch_1] stares at her reflection in a gilded mirror.]
Link runs trembling fingers through her hair, wrestling with disbelief and suspicion. Her tunic feels unfamiliar, armor re-fitted to her altered frame. "Why do I feel like something is wrong?" she whispers to herself, a storm of emotion building in her chest. The Triforce symbol on her hand pulses, but offers no answers.
Zelda[/@ch_2] meets with Ganondorf, his towering figure cloaked in black and gold.]
Ganondorf leans forward, eyes gleaming with cunning. "Our peace depends on your promise, Princess. Deliver me a wife worthy of my throne, and Hyrule shall know peace," he rumbles. Zelda hesitates, guilt flickering in her eyes as she glances at the closed door, knowing Link waits just beyond.
Link[/@ch_1] overhears hushed voices from the war room window above. Vines curl along the stone walls, dew glistening in the night air.]
Link strains to listen, catching enough of Ganondorf's words to piece together the true reason for her transformation. Rage and betrayal surge inside her, heartbreak mingling with resolve. "She lied to me... I was just a bargaining chip," she murmurs, clenching her fists.
Link[/@ch_1] bursts into Zelda's chamber. Lightning flashes through the window, illuminating the tear-streaked face of Zelda as she stands defensively before the Triforce.]
"You used me, Zelda! You sacrificed my trust for a false peace!" Link shouts, voice shaking with fury. "I did what I had to for Hyrule, Link. Ganondorf would have destroyed us all," Zelda pleads, but the words ring hollow in the charged silence.
Link[/@ch_1] stands atop the battlements, looking out over the awakening kingdom.]
Link steels herself, determination hardening in her eyes. She will not allow herself to be traded away, nor will she let Zelda bear the burden alone. "If peace is to come to Hyrule, it will be on our terms. I will face Ganondorf as myself, not as a prize," she resolves, the rising sun glinting off her sword as she descends toward her destiny.
