A/N - So, it's been a long time since I've posted anything. Anyway, I hope it's good. R+R!

Disclaimer - I do NOT own the characters or locations. The plot, however, is all mine. :)

Prologue

These stone walls seem to close in on me. They press in on every side, restricting me. I am in a place I don't want to be, with people I don't want to see. Some are civil. They greet me kindly and try to chat about trivial things that I don't care about. Others hate me; they watch with scornful eyes.

The eyes of the portraits on the wall watch me; they stare at my back as I turn. I can feel their searching looks, giving me the feeling that they know more about me than I know about myself.

People here care but I can't seem to find a way to understand why. No one has ever cared for me, so why do they? I'm quite used to it. I no longer expect someone to turn and help when I fall. It is not expected of anyone to care about my well-being. I'm confused. I know no other way of life. I was raised to be independent.

My life is mine and it rests in my hands. I don't need your help and I don't want your interference. I want to be left alone.

If you help me, I'll care. And I'm done with caring.