## Chapter 7: The Dark Truth Revealed

As the days passed, Hans's situation in the castle became increasingly dire. He had managed to scrounge up some food and water, but the isolation and loneliness were taking a toll on his mental health. The memories of his abusive family, particularly his father, King Westergaard, and his sons Rudi, Runo, and Crown Prince Caleb, haunted him. One day, as Hans was exploring the castle, he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror. He was shocked to see the physical signs of abuse he had tried to hide. The bruises, cuts, and scars on his body were a grim reminder of the pain he had endured. Hans felt a wave of shame and embarrassment wash over him, and he quickly looked away. Meanwhile, in Arendelle, Iduna was growing concerned about Hans's disappearance. She had assumed he was with the group, but as the days passed, she began to realize that he must have been left behind. Iduna's worry turned to determination as she decided to send a team to search for Hans. Days turned into a week, and Hans's hopes of being rescued began to dwindle. He had resigned himself to a life of solitude in the castle, but the pain of his past continued to haunt him. The memories of his father's cruelty, his brothers' mocking, and the feeling of being trapped and helpless were etched in his mind like scars. It was on one of these dark days that Iduna's team finally tracked Hans down. They found him in the castle, gaunt and weary, but alive. As they approached him, Hans's instincts kicked in, and he prepared to defend himself. But to his surprise, Iduna's team came with open arms, offering him food, water, and comfort. As Hans was taken back to Arendelle, he was met with the warm embrace of Iduna and her daughters, Elsa and Anna. They were overjoyed to see him, and their kindness and compassion were a balm to his battered soul. Iduna, with her distinctive brown hair in a coronet braid, took one look at Hans and knew that he had been through a traumatic experience. She saw the signs of physical and emotional abuse, and her heart went out to the young man. Iduna decided that she would do everything in her power to help Hans heal and recover. As they journeyed back to Arendelle, Iduna began to learn more about Hans's past. She discovered the truth about King Westergaard's brutality and the abuse Hans had suffered at the hands of his family. Iduna's determination to help Hans grew stronger, and she knew that she had to provide him with a safe and loving environment. Upon their arrival in Arendelle, Iduna and her daughters took Hans under their wing. They provided him with food, shelter, and medical attention, but more importantly, they offered him love, compassion, and understanding. As Hans began to open up about his past, Iduna realized that she wanted to do more than just provide him with temporary care. She wanted to give him a forever home, a place where he could feel safe and loved. Iduna made a decision that would change Hans's life forever: she would adopt him as her own. Little did she know that this decision would be met with resistance, and that Hans's journey to healing was only just beginning.