**Chapter 1: The Darkening of Hyrule**

Zelda stormed into her chambers, slamming the door behind her. Her royal advisor, Impa, followed closely, concern etched on her face. "Your Highness, please calm down, we need to talk about this." Zelda spun around, her eyes blazing with desperation. "Talk about it? You think we can just talk about it? It's happening, Impa! It's actually happening!" She collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow. Impa sat beside her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Zelda, I know this news has come as a shock, but we must think of the safety of the kingdom. The council has made it clear that those whose names start with the letter L must be confined for the protection of everyone." Zelda's muffled voice rose to a scream. "Confinement? It can't be! Not Link! Oh, Goddesses, not Link!" She leapt off the bed, pacing around the room like a caged animal. Impa's expression was somber. "I'm afraid it's not just Link, Your Highness. It's anyone whose name starts with the letter L. We've received a list from the council, and... well, it's not just the hero who's affected." Zelda's eyes widened, and she stumbled backward, as if she'd been punched in the gut. "No, no, no! This can't be happening! Link is out there, fighting for our kingdom, and now... now he's going to be locked away like a prisoner?" Impa's voice was soft but firm. "Zelda, please understand, this is for the greater good. We can't risk the safety of the kingdom." Zelda's face contorted in anguish. "The greater good? You're talking about Link, about the hero who's saved us time and time again! What about his freedom? What about his life?" She charged at Impa, her fists shaking. "You're just going to stand there and let this happen? You're my advisor, it's your duty to protect me and the kingdom, but what about Link?" Impa stood her ground, though her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. "Zelda, I'm doing what I think is best for the kingdom. We can't defy the council's decree. But I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to ensure Link's confinement is as comfortable as possible." Zelda's wail echoed through the chambers, a sound that sent shivers down Impa's spine. The usually composed advisor looked helpless, unsure of how to calm the princess's storm. As the princess's cries continued, Impa could only sit there, holding her, and wonder what the future held for the kingdom and its people, especially those whose names started with the ill-fated letter L.