[ Erik only spent a few weeks at the mansion. Those precious few golden days, a handful in the course of his life that changed everything. He hasn't had a home since he was eight years old. Ever since they left Düsseldorf. The ghetto wasn't a home. The camp was hell. And after liberation he was not just homeless, he was stateless.

But now when he thinks of "home", the only image that comes to mind is his little room in the east wing, the chestnut tree outside the window, and the way the sunrise would creep across the blanket. But he's made his choices. He knew what consequences they would bring. He's made his peace with it. ]

You changed me as well.

[ He says quietly. And then clears his throat and gets back to business. ]

We made this decision a long time ago. You have the children, Raven, the school. I'm not a leader. Everybody who followed me is dead or defected. I can't continue the fight when nobody is in my corner. I can't... change my convictions, though I can acknowledge that my goals and concerns are mine alone and the rest of you don't share them. Forcing them on you is wrong.

[ He takes a breath. ]

There's no place for me there.