His tiny hostage [G/T]

VIII - Pain

"We don't wanna go!" Koa and Ezra's voices pierced the air, their protests a symphony of youthful discontent. Luca, with tears cascading down his cheeks, added a note of heartfelt sorrow to the chorus.

"You must go to your tutoring session," Otis said, his tone blending firm authority with a hint of reluctant sympathy.

"But Otis, we really don't want to!" Koa and Ezra's voices cracked with genuine distress, their eyes pleading for reprieve.

"You're going," Otis insisted, his patience wearing thin. He guided them toward the carriage with a mix of sternness and reluctant tenderness. As the carriage lumbered away, carrying them off to their academic duties, Otis turned back toward the castle. His thoughts were already consumed with the urgent need to find Bluebelle. She was no longer just a "hostage" in his mind; her presence had evolved into something infinitely more complex—a blend of impish charm and earnest vulnerability.

"I fear your brother won't be pleased about this little escapade," Bluebelle whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of apprehension and excitement. The brothers had spirited her away on an unexpected adventure, a prospect both exhilarating and daunting. Her thoughts drifted to fragments of her past, where a towering figure she had affectionately called "the girly Goliath" and a sea prince with an ever-present bucket of water had once been her constants. Memories of her mother, Irene, taking her to visit these friends were now mere shadows in her mind, elusive and fleeting.

"It will be fine. Brother can't stay angry with us forever," the brothers reassured her, their optimism a stark contrast to her growing unease.

Once at their tutoring session, Bluebelle found herself at the center of an academic whirlwind, effortlessly answering questions and navigating the exercises with a grace that surprised even her. As the brothers passed her around, their hands gentle and their smiles warm, she felt a rare sense of belonging and acceptance. Their affection, though unconventional, was undeniably sweet.

When Ezra turned to a young girl named Selene, who was of a similar age, and introduced her to Bluebelle, a new wave of emotions swept over her.

"Hey, Selene," Ezra said softly, his tone conspiratorial.

"Hi, Ezra!" Selene's face lit up with a bright smile, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"Look what I've got," Ezra said with a hint of pride.

"What is it?" Selene asked, her curiosity piqued.

"A human," Ezra replied with a hint of mischief.

Selene's expression shifted from amusement to concern in an instant. "The poor girl," she murmured sympathetically.

"I didn't capture her," Ezra quickly clarified. "My brother did."

"Well, if it's all right with her," Selene said, her voice soft and gentle, "I'd like to meet her."

Bluebelle nodded, and Selene carefully took her into her hands, treating her with the utmost delicacy. They exchanged whispered comments about the gentleness of the touch and the warmth of the gesture.

"My brother's girlfriend was found," Selene confided softly. "I know they'll be together forever, so I need to learn to be more tender with humans." Bluebelle smiled at Selene's kindness, feeling a rare connection with someone who understood her predicament.

However, their moment of camaraderie was interrupted by the sudden appearance of an elderly woman. Her face was a mask of stern disapproval as she plucked Bluebelle from Selene's hands.

"You four are in serious trouble!" the woman scolded, her voice sharp with indignation. "Bringing a doll to tutoring is against the rules. No toys allowed!"