I'Ve Been Caught By The Tyrant Traps EP 17

EP 17

Imbrius Einer POV

I still remember that day

Imbrius Einer/Master

(gazing at Estelle's emotionless face)

Imbrius Einer/Master

Estelle, my dear, what's happened to you? Your eyes, once full of sparkles, now seem empty, your smile, a mere ghost of its former radiance. What's stolen your joy, your laughter?*concern voice*

they sit together on a starry night by the lake

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*turning away* Nothing, Master. I'm fine*voice flat, devoid of emotion.*

Imbrius Einer/Master

*gentle but firm* No, Estelle, you're not fine. I see the pain in your eyes, the weight on your shoulders

Imbrius Einer/Master

Tell me, what's troubling you?* eyes locked onto her*

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*sighing*It's nothing, Master. Just leave it be.

Imbrius Einer/Master

I, too, know pain, Estelle

Imbrius Einer/Master

My wife, my daughter... they were taken from me, senselessly

Imbrius Einer/Master

I don't know who did it or why, but I've lived on, for my wife's sake. She wanted me to be happy, to live*crack voice*

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*Expression softens*

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*voice barely audible*My family... they neglected me, treated me like air

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

Because I was the reason my mom got sick, because I was born* words spill out, like a dam breaking*

Imbrius Einer/Master

*eyes fill with tears*

Imbrius Einer/Master

*voice breaking*Oh, Estelle... I'm so sorry. I had no idea

Imbrius Einer/Master

You've been carrying this pain for so long, alone*reaches out, and takes her hand and comforting*

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*eyes welling up*I've never told anyone, Master. You're the first to know

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*looks at him, her gaze searching, and for the first time in months, a genuine smile graces her lips*

Imbrius Einer/Master

*smiling back*You're safe with me, Estelle. Forget the past, forget the pain

Imbrius Einer/Master

Hold onto this moment, this beauty, this life*voice filled with warmth*

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

* nods, a sense of hope flickering to life within her*

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*smiling* Thank you, Master. Your words mean a lot to me

Jasper Wolter/2nd ML/FL bff

*appearing from the shadows*I'm here too, Estelle

Jasper Wolter/2nd ML/FL bff

You don't have to face this alone. Start a new journey, with new dreams. Leave the past behind*warm voice and smile genuine*

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*surprised*Jasper! I didn't know you were there

Imbrius Einer/Master

*smiling*Jasper, my young apprentice, has a good heart. We'll support you, Estelle, every step of the way

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*touched*Thank you, both. Your kindness means everything to me

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*Smile grows wider, and her eyes sparkle with tears*

Imbrius Einer/Master

*amazed*Estelle, your smile... it's like the sun breaking through the clouds

Jasper Wolter/2nd ML/FL bff

*equally amazed*It's beautiful, Estelle. You should smile more often

Estelle Sylvan/FL/7 year old

*laughing*I think I will, now that I have you both to support me

The three share a warm moment, the stars above, the lake's gentle lapping a soothing background. A new journey begins, one of hope, dreams, and friendship

To be continued