Miss Kaylee slumped in her oversized seat, her small, infantile frame swallowed by the chair’s contours. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her cheeks were streaked with the remnants of her tears. She had cried herself out long ago, but the hollow ache in her chest lingered, a dull throb that refused to fade. The steady hum of the plane’s engines did little to soothe her; it felt distant and muffled, as though she were hearing it from underwater.

She shifted uncomfortably, the bulky diaper around her waist crinkling with even the slightest movement. It was a constant, humiliating reminder of her situation, one she couldn’t ignore no matter how much she tried. But even that paled compared to the weight of the emotional chasm between her and Ash.

Her gaze fell to her tiny hands, which rested limply in her lap. She stared at them momentarily, her mind replaying the events that had led her here. The hurt in Ash’s voice and the anger blazing in her amber eyes were all etched into Miss Kaylee’s memory, a permanent mark she couldn’t erase.

Miss Kaylee just wanted to help, her heart heavy with regret. She had been so sure, so confident in her intentions. She hadn’t meant to hurt Ash. Quite the opposite. She had wanted to heal her, to give her the care and love she so desperately deserved. But now, sitting here, reduced to this helpless state, Miss Kaylee couldn’t help but see how wrong she had been.

She sighed, the sound shaky and uneven. She had been trying to rewrite her pain, she admitted to herself. Trying to undo the trauma that’s haunted her for so long. But she didn’t think about what that would mean for Ash—what it would take away.

Her actions hadn’t come from malice. She knew that much. Her desire to help Ash, to show her that she was loved and cared for, had been genuine. But that desire had blinded her. She acted irrationally and selfishly, driven by her need to improve things and fix what she thought was broken. And now, she feared the damage she had done was irreversible.

Miss Kaylee closed her eyes, her head leaning back against the seat. The very trauma she had tried to help Ash overcome had come back to bite her—hard. It had overshadowed any sense of reason Ash might have felt, any chance of Ash seeing her intentions for what they were. Instead, Ash saw another Amazon trying to control her life and strip her of her autonomy. And maybe, Miss Kaylee thought bitterly, that’s exactly what she had planned.

Miss Kaylee had just wanted to love Ash, her chest tightening with a fresh wave of emotion. She wanted to show her that not all Amazons were like Laura and allow her to experience what care feels like.

But now, that chance felt impossibly distant. The trust she had worked so hard to build was shattered instantly. She had been desperate and foolish, and in trying so hard to help, she had only pushed Ash further away.

A tear slipped down her cheek, the last vestiges of her earlier sobs. Miss Kaylee wiped it away with a small, trembling hand, her heart sinking further. She feared she might never regain that trust, that Ash would never see her as more than another manipulative Amazon.

Her gaze drifted to the window, the clouds below stretching endlessly into the horizon. She had made a terrible mistake—she knew that now. But the question that gnawed at her was whether she could make it right.

Miss Kaylee sat silently for what felt like an eternity, the weight of her mistakes pressing heavily on her chest. She stared at the endless clouds below, her mind racing about everything she had done and lost. But amid the despair, a small ember of resolve began to flicker within her.

She would fix this, she thought, her hands trembling slightly as they rested in her lap. No matter how long it took, no matter what she had to do, she was going to repay Ash for what she had done. She would earn her trust back. Somehow.

She took a shaky, unsteady breath, her voice trembling as she finally broke the oppressive silence. “Ash,” she said softly, her tone tentative and uncertain, “what… what are your plans for me?”

Ash didn’t respond immediately, her gaze still fixed on the window. Miss Kaylee watched her carefully, the tension in the air palpable. She could see the conflict flickering across Ash’s face; her jaw tightened, and her hands gripped the armrests of her seat. It was clear that Ash was grappling with her emotions, torn between anger, pain, and something else Miss Kaylee couldn’t quite place.

After what felt like an eternity, Ash exhaled slowly, her voice quiet but steady. “I don’t know,” she admitted her words carrying a weight that made Miss Kaylee’s heart sink. “I don’t know what to do with you.”

Miss Kaylee swallowed hard, her throat dry as she braced for what might come next. She could feel the dread creeping up her spine, the gnawing fear of what Ash’s uncertainty might mean.

“For now…” Ash’s voice trailed off momentarily before she continued, her tone firmer but no less conflicted. “For now, I’m going to keep you close. I’ll watch you to ensure you don’t try anything else.”

Miss Kaylee’s breath caught, her heart sinking further as Ash turned to look at her, her amber eyes sharp and guarded. “So, for the time being,” Ash said, her voice cool but steady, “you’ll be my baby to care for.”

The words hung like a thunderclap, and Miss Kaylee felt the floor drop from beneath her. She had feared this—feared that Ash might take this route and that she might decide to wield the same power over Miss Kaylee that Amazons had so often wielded over Littles. But even with that fear gnawing at her, hearing the words spoken aloud sent a chill through her.

She was powerless to stop it. Her diminished size and strength left her at Ash’s mercy, and she knew it. Resistance would only drive the wedge between them deeper, shatter whatever faint hope she had of regaining Ash’s trust. If she wanted even the slimmest chance of rebuilding what they had, of proving to Ash that she truly cared, she would have to go along with it.

Miss Kaylee let out a slow, shaky breath, her gaze dropping to her lap. “I… I understand,” she said quietly, her voice trembling with emotion. “If that’s what you need to do, Ash… I’ll do my best.”

Ash’s eyes narrowed slightly as if searching for any trace of insincerity. “You don’t have a choice,” she said bluntly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I don’t trust you, Kaylee, not anymore. And I don’t know if I ever will again. But for now, this is how it’s going to be.”

Miss Kaylee nodded faintly, her chest tightening as she struggled to composure. “I just… I just want to make things right,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Whatever it takes, Ash. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Ash didn’t respond immediately, her gaze lingering on Miss Kaylee for a moment longer before she turned back to the window. The conversation was over, but their tension remained thick and heavy.

Miss Kaylee leaned back in her seat, her small hands gripping the armrests as she stared at the clouds below. Dread coiled in her stomach, but a flicker of resolve burned steadily beneath it. She had made terrible mistakes but wouldn’t let them define her. She would repay Ash, no matter what it took. Even if it meant being Ash’s baby for now, her lips pressing into a thin line, even if it meant enduring this, she would prove to Ash that she was not like the others, that she cared, and that she was sorry. And so, she sat in silence, the hum of the engines filling the cabin as the weight of her vow settled heavily on her shoulders.

*

Emily held tightly to Daddy’s hand as he led them out of the transit building, her smaller hand dwarfed by his warm, steady grip. The bustling noise of the station faded into the background as they stepped into the open air, the soft hum of the city beyond filling her ears. Her emotions swirled in a chaotic brew—worry, dread, love, excitement—all simmering within her, threatening to bubble over.

She glanced at Hannah, nestled securely in Daddy’s other arm. Her expression was shy but tinged with a hint of nervous anticipation. Emily could tell her sister felt the weight of this return just as much as she did.

Then, she saw it: Daddy’s car. Or rather, his hovercraft.

The sleek, small vehicle gleamed in the dim light, its metallic finish reflecting the soft glow of the nearby buildings. It was compact and modern, the kind of transport that screamed efficiency and care. What immediately caught Emily’s attention, though, were the two car seats in the back.

Her stomach churned slightly at the sight. She had known, of course, that this was part of the deal. But seeing the car seats made it all the more real.

The hovercraft doors opened smoothly and silently as they approached, a seamless automation that made Emily momentarily marvel at the technology. Daddy let go of her hand, his smile reassuring as he leaned into the car with Hannah in his arms.

“Let’s get you buckled in, sweetheart,” he said warmly, his deep voice filled with that comforting tone he always seemed to carry. He carefully lowered Hannah into the forward-facing car seat, his large hands deftly adjusting the straps around her.

But as he pulled the harness snugly, he paused, his brow furrowing slightly. “Hmm,” he murmured, leaning back to examine the fit. His gaze shifted to Hannah, his expression softening as realization dawned. “This seat’s too big for you, honey.”

Hannah’s cheeks flared red, the color rushing to her face as she looked away, her lips pressed tightly together. She squirmed slightly in the oversized seat, trying to avoid Daddy’s gaze. The straps hung loosely against her smaller frame, and the gap between her back and the padding was too obvious.

Daddy sighed softly, his tone gentle as he adjusted the straps as best he could. “It looks like I’ll have to get you an infant car seat,” he said with a smile, his words lighthearted but practical. “This one just won’t work for my little peanut.”

Emily saw Hannah’s blush deepen, her face practically glowing with embarrassment. Her sister’s lips parted as if to protest, but no words came out. Instead, she crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze fixed on the car's floor.

The humiliation was written all over Hannah’s face, her mortification evident in every stiff movement. Emily felt sympathy for her, but there was also a tinge of amusement she couldn’t quite suppress. This was part of the reality they had stepped back into, and Hannah, as small as she now was, would have to face it head-on.

After settling Hannah in as best as possible, Daddy approached Emily’s side of the car. Emily stood by the open door, waiting as Daddy motioned for her to climb into the larger car seat. She did so without complaint, adjusting herself to sit comfortably as Daddy leaned in.

“Let’s make sure you’re all secure, too,” he said warmly, pulling the shoulder straps over her chest. He guided them down to connect at the buckle between her legs, the soft click of the harness locking into place resonating in the quiet. Emily flushed faintly at the intimacy of the gesture but said nothing, her gaze flicking toward Hannah.

“There we go,” Daddy said, giving the straps a light tug to ensure they were snug. “All set.”

Emily glanced at Hannah, whose flushed cheeks and downcast gaze betrayed her embarrassment, and gave her sister’s knee a gentle nudge with her hand.

“You’ll be okay,” Emily said softly, her voice low enough that Daddy wouldn’t overhear. “It’s just a seat. You’ll get through it.”

Hannah glanced at her, her blush still vivid, and gave a small, reluctant nod. Emily offered her a faint smile before Daddy climbed into the driver’s seat, the hovercraft’s doors sealing shut behind him with a soft hiss.

As the hovercraft glided away from the transit station, Emily leaned her head against the cool glass of the window, her eyes drinking in the sights of the town. The vehicle moved nearly soundlessly, save for the faint, rhythmic hum of the engine. This serene sound contrasted with the storm of emotions simmering within her. The flutter of excitement, the gnawing worry, and the deep well of love and anticipation swirled together as she watched the town unfold before her.

The streets were wide and well-maintained, flanked by towering buildings that reflected a fascinating blend of modern and traditional design. Sleek, futuristic glass and steel structures rose beside intricately detailed buildings adorned with ornate carvings and archways. The latter looked like they had been plucked straight from a bygone era, their stone facades weathered yet timeless. The juxtaposition was striking, a testament to how the Amazons had seamlessly melded the old with the new.

Hovercrafts zipped along the streets and airways, their streamlined forms moving effortlessly. Some were larger and designed for families, while others were compact and efficient, darting between lanes like metallic birds. Pedestrians strolled along wide sidewalks, their towering forms unmissable even from a distance. Many walked hand-in-hand with Littles, their smaller companions either toddling beside them or carried effortlessly on their hips.

The town wasn’t as sprawling or chaotic as the big city Emily and Hannah had first visited. It was large enough to feel bustling, but there was a charm here, a sense of community that the metropolis had lacked. Parks dotted the landscape, their greenery lush and inviting, and fountains bubbled in open squares, surrounded by benches and café tables.

The hovercraft glided over a narrow bridge spanning a slow-moving river. The water sparkled in the light, and along its banks, rows of picturesque houses stood with flower-filled balconies and quaint gardens. It was idyllic, almost too perfect, and Emily was torn between admiring the beauty and feeling unease about the world she was stepping back into.

Daddy’s voice broke the quiet hum of the engine. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you both back,” he said, his warm tone brimming with excitement. His hands rested lightly on the steering controls, but his gaze flicked back to them in the rearview mirror. “I’ve been working hard to prepare everything for you.”

Emily glanced at him, catching his genuine smile in the reflection. His joy was almost contagious. Beside her, Hannah shifted slightly in her oversized car seat. Still quiet, her blush from earlier was slowly fading.

“You’re going to love the nursery,” Daddy continued, his enthusiasm bubbling. “I’ve been putting it together since you told me you were returning. New cribs, new toys, everything I could think of to make it perfect for my girls.”

Emily felt her cheeks warm at the mention of the nursery. She wasn’t sure how she felt about it—whether it filled her with dread, embarrassment, or a reluctant curiosity. It's probably a mix of all three. She glanced at Hannah, who was staring straight ahead, her expression unreadable.

“I even found the softest blankets,” Daddy added with a chuckle. “Hannah, I know you love your plushies, so I ensured you’d have plenty of new friends waiting for you.”

Hannah’s blush deepened, and she mumbled something under her breath that Emily couldn’t quite make out. Daddy just smiled wider, clearly delighted at her reaction.

As the hovercraft turned onto a quieter street, the buildings grew shorter, transitioning to residential homes with neatly trimmed lawns and colorful gardens. The engine's hum softened as Daddy slowed, easily navigating the peaceful neighborhood. Emily noticed a few Amazons out on their porches or tending to their yards, some waving casually as the hovercraft passed.

Emily’s gaze returned to the window, her thoughts swirling as the scenery changed. The mixture of old and new, the blend of beauty and unease, reflected the contradictions of the Amazon world. She pressed her fingers against the cool glass, wondering what the coming days would bring and how she would navigate the delicate balance between trust and caution.

“We’re almost there,” Daddy said, his voice warm and steady. “Your new home is just around the corner.”

The hovercraft glided smoothly into the driveway of a modest two-story home. The house perfectly reflected the town’s aesthetic—a blend of modern functionality and traditional charm. Its exterior was composed of clean, white stone accented with dark wooden beams, reminiscent of old-world craftsmanship but with a sleek, contemporary finish. Large windows framed the front, their glass tinted to reflect the sky while maintaining a sense of openness. A small, well-manicured garden bordered the path leading to the front door, filled with vibrant flowers and a low, neatly trimmed hedge. The roof was gently sloped, its metallic sheen catching the light, a clear nod to the futuristic elements woven seamlessly into the traditional design.

As Daddy brought the hovercraft to a stop, the soft hum of the engine faded into silence. He turned in his seat, his warm brown eyes meeting Emily’s and Hannah’s. “Before we go in,” he said, his tone steady but cautious, “I should tell you—our Amazon minder is already here. She’s waiting inside.”

Emily’s stomach dropped, and she felt Hannah stiffen beside her. The two girls exchanged looks, their shared worry clear in their expressions. They had known this was part of the arrangement, one of the stipulations of their return, but hearing it spoken aloud brought reality crashing down around them.

Daddy’s smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered, his voice softening. “I know it’s not ideal,” he said. “But we’ll get through this together. I promise.”

Emily nodded faintly, her gaze flicking to the house. They had prepared for this, she reminded herself. They knew what they were walking into. Still, the thought of being under constant surveillance, of having every move scrutinized, sent a shiver of unease through her.

Determined to shake the feeling, she reached for her car seat buckles. Fumbling with the straps, she tugged at them in frustration, but they refused to budge. “Seriously?” she muttered under her breath, her irritation mounting.

Daddy was already on her side of the car, his tall frame casting a shadow as he opened the door. He leaned in with a knowing smile, his hands easily undoing the buckles with a soft click. “They’re Little-proof,” he explained with a chuckle. “Didn’t want you wriggling free mid-ride.”

Emily huffed softly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, as she accepted his hand. He steadied her as she climbed from the car, and her feet landed softly on the paved driveway.

“Thanks,” she mumbled, brushing her hands on her pants and trying to ignore the amused glint in his eyes.

Daddy turned to the other side of the hovercraft, opening Hannah’s door and leaning in to unbuckle her. “Let’s get you out of here, little one,” he said warmly, scooping her into his arms once she was free. Hannah’s small frame nestled easily against his chest, her cheeks flushed as she avoided meeting his gaze.

With Hannah cradled securely in one arm and his other hand holding Emily’s, Daddy led them toward the house. The gravel path crunched softly beneath his feet as they approached the front door. The house loomed larger now, its charm and sophistication striking up close. The door, an intricate wooden piece with futuristic locking mechanisms embedded in the frame, opened automatically as they neared, a soft chime welcoming them inside.

The warm, inviting scent of fresh flowers and polished wood filled the air as they crossed the threshold into the house. For a brief moment, the space felt welcoming, almost comforting. But then, their eyes fell on her.

Standing in the center of the room, the Amazon minder exuded an aura that sent a chill down Emily’s spine. The woman was impeccably dressed, her tailored navy blazer and pencil skirt a testament to her professionalism. The clean lines of her outfit accentuated her tall, commanding frame, while the subtle sheen of the fabric hinted at its expensive quality. Her dark hair was pulled into a sleek bun, not a strand out of place, giving her an air of unyielding authority. Her sharp features—defined cheekbones, a pointed chin, and piercing blue eyes—added to her striking, almost predatory presence.

She stood with her arms crossed, her posture straight and confident, her expression unreadable as she observed them with the cool detachment of someone accustomed to control. But it was far from reassuring when her lips curled into a coy smile. The smile didn’t reach her eyes, which remained sharp and calculating, like a predator watching its prey.

“Welcome home, girls,” Miranda Pierce said smoothly, sweet yet dripping with venom. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Emily felt her skin prickle and goosebumps formed along her arms despite the warmth of the house. Miranda’s voice was velvety, almost soothing, but it carried an undercurrent of something far darker that made Emily’s chest tighten and her stomach churn.

Hannah clung tighter to Daddy, her small hands fisting into his shirt as she buried her face against his chest. Emily glanced at her sister, noting the tension in her frame, and felt a surge of protectiveness rise within her. But she, too, was frozen, rooted to the spot as Miranda’s gaze swept over them.

Miranda tilted her head slightly, her smile never faltering as her eyes lingered on each. Something was unsettling about her gaze as if she were appraising them, sizing them up like one might inspect merchandise. A faint shiver ran down Emily’s spine when her eyes met Emily's. It was as though Miranda could see straight through her, stripping away every layer of confidence she had carefully built.

Emily swallowed hard, forcing herself to hold the woman’s gaze even as her heart raced. She couldn’t show fear—not in front of someone who seemed to thrive on it. But her palms felt clammy, and she resisted the urge to wipe them on her pants, knowing it would only betray her unease.

Miranda’s smile widened as if she could sense the turmoil within Emily. “It’s so wonderful to meet you both in person finally,” she said, her tone still sweet but laced with an edge. “I’ve heard so much about you. You’ve certainly caused quite a stir.”

Daddy stepped forward slightly, his broad frame a comforting barrier between the girls and the woman. “Let’s not overwhelm them, Miranda,” he said firmly, his voice calm but carrying a note of warning.

Miranda’s smile didn’t waver, though her eyes flicked briefly to Daddy with a glimmer of amusement. “Of course,” she said smoothly. “We wouldn’t want to upset the little darlings, now would we?”

Emily’s fists clenched at her sides, her nails biting into her palms. The way Miranda said “darlings” made her skin crawl, as if the word were a thinly veiled insult rather than a term of endearment. She glanced at Hannah, whose face was still buried against Daddy’s chest, his hand lovingly patting her diapered rear, and felt anger rise alongside her unease.

Miranda gestured toward the living room, her movements fluid and deliberate. “Please, make yourselves comfortable,” she said. “We have so much to discuss.”

Emily glanced up at Daddy, her heart pounding as she sought reassurance in his steady gaze. He gave her a small nod, his expression calm but resolute. They had known this was coming and had prepared for it. But standing here, face to face with the reality of their situation, the weight of it all felt almost suffocating.

As Daddy led them further into the house, Emily glanced at Miranda Pierce. The Amazon minder’s smile lingered, her eyes following them with a predatory glint that made Emily’s stomach twist. This was the beginning of a new chapter, and already, Emily could feel the storm brewing on the horizon.