For ten long minutes, Lutie squirmed in the oppressive bounds of those tightening white ribbons.
When she got tired? Aemilai walked towards her--her "father" Gusrame by his side. His face contorted into one of shock and horror.
"Looks like the beast finally calmed down," Aemilai smiled. His eyes ice-cold and dagger-sharp. "Good girl. The wolf one strangled itself in resisting."
Aemilai spared a chuckle.
"Lu-Lutie?" Gusrame looked at the bound fox-witch. The fox darted its head away in fear, and its breathing deep and erratic.
But then, for a moment--exactly ten heartbeats--its eyes focused on Gusrame.
And closed.
The fox slowly took human form--but as a witch, her bounds remained as effective regardless of what shape she took. Her clothes had gotten ripped during her transformation, so right now she was bare and vulnerable--her golden hair and the ribbons the only thing giving her any semblance of modesty.
"Lutie" had returned.
And now refused to look at the men standing beside her. Trying her best to hide the tears former in the corner of her eyes.
"Let her go," shouted Gusrame.
Aemilai looked at him.
"Please!" Gusrame fell to his knees. "I'm begging you, Commander!"
"Come now, sir," said Aemilai. "You know better than that.
"Please!"
Aemilai now turned more strongly.
"Stand up, sir. I told you, I mean people like you no harm."
"Please...I beg you!"
"Get up."
"Please!"
"Get up your knees...or I swear I'll break them."
Aemilai sneered at Gusrame. His cold facade twisting into one of contorted contempt.
"Gods, have you no shame, Sisalfin! The "girl" tricked you! Messed with your thick head! And you soil your clothes begging for its cursed life?! Aemilai shouted. "You want to kiss the ground for her? Maybe I can throw you in the same ditch when we dispose of her corpse!"
"What the hell is wrong with you!" answered Gusrame. "Look at her! Does that broken, naked girl look like a threat to you! I have no idea what's going on now, but all I know is that girl, 'Lutie' shouldn't be in that state! You're not even gonna let her defend herself! You're not even gonna let her explain! To me!"
"What for?! WHAT FOR!? I told you how it went! The witch infiltrated your village, cast some enchantment on you and your family--implanted false memories, and used you as cover! That's it! It's not that complicated!" Aemilai took out a bill from his coat. "I have here in my hand her profile: "Subject: A witch hailing from the Vulfin tribe. Known to take the shape of a fox and a young girl of northern coloring. One of great capacity to do harm and adept in trickery, mind-manipulation, and ruthless murder."
Aemilai went on as he put the bill back on his coat.: "That fiend is known for infiltrating families and leaving after they 'mysteriously' all pass away. That 'thing' there has wiped out TWO whole families now. You're lucky I and my men came here and spared you from being THE THIRD!"
"Lutie! Is this true!"
"...."
Gusrame shouted…
But Lutie refused to respond.
Her ex-father wept as he pounded the earth. Aemilai calmed down, rubbed his temples and called to his men to his side--in preparation for carrying her with them to the cart.
Lutie closed her eyes…
...and muttered something under her breath.
Away from the eyes of Aemilai and his men.
And when she finished? Gusrame's tears ended.
"Ughh...What a day...Gusrame? Wait. What's gotten into you?"
"Uhhh….Nothing...I feel...Nothing? Kinda good, actually….It's….strange."
"Ohhh! I see." Aemilai said. "The spell's broken. Well, glad to know. It would have been sad to leave a man that heartbroken. Even if it is because of a witch's lie."
"I...think...you might be right."
"I know I am."
Gusrame stood up and made his way back to his house--he took once glance back--no tears, no anger, and moved on.
Aemilai then bent over and spoke closer to the girl once called "Lutie".
"Congratulations, 'young miss' " he said. "Remember how you wanted to visit the Capital? You're gonna get a chance to!" Aemilai chuckled. "Because we're gonna kill you there."