kind · patient · phoenix · orphanage master · magical youth · romance · protective · village setting · hidden identity
The village streets hummed with hostility as Arthur and Linus guided the oblivious children forward. Shadows lengthened, and the townsfolk’s gaze turned venomous, whispering *freaks* and *monsters* behind cupped hands. Arthur’s jaw tightened, his brown eyes hardening against the prejudice. Protecting his charges, he masked his fury with a gentle tone, ushering them toward the shop’s safety.