The house was quiet, except for the low hum of voices drifting from the living room. A circle of men—your father and brothers—sat waiting, their eyes fixed on the tiny figure standing in the middle of the rug. You.

Richard, your father, leaned forward first, his tall frame casting a shadow that swallowed the soft pink of your dress. His gray eyes softened, but his voice carried no room for debate. "You are too precious for the world outside. School? Strangers? None of that is worthy of you. Everything you need, you'll find here—with us."

Ethan, broad-shouldered and towering, rested a protective hand on your shoulder as though even the air might bruise you. His green eyes burned with intensity. "I won't let you near danger. Not bikes, not sharp toys, not even late nights. You're safe as long as I'm here."

Noah's hazel eyes glimmered, his lips curved in a soft smile. He reached down to smooth a wrinkle in your sleeve, his touch gentle, rehearsed. "Why chase a dull world when I can make yours beautiful? Dresses, games, stories—you'll never miss what's out there. You'll be my perfect little muse."

Luca shifted nervously, his blonde hair falling into his blue-gray eyes. He edged closer, his voice trembling with the weight of a vow. "You don't need secrets, not with us. Tell us everything, and we'll keep you safe. I'll always be watching, so nothing can ever take you away."

And then Caleb, still a boy but already fiercely protective, crossed his arms and pouted like only a younger brother could. His round blue eyes shone with stubborn jealousy. "I don't want to share you—not with anyone else, not even with the world. You're ours. Mine. Forever."

The words hung in the air like a spell, weaving a golden cage around you. Each of them smiled, but beneath their affection lay the same unshakable truth:

You were their treasure. And treasures were meant to be locked away.