The Pilot

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖: 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭

The next day you got up at sunrise and attended the market with Sophie. You decided to stay out longer while Markl took Sophie home to rest. Around 20 minutes after they went home you went back as well.

You tried to open the door but it wouldn't budge.

"Sophie?" You said.

You knocked again and again.

It was although the house didn't want you there.

"Cal? Let me in." 

The door still didn't budge.

All you could do was wait.

Around 2 hours later you were sitting on the doorstep with your face in your hands.

The door swung open abruptly and Markl was perched on the doorstep ready to go out.

"Y/n? Oh thank goodness. We thought you got lost." Markl sighed in relief

You stood and dusted off your clothes.

"No the door wouldn't open." You said rather annoyed

"Oh that was Howl. He had a um incident." he said nervously 

"What do you mean?" you asked tilting your head

"Well...Come and see it's kinda funny." Markle smiled 

You and Markle entered the house and you were met with the sight of green goo covering the floor, chair, and part of the fireplace.

"Finally! Y/n helppppppp meeeeee!" Calcifer whined lifting one of his logs.

"Markle what happened?" You asked wrinkling your nose at the sight of the living room.

Markle stifled a laugh.

"Sophie organised Howl's hair potions and he accidentally dyed his hair red. Its black now but i'ts only black because he called on the spirits of darkness."

You stood there looking at Markle dumbfounded.

"What a little baby. Is Sophie helping him or something?"

"Yeah upstairs. Let's go!" Markle grabbed your hand and dragged you upstairs to Howl's room.

All sorts of trinkets and gadgets hung from the ceiling and laid on shelves. The room was full of life and colour.

Howl lay in the large bed in the middle of the room. Sophie was next to him filling a teacup.

"Hi Sophie! How is he?" Markle asked running over to her.

"He's just fine. A little temper tantrum is all." she said irritated.

Howl groaned and opened his eyes. 

"Oh so now the big babies awake." Sophie said jokingly.

Howl turned to her and then looked at you.

"Master Howl another of the King's men came by. They wish to speak with Pendragon and Jenkins now." Markle said in almost a whisper.

"I know. I have to go but it's going to be a nightmare." Howl said flopping back onto his bed 

You walked over and stood behind Sophie softly massaging her shoulders.

She turned her head and smiled in thanks.

"Howl I think you should go. Got and give the king a piece of your mind." Sophie said cheerfully.

You clenched your jaw at the sound of your King's name he was after all still your master.

"That's ridiculous. I'm too much of a coward." he said sighing.