Story chapter 30: Restrained Again

The moment the strange magical camera finished recording her image, Haruka's brief sense of relief vanished. “Thank you,” the knight said. “Now we must continue.” Haruka barely had time to turn before the knight took hold of her arms and guided them behind her back. “W-Wait!” She instinctively pulled against his grip. “Please, I thought you removed these!” “I removed them temporarily.” Haruka struggled, but the knight's armored grip easily overpowered her attempts. “Ah—! Stop! I'm not trying to hurt anyone!” “Then stop resisting.” Haruka breathed sharply as the knight brought the restraints back around her wrists. “Wait… please…” The first cuff closed with a sharp metallic click. *Clack.* Haruka tried to pull her hand away. “Nh—!” The knight secured the second restraint. *Click.* Haruka looked over her shoulder in disbelief. “You were never going to let me go, were you?” “Not until your situation has been properly investigated.” The knight checked the restraints to make certain they were secure. Haruka gave a frustrated sigh. “So much for my moment of freedom…” “You will be released when it is appropriate.” Haruka lowered her head, realizing that arguing wasn't going to change anything. “Fine…” The knight gestured toward the corridor. “Walk.” Haruka reluctantly took a step forward, her restrained hands held behind her once again. She glanced back toward the cell and then toward the unfamiliar dungeon halls ahead. With a quiet sigh, she continued walking. And the chapter ends.