Story chapter 28: A moment of Relief

Haruka was still standing inside the cell when she heard footsteps approaching. She turned her head toward the corridor. The same knight appeared beyond the bars. “You again…” “I have returned.” Haruka watched as he unlocked the cell and stepped inside. She instinctively straightened, her hands remaining secured behind her back. “What is it?” The knight stopped a short distance away. “Turn around.” Haruka's eyes widened. “Turn around?” “Yes. I am going to remove your restraints.” Haruka blinked. “You're… taking them off?” “That is what I said.” For a moment, Haruka simply stared at him. Relief began to replace her nervous expression, though she still looked uncertain. “O-Okay…” She slowly turned around, presenting her restrained hands. The metal cuffs gave a quiet *clink* as she moved. Haruka swallowed nervously. “Please be careful…” “I will.” She stood completely still, waiting for the knight to reach her restraints. For the first time since her arrest, Haruka wondered what it would feel like to have her hands free again. The chapter ends.