Story Chapter 32: Back In Confinement

The knight finally halted in front of Haruka's cell. The sudden stop made the restraints behind her back give a faint metallic rattle. *Clink... clink...* Haruka stood stiffly, her hands still secured behind her. She could feel the knight's presence behind her, and the thought of being watched made her face turn beet red. She lowered her head, fighting back tears of frustration and humiliation. “Please...” she murmured. The knight looked toward the cell. “Enter.” Haruka hesitated. “Can you at least remove the cuffs?” “Not yet.” Her expression tightened. “But you said I was being brought back to my cell.” “And you are.” Haruka let out an exasperated breath. “Fine...” She reluctantly stepped inside. Her blue athletic shorts shifted with each careful step, while the tied white crop top remained firmly in place. With her hands restrained behind her, she couldn't adjust either garment, which only made her feel more self-conscious. “This is so embarrassing...” she muttered. Once she was completely inside, the knight reached for the heavy iron door. *CLANG.* The door swung shut. Haruka turned around anxiously. Then came the unmistakable sound of the lock. *Click.* Her eyes widened. “Wait...” The knight remained outside the bars. “Come closer to the door.” Haruka stared at him suspiciously. “Why?” “I am removing your restraints.” Her expression immediately softened with relief. “Really?” “Yes. Come here.” Haruka carefully approached the bars, still keeping her hands behind her back. She stood close to the cell door and waited. The knight reached through the bars and took hold of the restraint mechanism. Haruka held her breath. *Clink.* One cuff loosened. Then the other. Haruka felt the pressure around her wrists finally disappear. She let out a long, relieved sigh. “Ahh... finally.” She slowly brought her arms forward and rubbed her wrists. The knight stepped back from the bars. “You will remain in the cell until we determine what to do with you.” Haruka looked at him, still rubbing her wrists. “Understood...” The knight turned away. Haruka watched him disappear down the dungeon corridor, finally free of the cuffs but still trapped behind the locked iron door. The chapter ends.