Story Chapter 34: The Knight's Command

Haruka had only just risen from the wooden bench when the knight stepped fully into the doorway. She instinctively stopped. The knight's expression remained serious. “Turn around.” Haruka blinked nervously. “W-What?” “Turn around and face away from me.” Haruka's fingers tightened around the rough fabric of her new gray prison garment. “Why?” “You will understand shortly. Now, turn around.” Haruka swallowed. She slowly turned, her two newly braided sections of hair shifting over her shoulders as she faced the stone wall beyond the open cell door. Her voice became increasingly uncertain. “Is... is something wrong?” “No. Just follow my instructions.” Haruka hesitated before slowly raising her hands toward the top of her head. “Like this?” “Keep them there.” Haruka obeyed, but her shoulders remained tense. Her heart was pounding. “Please...” she said quietly. “Whatever you're planning, can you tell me first?” The knight remained silent for a moment. Haruka's nervousness grew. “I don't want any more surprises.” She glanced slightly over her shoulder before quickly facing forward again. “Please... just tell me what's going to happen.” Her hands remained on her head as she waited anxiously for the knight's next command. The chapter ends.