Chapter 47 - Freedom and servitude

Ariella's tears streamed down her face as she pleaded with her parents in her lavish bedroom. "Don't let him go to her! Don't let him choose her over me!"Janey and Mr. Zaynader exchanged a glance. They knew their daughter's obsession with Denzel; they promised her the world, and they promised to do anything for her, but this time, there was nothing they could do as their lives depended on it."Ariella, dear, you know Denzel's not the only werewolf, right, and you can actually find someone better than him," Janey said gently.Ariella's face twisted in anguish. "You don't understand, Mom, he's an alpha; I want to be his Luna. I want the whole pack to bow before me, Ariella said, imagining the scenario; just why does it have to be Claudine and not me? Dad, we can just tell him that Claudine died yes that some werewolves ate her, Ariella said desperately wiping her tearsMr. Zaynader's expression turned firm. "Ariella, we can't support you in this one, you see our lives depend on finding her, we should pray that she's still alive or we're dead tooAriella's cries turned to furious sobs. "You're supposed to be my parents! You're supposed to support me! But you're just going to let him go to her, aren't you?"Janey's voice was soft but firm. "We're sorry, Ariella. We can't interfere in this one. You'll find someone better, okay? I think it's better to go to Bayford prison and get Claudine.As much as she didn't like the idea, she knew they were right; their lives depended on bringing her home safely.Fine, I'll find someone better than him he's not that good anyway, Ariella said trying to boost her confidenceJaney looked at her, smiling; that's right, baby, she said, happy that Ariella agreed with them.I go get the car we're going to Bayford prison Mr Zaynader said picking up his car keysAt Bayford's prisonClaudine slumped against the cold, gray wall of her prison cell, her eyes fixed on the faint scratch marks she'd etched into the stone floor. How long had she been trapped here? Days? Weeks? Time lost all meaning in this bleak, windowless space.She thought of Denzel, wondering if he'd forgotten her if he'd moved on. The ache in her heart felt like a physical wound.As she lost herself in thought, the sound of jingling keys echoed outside her cell. The door creaked open, and a burly guard loomed in the entrance."Claudine, you're coming with me," he growled, his voice devoid of emotion.Claudine's instincts flared, but she knew better than to resist. She slowly stood, her joints stiff from months of inactivity. The guard grasped her arm, his grip like a vice, and dragged her out of the cell.To where, where are you taking her Kris said dragging Claudine from the prison guard's handsIt's okay, Kris, I'll be fine Claudine said, trying to stop him from dragging her as he could face punishment for doing that.As they walked, the dim prison corridors seemed to blur together. Claudine's mind raced - where was she being taken? Would she finally see Denzel? Or was this another cruel twist in her never-ending nightmare?The guard thrust her into a cramped, dimly lit room. Claudine stumbled, her eyes adjusting slowly. And then, she saw Ariella looking at her with a face full of disgust."You're free to go. They came here to collect you." The guard saidClaudine's eyes narrowed as she stared at her foster family, her mind racing. Denzel was supposed to come for her, but why were Ariella and her parents here to collect her from prison? It didn't make sense because Ariella was the last person who wanted to see her out of jail.Hey foster sister I decided to bring you out of prison aren't I kind-hearted, Ariella said trying to hide the pain in her eyesClaudine knew something was off but who was she to reject an offer to get out of this place, so she followed them out quietly. Oh God, I didn't have the chance to say goodbye to Kris. I hope you get out soon too, Claudine said in her heartAs the car carried her away from the prison, Claudine's mind whirled with questions. Why had Ariella and her parents come to collect her? And why hadn't Denzel come himself? She thought if anyone was to come and release her, it would be Denzel; Ariella was the last person on her mind she thought would do that. Claudine's gaze drifted out the window, her thoughts consumed by the puzzle.Soon they were home. Home sweet home, baby, Ariella said, jumping out of the car.Claudine knew that she was back to hell, but at least this hell was escapable; encouraging herself a little bit, she began to walk towards the outhouse.Where do you think you're going, Ariella said sneering at herI'm going into the outhouse Claudine said innocentlyOh, I'm sorry, foster sister, but you need to do something first, Ariella said, dragging Claudine by the hair.Honey I need to be at the office. I'll see you later, Mr Zaynader said through his car window.Ok, darling, have a nice day, Janey said, waving at her husband. Then she went into the house.Come, I need you to do some work here, Ariella said, leading her to the kitchen.Ariella's eyes gleamed with malice as she handed Claudine a heavy bucket and scrub brush. "Clean the floors, Claudine. And don't think about slacking off. I'll be watching."Claudine's hands trembled as she took the bucket, her mind racing with resentment. Why was Ariella treating her like a servant? She had just been released from prison, and already she was being subjected to this humiliation; what do I expect from her anyway? It's not like she can ever become nice to me.As she began to scrub the floors, Ariella hovered over her, critiquing her every move. "Faster, Claudine. You're not here to daydream." She poked Claudine's shoulder with her toe, making her wince.Claudine bit back a retort, her anger simmering just below the surface. She knew better than to cross Ariella, not yet. But she couldn't help wondering if Denzel would come for her.As the day wore on, Ariella piled on more tasks, each one more menial and stressful than the last. Claudine's body ached, and her mind reeled. Finally, she had been released; she went to the outhouse and slumped into bed.