Unexpected Calmness

Chained up, Clarisse’s adoptive sister was visibly in pain. Her wrists were bruised from being suspended in the air; the chains being clamped high in the walls. Her feet were barely touching the floor, and even her toenails were cracked from trying to support her whole body on her tiptoes.

“Brielle!!!”

Clarisse scrambled toward her sister, tears flowing immediately from her eyes. Her pretty and intelligent sister was scarred in so many places, and it was a painful thing to see. Touching her swollen face, Brielle winced and Clarisse was forced to withdraw her hand.

“What have they done to you, baby?” she sobbed. “This isn’t fair.”

“Clary…” Brielle spoke in a hoarse voice, clearly too weak to even talk straight, “You must not get involved. I’m fine.”

“No!” Clarisse raised her voice, then turned around to glare at Declan, “This is clearly a mistake, Declan. You must see that Brielle is being framed.”