The Reaching Hand

Warren's fingers brush Claire's palm, and the key is cold and small against his skin as she lets it go. He stands in his slacks and button-down, the belt still hidden beneath his shirt, and feels the weight of the cage between his thighs. Claire watches him, her face unreadable, and says, 'You chose to take it. Now tell me what that means.' The phone on the dresser lights up with another message from David, and Warren's grip tightens on the key as he realizes he now holds the only thing that can set Willow free—or keep her locked away forever.