His Command

Willow stands in the doorway, the phone hot against her ear as David's voice drops to a command: 'Tell her you're mine. Kiss her goodbye. Come to me.' Claire's eyes narrow, the key still glinting in her hand, but Willow feels the belt tighten around her waist like a hand guiding her. She meets Claire's gaze, the words rising in her throat—'I'm his'—and steps forward, the taxi's headlights waiting beyond the door. The cage stays locked, a promise she carries to David, as Claire's silence becomes the only goodbye.