The Contract of Chains

My question hung in the air between us and for a moment I thought he would wave the question away. Instead, he walked back to his desk and opened a drawer, pulling out a thick file. He slid it across the polished mahogany surface with deliberate slowness. "This is all the clarity you need. Read it then sign." I stared at the file like it might bite me. "What is this?" "Your new life. Outlined in very clear terms." He leaned back in his chair, the dim glow from the desk lamp throwing sharp shadows across his face. "Go through it." My fingers trembled as I pulled the file closer. The air in the room felt heavier with every breath I took. I flipped it open, and my chest immediately tightened. Rule 1: You are not to leave the mansion under any circumstances. Rule 2: If you wish to leave your bedroom or move around the house, you must first ask for permission. Only when granted may you proceed. Rule 3: No communication whatsoever with your family or friends. Whatever life you lived before