Chapter Twenty-Four: An Unexpected Sale
Terry returned home, weary from his encounters in the wastelands. His body bore the marks of his struggles, but his spirit burned brighter, fueled by the victories he had achieved. However, as he neared the gates of Mr. Wesdon's compound, an unshakable sense of unease settled in his chest.
The air felt heavy, the usual hum of activity among the other slaves subdued. A group of them stood huddled near the entrance, whispering in tones that grew hushed when they noticed Terry approaching.
Soden and Curl waited for him by the main hall, their faces clouded with tension. Myia stood nearby, her gaze downcast and hands trembling. The sight of them stirred a deep worry in Terry's heart.
"Terry," Soden began, his voice uncharacteristically quiet, "we need to talk."
"What's going on?" Terry asked, his eyes darting between them.
Curl stepped forward, her fists clenched and her jaw tight. "You've been sold," she said bluntly, her voice laced with anger.
Terry's heart dropped. "What?"
"Mr. Wesdon sold you," Curl repeated, her tone sharp. "To Mr. Shade."
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A Shocking Revelation
Terry staggered back, the words hitting him like a physical blow. "That can't be true. Why would he...?"
Soden placed a hand on his shoulder, his expression grim. "We overheard him. The deal was finalized this morning. Mr. Shade will take possession of you by the end of the week."
Terry's mind raced. "Is it because of the incident in Urther?"
"It's possible," Curl said, her voice bitter. "Or it's just another show of power. Either way, it doesn't matter. He's letting you go like you're nothing."
Myia, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. "This isn't fair," she said, her voice trembling. "You've done so much for him, for everyone. How could he do this?"
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Confrontation
Terry stormed toward Mr. Wesdon's study, his anger bubbling to the surface. Curl and Soden followed close behind, ready to support him. Myia hesitated but trailed after them, her worry evident.
Bursting into the room, Terry found Mr. Wesdon seated at his desk, calmly reviewing a stack of documents. He barely glanced up when Terry entered.
"So, it's true?" Terry demanded. "You sold me?"
Mr. Wesdon set his pen down and folded his hands. "It's true."
"Why?" Terry asked, his voice shaking with both anger and disbelief.
"It's business, Terry," Mr. Wesdon said coolly. "Mr. Shade offered a price I couldn't refuse."
"You can't just sell me like I'm property!" Terry shouted.
Mr. Wesdon's gaze hardened. "You are property, Terry. Don't forget that."
Curl stepped forward, her fists clenched. "You're making a mistake, Wesdon. You'll regret this."
"Enough," Mr. Wesdon said, his tone final. "The deal is done. There's nothing more to discuss."
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Fallout
Back in the slave quarters, the atmosphere was heavy with despair. The other slaves avoided Terry, their eyes filled with pity and fear. Soden paced the room, his frustration evident. Curl sat on a nearby bench, her head in her hands.
"I can't believe this is happening," Soden muttered. "Mr. Shade is ruthless. He'll work you to death."
Terry remained silent, his mind racing. He couldn't accept this fate, not after everything he had been through.
"We have to find a way to stop this," Curl said, her voice muffled.
"How?" Myia asked softly. "What can we do against men like Wesdon and Shade?"
Terry clenched his fists. "I don't know yet. But I won't let them control me. Not anymore."
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A Spark of Resolve
That night, Terry lay awake in his cot, staring at the ceiling. His system had been silent since the announcement of his sale, as if it too was contemplating the situation.
"You cannot escape the chains they place on you. But you can break them."
The system's words echoed in his mind, igniting a spark of determination.
Terry sat up, his jaw set. He wouldn't let Mr. Wesdon or Mr. Shade dictate his fate. He would find a way to reclaim his freedom—no matter the cost.
Curl, Soden, and Myia had stood by him, and he knew they would continue to do so. Together, they would fight against the injustices that bound them.
The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Terry's journey was far from over. And this time, he would write his own destiny.