Chapter 1: Idyllic Drive

Clarence sat in the passenger seat of the car, watching the world go by through the window. The landscape around was a vibrant green, the trees reaching up towards the bright blue sky. He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as they drove through this idyllic countryside.

As they passed by a small town, Clarence noticed a group of children playing in the fields, their laughter echoing through the air. He wondered what it would be like to grow up in such a peaceful place, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

But as the car continued down the winding road, Clarence couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness that had been lingering since he received the invitation to the secluded estate. The loss of his father in that weird accident had left him alone in the world. Well, alone until that lawyer informed him that he actually had a mother and a sister. It was a big surprise for him to learn about his father’s divorce and that he had an older sister. Apparently his mother had left soon after Clarence was born, without even waiting to wean him. She took her daughter, who was already 2 years old at that time, and chose to leave Clarence with his father.

But now, the 15-year old boy was on his way to meet them. He had a lot of questions, and hoped to get answers. Despite his apprehensions, Clarence couldn't deny the beauty of the surroundings. The lush landscape seemed to stretch on forever, a stark contrast to the concrete jungle he was used to.

As they pulled up to the entrance of the estate, Clarence's heart began to race. He had no idea what to expect, but he suspected that whatever lay ahead would mean a huge change in his life.

The car came to a stop in front of a grand Victorian mansion, its weathered brick facade partially obscured by thick ivy. Clarence took a deep breath, his hand hesitating on the door handle. The driver, a taciturn man who hadn't spoken more than a few words during the journey, turned to him with an unreadable expression.

"We're here, sir," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "Shall I take your bags to the house?"

Clarence took a deep breath, steadying himself as he stepped out of the car.

He nodded, unable to find his voice. As he stepped out of the car, the crisp country air filled his lungs, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and freshly cut grass. The gravel crunched beneath his feet as he made his way towards the imposing front door.

Each step feeling heavier than the last, Clarence couldn't help but wonder about the life he could have had here. Would he have been happier growing up in this place, surrounded by nature and family? Or was he better with his dad, poor but loved?

Before he could reach for the ornate brass knocker, the door swung open, revealing a tall, elegant woman in her late thirties. She said only one word. “Clarence?”

Clarence froze, his heart pounding in his chest. The woman before him had his own eyes - a striking shade of hazel that seemed to shift colors in the light. He swallowed hard, trying to find his voice.

"Yes," he managed to croak out. "I'm Clarence."

The woman's smile widened, and tears welled up in her eyes. Without warning, she stepped forward and enveloped him in a tight embrace. Clarence stood stiffly, unsure how to react to this sudden display of affection from a stranger who was supposedly his mother.

"Oh, my boy," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I've waited so long for this moment."

As she pulled away, Clarence caught a glimpse of movement behind her. A young woman, just a teen actually, peered around the doorframe with curiosity etched on her face.

"Please, come in. We've been expecting you."

As Clarence stepped into the foyer, he was struck by the grandeur of the interior. Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, and ornate rugs covered gleaming hardwood floors. The air was heavy with the scent of old books and furniture polish.

She didn’t repeat the previous display of emotion. Her face was calm while she ushered him in to what looked like a very ornate library. Sitting on an armchair, a distinguished man in is early sixties was reading a book. He raised his eyes.

“Master, my son is here,” his mother announced.

The man stood up, his movements slow and deliberate. He was tall and lean, with silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through Clarence. The boy felt a chill run down his spine as the man approached, his gaze never wavering.

"Welcome, Clarence," the man said, his voice deep and resonant. "I am Elias Blackwood. I hope you had a pleasant trip.”

Clarence's heart raced as he looked at the man his mother had called Master. Was she his housekeeper, perhaps? He had only seen such titles used in old movies, like the ones Mrs. Grayson loved to watch, and of course, in Batman comics.

The Master's imposing gaze fell upon the woman, who seemed to shrink under his commanding presence. "Dear, please bring us some refreshments," he ordered with a deep and authoritative voice. Clarence watched as his mother scurried to comply, her movements quick yet efficient.

“Sit,” the man ordered. Clarence sat, surprised.

Clarence sat in silence, his mind racing with questions and confusion. He couldn't believe what was happening - just a few hours ago, he was a lonely orphan living in a small town foster home and now he was sitting in the luxurious home of a man who seemed to be some sort of wealthy, powerful figure.

As he waited for his mother to return with refreshments, Clarence couldn't help but notice the stunning young woman standing by the doorway. She was tall, with long blonde hair that cascaded down her back. Her blue eyes were striking against her fair complexion and she had full, red lips that seemed to be painted on.

Clarence assumed she was his sister, or maybe the Master's daughter. But as she moved closer to him, he noticed that she was wearing revealing clothing - a short black dress that barely covered her curves and long legs.

She walked over to stand behind Elias Blackwood's chair, her hand resting on his shoulder possessively as she leaned down to whisper something in his ear. Clarence couldn't make out what was said but he could feel their intense connection even from where he sat.

"Ah, here are our refreshments," the Master said as his mother entered the room carrying a tray of tea and pastries. She placed it on the coffee table in front of them before quietly taking her place next to her Master.

The girl standing behind Mr. Blackwood spoke for the first time. "I'm Anastasia, your sister" she introduced herself with a timid smile directed at Clarence.

"I-I'm Clarence," he stuttered out nervously.

Anastasia's smile widened as if she found his nervousness amusing. "I know. Welcome to your new home."

Clarence's mind raced - new home? Did that mean he would be staying here? The thought both excited and terrified him at the same time.

"Thank you, but I don't understand. Why did you leave me? Why did you leave Dad?

The woman simply looked at the floor.

“Why didn't I know about any of you until now?" he insisted.

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. His mother looked at Mr. Blackwood, begging him with her eyes. Mr. Blackwood gave her a condescending smile and turned to him. “Well, young man, I could make up a lot of excuses or bullshit, but I believe the truth must be paramount in every circumstance. You may find it uncomfortable, but in the end it’s for the best. You see, your mother is my slave. She has served me since long before she married your father. Unfortunately, fate decreed me to be sterile. Therefore, her mission was to find a man with the right genes to get her pregnant and have one or two daughters to serve me.”

Clarence was astounded. Of all crazy explanations, this one was one he had never imagined.

“When she had a daughter I ordered her to have another daughter and then divorce your father. Obviously you aren’t a girl, so I ordered your mother to divorce him anyway and leave you with him.”

Clarence felt as if the floor had dropped out from beneath him. His mind reeled, trying to process the shocking information. He looked at his mother, searching for any sign that this was some cruel joke, but her face was a mask of sorrow and shame. She wouldn't meet his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Clarence," she whispered. "I never wanted to leave you, but I had no choice."

"This... this can't be true," Clarence stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're a slave? And you were ordered to abandon us?"

“That’s correct.” The man’s smile never wavered.

"This... this can't be real," Clarence stammered, backing away from Elias. "You're insane. All of you."

His sister finally spoke up from her place, her voice soft but firm. "It's true, Clarence. We've been raised to serve Master Elias. It's our purpose, our duty."

Clarence shook his head violently, his breath coming in short gasps. "No. No, I don't believe this. I won't be a part of whatever sick game you're playing."

“You are free to leave, of course,” Elias continued. “However, doing so means that the second you cross the exit gate you will never be allowed to enter again. Right now you have no money, no transport, no education. Do you really want to end homeless and starving?”

Clarence's mind raced, trying to process the impossible situation he found himself in. He looked from Elias to his mother to his sister, searching their faces for any sign that this was all some elaborate hoax. But he saw only cold resolve in Mr. Blackwood’s eyes, shame in his mother's, and a strange mixture of pity and acceptance in his sister's eyes.

"I... I need some air," Clarence stammered, stumbling backwards towards the door. His mother made a move as if to stop him, but her Master held up a hand, halting her in her tracks.

"Let him go, Evelyn," he said coolly. "He needs time to process this. He'll come around."

 

Chapter 2: Flashback

Clarence shuffled down the cracked sidewalk, backpack slung over one shoulder, eyes fixed on the ground. Another day, another foster home. He'd lost count of how many he'd been through since his dad died. As he approached the weathered house where he currently resided, he noticed an unfamiliar car parked out front - a sleek silver Audi that looked wildly out of place in this rundown neighborhood.

His foster mother, Mrs. Grayson, was waiting on the porch, wringing her hands nervously. "Clarence, dear," she called out as he trudged up the steps. "There's someone here to see you."

Clarence's heart sank. Probably another social worker with more bad news. He followed Mrs. Grayson into the cluttered living room, where a petite woman with auburn hair sat perched on the edge of the sagging couch.

Mrs. Rodriguez, the social worker, was ambivalent about her job. One thing was to get endangered children out of unstable situations, and another was to tell a boy whose world had suddenly crumbled that his future was uncertain. But in this case, she hoped it would be a good day.

“Hi, Clarence. I’m Mrs. Rodriguez, your case worker.”

Clarence nodded with a timid “Hi.”

She looked at the file in her hands. “Clarence Evans. Age 15. Father died in a car accident. No relatives known, he has been living in foster care for six months now.”

The photo showed a scrawny boy, looking at the camera with frightened eyes.

Under normal circumstances, the procedure called for keeping him in foster care until he became of age and then release him to the world. The system tried to give him an education so he could fend by himself at that time, but as with so many other government programs, the theory didn’t match the practice.

“I have good news for you, dear,” she started. We have received a message from your birth mother.”

Clarence was astounded. “My mother?” As far as he could recall, his father has never mentioned his mother. He knew she had abandoned them when he was only months old, to never be heard of her again. “How, I mean, how can it be?”

The social worker smiled gently, trying to soften the blow of the unexpected news. "Yes, your mother. She has reached out to us. She only recently discovered what happened to your father."

Clarence's mind raced, a whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. Anger, confusion, and a tiny spark of hope all battled for dominance. "But why now?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why after all these years?"

The social worker hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I don't have all the details, Clarence. She didn't provide many details. But what I do know is that she's expressed a desire to reconnect with you. Her name is Evelyn Carter, she's living in California now and... well, she's offered to take you in."

Clarence's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. He tried to picture his mother - a faceless woman who had been nothing more than a vague concept for his entire life. Now, suddenly, she was real. She was out there, wanting to see him.

“I… I have a mom,” he said, incredulous.

“And an older sister,” the social worker said.

 

The revelation hit Clarence like a thunderbolt. "A sister?" he repeated, his voice cracking. "I have a sister?"

The social worker nodded, her expression softening further. "Yes, her name is Anastasia. She's 17, about to start college."

Clarence slumped back in his chair, overwhelmed by the flood of information.  In the span of a few minutes, his world had expanded exponentially. A mother, a sister - a family he never knew existed. The loneliness that had been his constant companion since his father's death seemed to recede slightly, replaced by a whirlwind of questions and possibilities.

"I don't understand," he said, shaking his head. "Why didn't my dad ever tell me about them?"

The social worker sighed. "I'm afraid I don't have those answers, Clarence. Your mother's message didn't go into much detail about the past. She seems more focused on the future - on getting to know you now."

"What... what happens now?" he asked, his voice trembling.

The social worker's warm brown eyes met Clarence's as she leaned forward in her chair, clasping her hands together. She spoke in a gentle but firm tone, giving him options to consider. "You have a choice, Clarence. You can stay in foster care here in Ohio, or you can choose to meet your mother and sister who are waiting for you in California."

“I suppose I’ll go to California, then.” Although Mrs. Grayson’s home was okay compared to other foster homes, Clarence didn’t want to stay one more day on foster care.

“Excellent,” Mrs. Rodriguez beamed. “I will inform your mother and she will do all the travel arrangements.”

As Mrs. Rodriguez walked out the door, Clarence's mind was racing with conflicting thoughts. He needed to sort through them in solitude, but he shared a small bedroom with two other boys. The garden seemed like the perfect escape, yet even there he couldn't find true solitude. He retreated to a secluded corner, but his mind was still buzzing with doubts and uncertainties.

Clarence sat in the garden, his mind swirling with questions. Why hadn't his father ever mentioned his mother and sister? What had happened to them? And why had they suddenly resurfaced now?

He leaned back against the tree trunk, gazing up at the sky. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the garden. But Clarence felt anything but warm. He couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal that simmered within him.

"Why, Dad?" he whispered to the wind. "Why didn't you tell me about Mom?"

Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as memories flooded back. He remembered how much he had missed having a mother growing up - watching other kids hug their mothers on school pick-up days, making cards for Mother's Day in class while he silently cried in the corner.

But most of all, he remembered how much his father had loved him and taken care of him. It was always just the two of them against the world. His father's death had left a void in his life that no one could fill.

And now here was his mother, wanting to be a part of it all. It didn't make sense to Clarence - why would she leave him and never look back? Why would she only come back into his life now after all these years?

A rustling sound caught Clarence's attention and he turned to see Mrs. Rodriguez walking towards him.

"Mrs. Rodriguez," he said with surprise. "I thought you left already."

"I did," she replied with a smile. "But I wanted to check on you before I went home."

Clarence couldn't help but feel touched by her concern.

"How are you holding up?" Mrs. Rodriguez asked gently.

Clarence shrugged, unable to put into words what he was feeling.

"Confused?" Mrs.Rodriguez offered.

"Yes," Clarence admitted with a sigh.

Mrs. Rodriguez sat down next to him, her presence a comforting anchor in the storm of his emotions. "It's okay to feel confused, Clarence. This is a lot to take in."

Clarence nodded, grateful for her understanding. "I just... I don't know how to feel about any of this. My mom, my sister - they're strangers to me. And yet, they're supposed to be family."

Mrs. Rodriguez listened patiently as Clarence poured out his heart. He told her about the loneliness he'd felt growing up without a mother, about the deep bond he'd shared with his father, and about the fear that gripped him now at the prospect of starting over with people he didn't know.

"What if they don't like me?" he whispered, voicing his deepest fear. "What if I go all the way to California and it doesn't work out?"

Mrs. Rodriguez tried to reassure him with a smile. "Don't worry, it'll all work out," she said gently. "They wouldn't have gone through the trouble of finding you if they weren't willing to embrace you as part of their family."

“I suppose you’re right,” Clarence smiled her back.

“I’ll be here tomorrow to take you to the airport, so please be ready.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be ready.” Clarence saw Mrs. Rodriguez leave. “She’s right,” he thought. “If they didn’t want me they wouldn’t have bothered to find me.” With that thought, he stood up and went to gather his few belongings.

 

 

As Clarence lay on the soft blades of grass, he struggled to make sense of the words that had shattered his world. His own mother, a slave? He couldn't fathom it. How could a human being be reduced to mere property? And yet, as he thought about her unwavering obedience, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger and betrayal. How could she leave him behind without a second thought? How could she give her own daughter to become another slave? The conflicting emotions churned inside him, leaving him feeling lost and unsure of what to do next.

What was the purpose of bringing him here? Why couldn't they just leave him in the foster care system? And why did they choose to reveal their existence to him now? He couldn't wrap his head around how drastically his life had been transformed in a single day.

Suddenly, a shadow cast itself over Clarence's frame. He lifted his head to see his supposed sister, staring at him with concern etched into her features. Her eyes were wide and full of empathy as she spoke.

"Are you alright, Clarence?" Her words were gentle and laced with worry.

"What do you want?" He snapped defensively, still feeling the sting from their previous encounter.

"My master instructed me to check on you," she explained, her tone soft and apologetic.

Clarence couldn't help but notice the subtle nuances in the girl's words. Not " I wanted " or " I thought ," but " My master instructed me ." It became clear that this girl, though biologically related to him, was not truly his sister in any meaningful sense.

"Why am I here?" He asked, wanting answers.

"My master ordered my mother to bring you here," the girl replied, her eyes downcast.

"But why?" Clarence pressed. "She hasn't even tried to find me in the past fifteen years."

“Oh, she has always known where you were.” she said.

Another shock. He wouldn’t be here if not for her mother’s Master. His mom simply didn’t care.

“Again, why am I here?”

"I'm not privy to my master's plans," came her simple response.

So it was clear for Clarence - it wasn't his mother who wanted him here, but her master. The one who owned her like a piece of property. The one who controlled her every move and decision.

From a young age, Clarence had been forced to rely on his own resourcefulness and cunning. The foster homes he'd been shuffled between had been far from ideal, some even downright dangerous. But he had persevered through sheer determination and a sharp intellect. However, Mrs. Grayson had been the exception - unlike other foster parents, she had truly cared for her wards and helped Clarence thrive despite his difficult circumstances.

As he looked around the sprawling gardens, the girl's concerned voice rang out, her clear blue eyes scanning his face for any hint of discomfort. Sunlight danced through the leaves above, casting dappled shadows along the path as birds chirped merrily in the distance. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers and fresh grass, providing a comforting backdrop to their conversation. "Again, are you alright?" she asked, her concern evident in every word.

The girl's worried voice echoed through the spacious gardens, her clear blue eyes scanning his face for any sign of discomfort.

He looked around in awe, taking in the grandeur of the place. The opulence was unlike anything he had ever seen before - the imposing mansion with its intricate architecture, the lush gardens bursting with exotic blooms and ripe fruits. Surely, the people who lived here dined on pheasant and other indulgent delicacies every day. A bitter pang of resentment flickered within him as he recalled the master's threatening words: “ Leave, and you'll be homeless and starving. ” His mother had not protested this ultimatum at all, further solidifying his belief that she was not on his side. Despite his anger, he couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity in this situation - just another foster home to add to the long list of temporary residences he had been sent to.

But he refused to let himself succumb to self-pity or fear. "I've survived before, I will survive now," he reminded himself firmly.

"I'm fine," he managed to say. "What did your master say?"

"He only ordered me to check on you," she replied softly, sensing his underlying tension.

"Can I… can I stay out here for a while? To process everything? I won’t leave, I promise," he asked tentatively.

She smiled sympathetically. "My master didn't order me to bring you inside, so I suppose it's okay. I should go report to him now." With that, she turned and made her way back towards the house, leaving him alone with his thoughts in the tranquil gardens filled with fragrant scents and peaceful stillness.

Clarence watched the girl disappear into the house, her long dress swishing behind her. He let out a deep sigh and turned his attention back to the beautiful gardens. He didn't know how long he had been standing there, lost in thought, but a soft voice startled him out of his reverie.

"Hello there."

He turned around to see an elderly woman with kind brown eyes approaching him. She wore a simple blue dress and carried a basket filled with freshly-picked fruits.

"You must be Clarence," she said with a warm smile. "I'm Mrs. Rosewood, the head housekeeper here."

Clarence nodded nervously, unsure of what to say. Mrs. Rosewood's presence was comforting and he found himself relaxing just a little bit.

"I hope you don't mind me intruding on your thoughts," she continued kindly. "I saw you from my window and thought I'd come say hello."

Clarence shrugged. "It's fine."

Mrs. Rosewood chuckled softly. "You seem like a quiet one," she observed.

"I guess," Clarence muttered, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

"Well, there's nothing wrong with being quiet," Mrs. Rosewood reassured him. "In fact, sometimes it's just what we need."

Clarence couldn't help but feel slightly taken aback by her kindness and genuine interest in him.

"This place is beautiful," he blurted out before he could stop himself.

Mrs. Rosewood beamed with pride as she held out her hand towards the sprawling gardens. "As you can see, it is quite lovely here," she declared. "Master Blackwood takes great care in maintaining this beautiful estate." She nodded towards the grand mansion behind them, its grand columns and pristine white walls shimmering in the sunlight.

Clarence's stomach churned at the mention of the man who owned his mother and sister, and now possibly himself. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease and fear that washed over him.

"I still don't understand why I am here," he spoke up, unable to contain his confusion.

Mrs. Rosewood crouched down next to him, her kind eyes studying him. "I'm sure Master Blackwood will explain everything soon. In the meantime, are you feeling hungry?"

Her words reminded Clarence that he had not eaten since morning, not even the forgotten pastries left for him in the library. His survival instincts as an orphan kicked in and he realized he couldn't pass up food. " I must eat whenever I have the chance ," he thought bitterly. "Yes, I am a bit hungry," he replied, trying to hide his true feelings.

"Then come with me to the kitchen. I'll fix you something to eat," Mrs. Rosewood stood up and gestured for him to follow her. He hesitated for a moment before standing up and trailing behind her, wondering what kind of food awaited him in this unfamiliar place.

 

Clarence sat at the kitchen table, eagerly devouring a steaming bowl of stew. The savory aroma filled the room, making his stomach growl with hunger. Suddenly, his mother appeared in the doorway, causing him to pause mid-bite.

She studied him for a moment before speaking. "I see you have quite an appetite," she remarked with a faint smile.

Clarence nodded, not wanting to waste any more time on talking when there was delicious food in front of him.

"My master sent me to check on you," she continued, her tone serious. "He ordered me to answer any questions you may have about me or my daughter. But I won't speak of him."

Clarence simply nodded again and resumed eating, showing no interest in questioning her.

Evelyn's surprise was evident on her face. She had expected the boy to be full of questions and had mentally prepared herself to answer them all honestly.

"Are you sure?" she pressed, "At the library, you seemed very inquisitive."

"I am sure," Clarence replied coolly, still not looking up from his food. "Your master has already told me everything I need to know."

Her smile faltered slightly, but she maintained her composure. "Well, I am here for you if you ever change your mind and want to ask questions."

"I'll keep that in mind," he responded with a polite smile, though his eyes remained guarded and distant.

Looking at the retreating figure, he heard Mrs. Rosewood’s voice behind him. “I’m sure she loves you, Honey.” He looked up. “Maybe. Can I have some more?” He asked, pointing at his empty bowl.

 

Chapter 3: First steps

One of the things Clarence had learned in all those foster homes, besides never rejecting food, was how to trust his wits to survive. It had served him well, helping him avoid being bullied by older boys or escape the ire of Mr. Branson, the functional alcoholic who was his third (or fourth?) foster father when he was 12. He could lie his way out of problems and put on the "little boy lost" act, although he admitted he was becoming too old for that.

But right now, he was upset with himself for showing weakness at the library. He should have been more careful, but the idea of having a mother, a family, had made him temporarily lower his defenses and be caught off guard. He decided that he wouldn't let it happen again.

Clarence found himself in unfamiliar territory, terra incognita . He smiled at the thought. Old Branson was an alcoholic with a biblical view on spankings, but he also had a well-stocked library in his studio. Clarence would spend hours there, both to remain unnoticed by the other kids and to satisfy his insatiable curiosity about the world beyond the backwards town where he lived. And now, he needed to stay alert at all times.

 

 

Evelyn Carter sat in her bedroom, looking at the family picture on her nightstand. It was a photo of her, her husband and their two kids, taken a few months before she left him, taking their daughter with her. Her son Clarence was only six months at the time, but he had the biggest smile on his face.

Evelyn sighed, feeling a bit sad. She had dreamed about this moment for years – the moment she would see her son again after being separated for so long. She had thought it would be a happy reunion, full of tears and hugs and apologies for leaving him behind. But unfortunately, things hadn't gone as she had imagined.

Instead of a heartwarming meeting with her son, she had been faced with Master’s plan – a direct approach to introduce Clarence to their world without any explanation or preparation beforehand. And while she trusted her Master’s judgment, she couldn't help but feel guilty and disappointed that she couldn't have more control over this situation.

She remembered her meeting with Master earlier that day, where he announced her his decision to reveal everything to Clarence. No explanation was given for that.

Evelyn knew that Master always had good reasons for his decisions, even if he didn't always share them with others. She also knew that it was not her place to question Him. If He thought this was the best way to handle things, then it must be so.

But still, seeing how guarded and suspicious Clarence’s face had become during their meeting made Evelyn worry about how he would adjust to their community. She wanted him to be happy and comfortable with who he truly was, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that things could have been handled differently.

With a heavy heart, Evelyn put away the photo and got up from bed. She decided to trust in Master’s plan and do everything in her power to make sure Clarence felt loved and accepted in their midst. After all, she owed him.

 

 

Elias Blackwood was not a happy man. As the head of the community, he valued order and stability above all else. That’s why when an unexpected disturbance appeared in his peaceful life, he couldn’t help but feel annoyed.

It was a tradition in their community that once every ten years, the most deserving slave would be granted a grace. Although it was not mandatory for masters to fulfill these requests, denying them would result in a huge loss of face. The requests could range from simple things like better accommodations or more freedom, to more complicated ones such as being sold to a supposedly less demanding master or being allowed to impregnate or be impregnated.

But the one thing that rarely happened – almost never – was a request for freedom. It was highly frowned upon by the community, and only one instance came to Elias’ mind. It had happened when he was a child. He remembered it vividly – a male slave had asked Elias’ father for his freedom and, surprisingly enough, he had granted it.

But sadly, the poor man had been a slave for too long, and was unable to function in the outside world. He had died alone, homeless and lost without his master’s guidance.

And now there was another weird request that he had been bound to grant – Evelyn’s request to bring her son Clarence to live with her.

Elias sat deep in thought at his desk when there was a knock on his door. It was Evelyn herself, looking anxious and worried.

“Master,” she greeted him respectfully.

“Evelyn,” Elias replied, gesturing for her to speak.

She walked closer to him and spoke, “Permission to speak, Master?”

“Granted,” he said, nodding for her to continue.

“Master, my son’s reaction was not as I expected, and I’m a bit worried.”

Elias raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Do you want me to send him back?” he asked calmly. “It would be the solution to this problem.”

“Oh, no, Master,” Evelyn quickly responded. “I… I just imagined it would be different, that’s all.”

“You requested him to be brought here, and I granted your grace,” Elias reminded her. “Besides that, everything related to him is your responsibility, so I suggest you act accordingly.” His tone turned stern as he added, “Do not bother me with it.”

A bit disappointed by Elias’ lack of concern or empathy towards her situation with Clarence, Evelyn inclined her head and said in a respectful tone, “Of course, Master.”

She turned to leave the room but stopped at the door. She took a deep breath before speaking again.

“If I may make a suggestion...do I have your permission to ease Clarence into our community slowly? He has never experienced anything like this before and it may take some time for him to adjust.”

Elias simply nodded, his thoughts already somewhere else.

Evelyn made her way back to her quarters, deep in thought. She couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle in her stomach. She had hoped that her Master would understand how difficult it would be for Clarence to adjust and offer some help or guidance. But it seemed like he would not be of help.

She knew she couldn't rely on her Master for anything regarding Clarence, so she resolved to take matters into her own hands. She would have to find a way to introduce Clarence to their lifestyle slowly and make sure he was comfortable with it.

She went to find her daughter.

Evelyn found Anastasia in the library, as usual. When she was not servicing their Master, her daughter was always lost in books, her imagination taking her to faraway places and different worlds.

She cleared her throat to get Anastasia's attention, causing her to jump slightly in surprise.

"What did Master say?" Anastasia asked, closing her book and giving her mother her full attention.

Evelyn sighed, "He said it was my problem to solve."

"I told you it was a bad idea, Mom" Anastasia replied with a disapproving shake of her head.

"I know, but I've lived so many years knowing that your brother lived as an orphan that when the grace came, bringing him to us was the only thing I could ask," Evelyn explained with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Well, now we have to deal with him. Let's hope we can make him understand and accept us."

Anastasia paused for a moment before suggesting, "Maybe we can start by introducing him slowly to our lifestyle?"

Evelyn nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's a good idea. We can't expect him to understand everything at once."

"Exactly," Anastasia replied with a smile. "We'll just have to be patient and understanding with him."

The two women spent the rest of the evening devising a plan on how they could ease Clarence into their lifestyle and community without overwhelming or scaring him. They wanted him to feel like he belonged and not like an outsider.

But even with their best efforts, they knew it wouldn't be easy. Clarence had grown up in poverty and had never known luxury or comfort. On the other hand, he had also grown up free and their slavery cult would be an even bigger adjustment for him.

 

 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Rosewood had taken Clarence to his new bedroom.

“It’s not much, I know, but it’s comfortable and clean,” she told Clarence.

He nodded. Compared to some places he had been, this small room was the epitome of luxury.

It was a small but cozy room, with a single bed, a desk, and a bookshelf filled with books. He didn’t know, but Evelyn had spent the whole afternoon cleaning and decorating it, wanting to make sure it felt like home for her son.

“Surely you’re tired from your trip. Why don't you lie down for a while? I’m sure your mother will come from you if you’re needed elsewhere.“

Clarence turned to Mrs. Rosewood. Time to turn on that old young charm. “Thank you, Mrs. Rosewood!” he said, hugging her as if she were an old, dear aunt. Clearly surprised by this gesture, she smiled and patted his back. “It’s okay, Dear. See you at dinner time.”

After Mrs. Rosewood left, Clarence took stock of his surroundings. His bag was already there, so he explored the small bathroom. He felt more tired than dirty, so he decided to sleep first and take a shower later.

He lay on the bed with his eyes closed, and very soon he fell asleep. It was not a peaceful sleep.

After a few hours he woke up, trembling. It had been a very real dream, where he was being held by chains and whipped by an invisible master. Clarence sat up on his bed, heart pounding against his chest. Sweat trickled down his back, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped and controlled.

He looked around the room, trying to ground himself in reality. It was just a dream, he told himself. But as he looked at the books on the shelf, his eyes fell on one particular title “ The Slave Goddess ”. It was a richly bound volume, a figure of a blindfolded, chained woman on the cover. His hands picked up the book and flipped through its pages. He couldn't believe what he was reading - accounts of people willingly giving themselves up to be slaves, descriptions of ceremonies and rituals that involved submission and obedience.

Clarence's mind raced with questions. How could anyone choose to be enslaved? And why would his mother be a part of such a cult?

He knew he needed answers, but they would need to wait. He decided to take that shower now.

The water was a blissful relief from the harsh reality of his foster home. He had grown accustomed to cold showers, but this warm stream enveloped him in comfort and relaxation. He let out a content sigh and lingered in the soothing embrace, savoring every moment. The steam rose around him, caressing his skin and carrying away at least some of his stress and worry. For a brief moment, he forgot about his troubled past and simply allowed himself to bask in the warmth and tranquility of the moment.

As he left the bathroom wrapped only in a towel, Clarence found Evelyn sitting on his bed. She looked up as he entered and smiled at him.

"Hey Son," she said.

“Oh… hello, Mother,” he greeted politely, though his heart raced with anxiety. He was not bothered by his near nakedness, having long ago shed any sense of modesty while living in a crowded orphanage. However, now that he faced his mother, he couldn't help but notice the necklace adorning her neck. It bore a pendant, a replica of the figurine he had seen on the cover of the mysterious book: A bound woman, kneeling in chains and blindfolded, her posture one of submission. The sight sent a chill down his spine as he remembered the few paragraphs he had read in the book. He couldn’t but imagine what dark rituals and sacrifices would be performed by those who worshiped the figure depicted on the pendant.

"So, Dear," Evelyn tried to start a conversation. "How are you feeling?"

Clarence shrugged. "I'm still taking everything in, I guess."

Evelyn gestured for him to sit down next to her on the bed and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I understand this is all new and overwhelming for you, but I want you to know that I'm here for you."

“As you were here for me the last fifteen years?” he asked.

Evelyn winced at that. “I’m so sorry about it, but I could not bring you with me. Someday I will explain you why.” Clarence briefly looked at the pendant and decided not to delve deeper into it. Right now he was in survival mode, and that meant that uncomfortable questions could wait.

Evelyn took a deep breath before continuing, "I spoke with Master Elias about your arrival and he has agreed to let me ease you into our community slowly."

Clarence's eyes widened in surprise. "Community? Like a cult or something?"

"We will talk about it later. Now, Master may not seem to, but he does care about us," Evelyn said reassuringly. "He just has different ways of showing it."

Clarence nodded, still unsure about his situation.

"So what do we do now?" he asked.

"We'll start by getting you some clothes that fit this house," Evelyn replied. "And then we can work on introducing you to the other slaves and their duties."

Clarence asked, concerned: “Am I going to become a slave, too?”

Evelyn gave him a reassuring smile. "No, Dear. To become a slave a person must not only request to become one, but be accepted by a Master, too.”

“So nobody forced you to become a slave?” he asked, cursing himself as soon as the words left his mouth. But Evelyn didn’t seem to read between the lines.

“I’m a slave because that’s why I was born to be,” she answered, looking him in the eyes. “I don’t expect you to understand, just to accept it.”

Clarence's mind was reeling at the revelation that his mother, the woman who had abandoned him and his father, was living willingly as someone else's property. He couldn't help but think about his father’s death and the hardships he had suffered, while this woman and his sister were serving that prick they called their master. He remembered the prick’s words: “ her mission was to find a man with the right genes to get her pregnant and have one or two daughters to serve me.” She hadn’t loved her father, she was just following orders. And he had been a defective product, therefore left behind.

It was then that he decided that this woman who called herself his mother was the enemy. Therefore, he knew better than to voice these thoughts aloud, instead nodding along with a carefully crafted mask of acceptance on his face.

“What will become of me?” he asked. It was a logical question, so he didn’t think she would be taken aback by it.

“Well, you will be living in this household just like us, but your role will be different."

Clarence looked confused. "What do you mean?"