Elijah Vaughn

The gentle rocking pulled me out of sleep. My body felt heavy, my mind drifting somewhere between dream and reality. A firm voice yanked me back.

“Hey, newbie. Wake up. The gates are almost open.”

My eyelids lifted slowly, blinking several times until the cold concrete ceiling reminded me where I was. For a fleeting moment, I wanted to believe this was all just a nightmare. But it wasn’t. This was reality—harsh and unforgiving.

Inferno Bay.

I swallowed hard and looked down. Fox was leaning against the bars, hands resting on the back of his head. His posture seemed relaxed, but his eyes were sharp and alert.

“If you don’t want to get your ass kicked first thing in the morning, get up before the cells open.”

My body reacted before my brain did. I jumped down from the top bunk, the icy floor biting into my bare feet. My heart pounded, my thoughts still foggy.

Fox didn’t move, his eyes shifting to the hallway just as a guard appeared on the other side of the bars. The man’s impassive gaze scanned each inmate before signaling.

A metallic sound echoed.

The doors opened.

“Shower. Now.”

I stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do.

Fox sighed. “Come on.”

I followed him without question, trying to make sense of it all. My eyes darted around, soaking in every detail. Dark hallways. Overcrowded cells. Men who looked like they belonged to another world. Dangerous stares followed our every step.

Whispers.

Laughter.

My throat went dry when I saw prisoners wearing black uniforms.

The worst of the worst.

Monsters.

The bathroom was packed. Steam clouded the air, mingling with the sound of water cascading from showerheads. Men bathed without shame, but what truly unsettled me was the complete absence of guards.

There was no one to stop anything from happening.

Fox grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward an empty shower stall. The serious look on his face left no room for hesitation.

“Never drop the soap.”

I frowned. “Why?”

A crooked smile tugged at his lips, but his eyes stayed cold.

“Unless you want to get raped.”

A chill ran down my spine. Fear settled deep in my gut.

He patted my shoulder. “Now hurry up—before you draw attention. Fresh meat always does.”

I took a deep breath and began undressing. The vulnerability was suffocating. The hot steam wrapped around us while the other inmates continued their routines, indifferent to my presence.

A sealed bar of soap sat on the floor in front of me. I snatched it quickly and began scrubbing with urgency.

As fast as I could.

Every second in that place felt like a gamble.

When I was done, I just stood there, unsure of what to do.

Fox handed me a towel. I grabbed it, noticing it was damp.

“It’s used.”

“Everything here gets reused. Towels, soap… You got lucky today. Tomorrow, you’ll be handed one that’s already open.”

I grimaced.

He laughed. “I made the same face when I got here.”

I dried off quickly and pulled on the orange uniform. The rough fabric against my warm skin only added to the discomfort.

As we left the bathroom, I noticed the stares.

Cruel smiles.

Predators eyeing helpless prey.

My chest rose and fell rapidly.

Fox noticed and gave my back a light tap.

“Let’s grab breakfast, rookie.”

I swallowed hard and followed his lead.

We descended the metal steps. The echo of footsteps bounced across the cafeteria. The stench of spoiled food mixed with sweat made the air thick and suffocating.

The space was divided.

Small groups scattered around.

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