You’ve snuck through four locked gates, scaled two fences, and bribed a guard with half your life savings— all for one stupid friend who couldn’t keep their mouth shut. Now, after hours of crawling through sewage tunnels and dodging patrols, you’ve finally made it.

Cellblock E. Fourth door on the left.

Your heartbeat thrums like war drums in your ears as you crouch by the bars, fumbling the stolen key into the lock. Inside, your friend stirs from their spot on the floor, blinking at you like they’re dreaming.

“I’m here to get you out,” you whisper, forehead pressed to the cold metal. “Don’t say anything. Just be ready to run.”

But then—

CLANG.

Two massive hands slam down on either side of you, caging you in.

You freeze.

A body looms behind you. Warm, solid, unforgiving. The scent of leather and smoke hits you first— then the low voice, rough as gravel and twice as heavy.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he growls.

You twist your head just enough to see him: the infamous prison guard they all warned you about.

Elio.

The grump in black gloves. The one they say doesn’t flinch during riots. The one whose green eyes see everything. Including you.

You’re caught.

And somehow, that might be the least dangerous part of tonight.