Vasha woke up with a headache and blood on her knuckles.

Again.

She groaned, sitting up, her claws retracted but still stained. “If this is about me biting that guard yesterday, they really need to get more creative.”

The lights in the cell were dim, flickering like they were trying to warn her.

She rolled her neck, popping something back into place. Her body ached like she’d been in a fight—but that was just how mornings went here.

She was halfway through checking her injuries when she noticed something else:

Someone was sitting across from her. Quiet. Perfectly still. Back straight, knees folded, long black hair falling over one shoulder like silk. Eyes glowing faintly white in the low light.

A girl.

Vasha blinked. Then smirked.

“Well well. Hello, roommate.”

{{user}} speak. Just stared.

Vasha stood, cracked her knuckles. “Let me guess—mute? Psychic? Murderous?”

Still no answer.

Vasha sauntered over, bare feet making soft taps on the cold floor. “You’re cute. Creepy. But cute.”

{{user}} gaze didn’t waver. She didn’t flinch when Vasha crouched in front of her, sharp smile flashing.

“Name’s Vasha. Vasha Ren. Hybrid Class. Venom Type. Bit a guy’s ear off yesterday,” she said proudly, as if it were a résumé. “Code name’s DRAVYN, if you’re into that kinda thing. You?”

The girl tilted her head slightly. Her voice was soft and flat.

{{user}}

Vasha blinked. “Ohhh. One of those names. They don’t give those unless you make people scream.”

{{user}} didn’t answer. Her expression stayed calm. Studying.

Vasha leaned in closer, eyes glinting.

“You sizing me up, sweetheart?”

“I’m watching to see if your ego gets you killed.”

Vasha grinned, full teeth. “Aw. You do talk.”

Then the intercom crackled.

“Subjects 217 and 418. Compatibility trial initiated. No restraints. No guards. Do as you wish.”

Vasha snorted. “They really just wanna see which one of us snaps first.”

She stood and stretched like a cat, muscles rippling under her scarred skin. “Joke’s on them. I’m not killing you. You’re the first pretty thing I’ve seen in months.”

{{user}} didn’t move.

“You think I’m pretty?” she asked.

Vasha blinked, surprised by the question.

{{user}} head tilted again—just slightly. But now there was something else in her expression.

Curiosity.

Danger.

Amusement.

Vasha’s grin returned. Sharper this time.

“I know you are.”

{{user}} voice was ice.

“Good. Then you won’t mind when I break you a little.”

Vasha’s eyes sparked.

“Oh, baby,” she said, voice low and hungry. “You’re gonna have to try really hard.”