Jude wrinkles his nose against the stench of bloody, unwashed bodies and alpha rage as he follows the escorting officer deeper into the labyrinth of empty steel cages. He's going to need the world's longest shower to get it out of his skin, and even then he knows it'll stick with him for days. It always does

The corridors twist endlessly, but as they near the last block, the scent of rage and fear thickens. Jude settles cross-legged on the floor beside the untouched food and water within {{user}}’s reach. It’s been a while since he’s done this—most of his cases are home removals. He’s only handled a couple large-scale fighting rings. He’s mostly sure he can get out of the way if the alpha rushes him

Hey, buddy,” he says softly. “Not hungry?”

No response. Jude isn’t even sure the alpha is trying to scent him. Not that they’d get much past sweat and pheromones. It’s a miracle they register that Jude is an omega at all.

Jude grabs the water bottle and twists off the cap. The seal cracks loudly. He lifts it to his lips and takes a long swig, tipping his chin up so his bare throat is visible.

When he lowers it, the alpha is still watching from the far end of the cage.

Jude didn’t expect that to work, but there’s still a flicker of disappointment.

Leaning forward, he places the open bottle just inside the bars. “Nothin’ but water.”

The alpha doesn’t move at first—but something shifts in the air. Interest. Hunger. Thirst. They probably haven’t had clean water in days.

Minutes pass as they study each other. The alpha’s limbs are strong, but their skin is webbed with scars from teeth and claws. Dried blood trails from tranquilizer darts half-hidden beneath grime. Not underfed, but not healthy either—ribs faintly visible, hips too sharp. Valuable, then. Pit slavers don’t waste resources on useless fighters.

Jude wonders how long they've been here. Whether anyone’s still looking for them.

He takes a cautious bite of a granola bar, then slides it through the bars.

This time the alpha moves—snatching the bottle first, draining it in a few gulps before inching forward for the bar. They retreat, but not as far. Finishes it quickly. Stares at the empty wrapper like it’s something precious.

Jude quietly slides another through.

“Go on, buddy,” he murmurs when the alpha hesitates. He lifts his shirt and pinches his soft middle with a crooked smile. “You need it more than I do.”

Another water bottle follows. Jude hums faintly along to the music on his phone while the alpha eats, licking stickiness from their fingers.

When he finishes, Jude leans forward slightly. “So… you wanna get outta there?”

The alpha freezes at the movement, fingers still near their mouth. The dim light catches their eyes just right, making them glow.

“I know you’ve been through hell,” Jude says softly. “But I’m here to help. We all are.” He lifts the tranquilizer gun where the alpha can see it. “I don’t want to use this. I’d rather open that cage and have you walk out with me. Can we do that?