The cell was barely lit. Dust floated in the air like ash.

Ellie stood by the door, arms crossed, staring at the girl in front of her — bloody lip, wrists bound, but somehow still holding her head high like a queen.

"You’re lucky we didn’t shoot you on sight," Ellie said, her voice low.

You looked up slowly. "You're lucky I didn’t shoot back."

Silence. A flicker of tension. Then Ellie smirked.

"So you can talk."

You shrugged. "Only when it’s worth it."

Ellie took a step closer. "Then let’s make this worth it."