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We stood like that for what felt like hours, drawing comfort from one another’s presence.
A part of me wondered if I was being selfish, holding onto her when she might be happier elsewhere.
The Prize Pool, with all its temptations, might be a better place for her.
But the mere thought of losing her — never mind sharing her — was unbearable.
“Ellie,” I began hesitantly, “if you ever wanted to… leave, to go to the Prize Pool or anywhere else, I’d understand.”
She pulled back, her eyes searching mine with an intensity that took my breath away. “Ceara, don’t say that. It’s not about leaving or the Prize Pool. It’s just… something I need to figure out. For myself.”
I nodded, wrapping my arms around her, drawing her close.
The world outside our cell, with all its intrigues and games, faded away.
In that moment, it was just us, two souls intertwined in a dance as old as time.
The journey ahead was uncertain, the path littered with challenges.
But as I held Ellie close, I knew one thing for sure — come what may, we would face it together.
13
ELLIE
The cold metallic walls of our prison cell seemed to reflect my inner turmoil.
With Ceara by my side, I should have been elated.
We were together again, two souls reunited against all odds.
Yet, a gnawing weight sat heavy in my chest.
The secret deal I had made with the Supervisor, a decision made in the heat of desperation, now haunted my every waking moment.
Every morning since my return, I’d wake up, feeling the smooth, coarse fabric of the prison bedding against my skin, and the steady rhythm of Ceara’s heart next to mine.
The faint, musty smell of the prison air filled my nostrils.
He was my anchor, pulling me out from the depths of regret and uncertainty, even if he didn’t know the reason behind them.
This morning, as he was led away for another one of those grueling sessions with the machine, I wanted to scream.
I wanted to tell him everything, about the deal, about my desperation to save him.
But fear — of his disappointment, of shattering the fragile bond we had — kept me silent.
Left alone, the monotony of the cell seemed even more oppressive.
My thoughts were interrupted when the door slid open, and a tray of food was pushed inside.
Glancing up, I saw a guard looking down at me, a flicker of something — pity? — in his eyes.
“We’ve been instructed to give you the best,” he muttered, nodding at the tray.
Curiously, I approached the tray.
The vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma hit me immediately.
