CHAPTER 02

Elijah Vaughn

The gentle rocking pulled me out of sleep. My body felt heavy, my mind drifting somewhere between dream and reality. A firm voice yanked me back.

"Hey, newbie. Wake up. The gates are almost open."

My eyelids lifted slowly, blinking several times until the cold concrete ceiling reminded me where I was. For a fleeting moment, I wanted to believe this was all just a nightmare. But it wasn’t. This was reality—harsh and unforgiving.

Inferno Bay.

I swallowed hard and looked down. Fox was leaning against the bars, hands resting on the back of his head. His posture seemed relaxed, but his eyes were sharp and alert.

"If you don’t want to get your ass kicked first thing in the morning, get up before the cells open."

My body reacted before my brain did. I jumped down from the top bunk, the icy floor biting into my bare feet. My heart pounded, my thoughts still foggy.

Fox didn’t move, his eyes shifting to the hallway just as a guard appeared on the other side of the bars. The man’s impassive gaze scanned each inmate before signaling.

A metallic sound echoed.

The doors opened.

"Shower. Now."

I stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do.

Fox sighed. "Come on."

I followed him without question, trying to make sense of it all. My eyes darted around, soaking in every detail. Dark hallways. Overcrowded cells. Men who looked like they belonged to another world. Dangerous stares followed our every step.

Whispers.

Laughter.

My throat went dry when I saw prisoners wearing black uniforms.

The worst of the worst.

Monsters.

The bathroom was packed. Steam clouded the air, mingling with the sound of water cascading from showerheads. Men bathed without shame, but what truly unsettled me was the complete absence of guards.

There was no one to stop anything from happening.

Fox grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward an empty shower stall. The serious look on his face left no room for hesitation.

"Never drop the soap."

I frowned. "Why?"

A crooked smile tugged at his lips, but his eyes stayed cold.

"Unless you want to get raped."

A chill ran down my spine. Fear settled deep in my gut.

He patted my shoulder. "Now hurry up—before you draw attention. Fresh meat always does."

I took a deep breath and began undressing. The vulnerability was suffocating. The hot steam wrapped around us while the other inmates continued their routines, indifferent to my presence.

A sealed bar of soap sat on the floor in front of me. I snatched it quickly and began scrubbing with urgency.

As fast as I could.

Every second in that place felt like a gamble.

When I was done, I just stood there, unsure of what to do.

Fox handed me a towel. I grabbed it, noticing it was damp.

"It’s used."

"Everything here gets reused. Towels, soap... You got lucky today. Tomorrow, you’ll be handed one that’s already open."

I grimaced.

He laughed. "I made the same face when I got here."

I dried off quickly and pulled on the orange uniform. The rough fabric against my warm skin only added to the discomfort.

As we left the bathroom, I noticed the stares.

Cruel smiles.

Predators eyeing helpless prey.

My chest rose and fell rapidly.

Fox noticed and gave my back a light tap.

"Let’s grab breakfast, rookie."

I swallowed hard and followed his lead.

We descended the metal steps. The echo of footsteps bounced across the cafeteria. The stench of spoiled food mixed with sweat made the air thick and suffocating.

The space was divided.

Small groups scattered around.

Some whispered, others just stared in silence.

Their eyes took in every detail.

Even the quiet laughter sounded threatening.

Fox tightened his grip on my wrist.

"Don’t stop. Grab your tray and keep moving."

The trays were already laid out. The contents were barely recognizable—stale bread, watery broth, and something that might’ve been meat. I picked mine up and followed him to a table in the back.

He let out a sigh, then gave me a crooked smile.

"Now comes the hard part."

He took a bite, chewing slowly.

"When you wake up, stand in the cell with your hands on your head. Never drop the soap. Don’t make eye contact with anyone."

I nodded.

"You’ve probably noticed everyone here sticks to a group."

I gave a small nod.

"In this place, no one survives alone. Either you find people to protect you, or you get hunted."

My heart sped up.

He confirmed with a slight nod.

"And don’t think the guards will help. They enjoy watching people suffer. Fights, torture... sometimes they even place bets on who’ll survive."

My stomach twisted.

"That’s inhuman."

He shrugged. "Welcome to Inferno Bay. Now tell me—what can you do?"

I blinked, confused. "I can cook."

A smile lit up his face.

"Then you’re working in the kitchen with me."

I sighed, resigned. I picked up the spoon and took a bite. The taste was acidic and flavorless, and I couldn’t help but wince. But refusing to eat wasn’t an option. I needed to stay strong.

Fox studied me for a moment, then broke the silence.

"A word of advice, rookie. Find protection before it’s too late."

The spoon froze midair.

"Are they going to kill me?"

He let out a heavy sigh.

"No. At least not yet. But they’ll rape you until they get bored."

My stomach churned. Hunger vanished.

"This isn’t an ordinary prison," he said sharply. "Here, you either become someone’s little plaything, or you die."

My breathing quickened.

"And you?"

He shrugged.

"I’ve got someone who protects me. It’s the only reason I’m still alive. You’re going to have to do the same."

His eyes scanned the cafeteria. Small groups dotted the room. Some talked quietly. Others ate in silence.

But the hierarchy was clear.

He leaned in slightly.

"There’s a prisoner called Reaper. As you’ve noticed, no one uses their real name here."

A shiver ran down my spine.

"Reaper?"

He nodded.

"He got the name because he decides who lives and who dies in here. He’s killed countless inmates—and raped even more. They say he used to be the head of a mafia. Never look at him. Never go near him."

My mouth went dry.

"And the guards don’t do anything?"

He let out a hollow laugh.

"The guards? They respect him just as much as the inmates do. No one crosses the Reaper. He’s got eyes and ears everywhere. If he decides you’re going to die, there’s no escape. If he wants you to suffer, no one’s going to stop him."

My heart thundered in my chest. My eyes scanned the cafeteria, searching for that name in the shadows.

But deep down, I knew—I didn’t want to find him.

All I wanted was to survive.