I examined Elara, she was one of the youngest prisoners I have seen in this prison. She looked so innocent and frail, like a well-thrown rock could break a bone.

    "How old are you?" It was the first thing I had asked her, and she raised her eyebrows in surprise at my very forward and pretty random question.

    "Eighteen," she muttered. She ducked her head and started to slide her peas around with a fork. I guess I understand why she might be uncomfortable with being one of the youngest prisoners here. It would put a target on your back, and make you seem weaker than the others. "I turned eighteen a few months ago, which is the youngest age for prisoners here." She states glumly.

    Eighteen, she was eighteen. When I was eighteen I was running through the woods and enjoying my last years of being a free teenager. I didn't respond to her, instead, I averted my eyes and glanced around the crowded cafeteria.

    I noticed how prisoners were all crowded around one area with their heads bent down, whispering to each other. I wasn't the only one that noticed this, the guards were watching the group closely. I couldn't help but feel like something was happening, but I had no clue what that something was. I eyed the group, noting the faces. That's when I saw a familiar face, pale and scarred.

    I jolted back, and as if she could feel my gaze she looked up at me and grinned. I clenched my jaw refusing to avert my eyes, I held her cold calculated gaze until someone stepped in front of my view.

    "Just ignore her," Orion's sharp voice came from above. I growled and looked up at him, he held a tray in clenched hands. Without stalling he slid into the seat beside me. Elara studied him, but Orion hadn't even looked at her.

    "Something is wrong, it's like their planning something," I growled in a hushed tone at him, he simply tilted his head in reply.

    "People are always planning," I grunted at his statement and turned back to Elara.

    "This, Elara, is my prick of a roommate." I waved a hand over at him. Orion sent a withering glare at me but raised his hand to shake Elara's.
    "I'm Orion, and from what I can tell you have already started talking to this grumpy ass over here." It was my turn to glare at him. I noticed Elara's forehead crinkle every single time we swore, and I made a mental note maybe to keep my mouth a little cleaner around her.

    "It's a pleasure to meet you, I've heard a bit about you." Orion raised a brow and Elara flushed before continuing, "someone claims to know you at least. He said his name was Arc, and that you had been friends in your previous prison."

    "Arcturus?" Orion straightens in surprise and he started to glance around the room.

    "Oh yeah, he was sorta bragging about knowing you. Since you're a shapeshifter and all," she looked down at her food again. Orion was scouting the place out, scanning every face in sight. Elara raised a small finger and pointed towards the cluster of people. Orion's eyes widened as he noticed his friend and the company he had around him.

    "What the hel-" he cut himself off and sent a glance at Elara. "Sorry," he cleared his throat and focused his attention on me. Elara watched him closely but didn't say anything.

    "She is clearly having fun, drawing everyone into her web," I tapped my fingers on the table. Orion let out an annoyed sigh but nodded.

    "I don't like any of it," he stated. I jutted my chin in agreement, then I slid my attention over to Elara's confused face. It was best that she didn't get wound up this.

     "Don't like any of what?" A voice called from behind us, I felt my blood chill by her voice. It was Nym again. I clenched the side of the table and steeled myself. This was one of those fight or flight moments.

    "Screw off Nym," Orion gnarled at her. Nym merely patted his shoulder in a mocking way, I tensed at every movement

    "I like you two, you guys never truckle." She leaned over my shoulder and picked up a pea, tossing it into her mouth. "Everyone here is just searching for someone to take the reins and lead. It's the same in every prison." She lets out an exasperated sigh.

    "What do you want?" I spat at her, she simply went over and placed her hand on Elara's shoulder. Elara looked up at her and smiled, a sweet innocent smile.

    "I just wanted to make sure you weren't bugging my friend here," she grinned over at me.

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Published: May 8, 2020, 4:00 PM

Words: 812