Sold to the shadows

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

The whole trial was a big show… formalities. The public defender didn't put much effort into defending my case, seeing as all the evidence pointed to me.

“The evidence is stacked against you,” he said, his tone flat. “Your best option is to plead guilty and hope for a reduced sentence.” Even after pouring out every detail of the incident, it was treated like a child's excuse.

My sentence was ruled guilty of first-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, to serve thirty-five years with no parole. The judge made sure I got the harshest sentence, courtesy of Jack and Linda. I was sent to Ridgewood maximum-security prison to serve my time.

I tried to reason with them at the courthouse, but my efforts were futile. I had been calling them from jail for the past month, but they eventually paid the guard to keep me from making any more calls. I sighed and rolled off the scrawny bed, placing my head in my palm.

My breath was ragged, and I tried to even it out. Even though a month had passed, I still had nightmares of that night. Jake's lifeless eyes boring into mine, my stupid attempt to save him. I should have called the cops or an ambulance. Maybe if I had acted sooner, he would still be alive.

"What's wrong, princess?" Kate’s voice broke through my thoughts.

She was my cellmate, a towering figure with sharp features and a reputation that kept the other inmates at bay. Her protection came at the price of her constant taunts.

“Is the bed too hard for her Majesty?” she sneered, lounging against the wall.

I didn’t have the energy to fire back. My stomach churned, bile rising as the memories clawed at me. Weakness was dangerous here, but I couldn’t hide it today.

“Bathroom,” I muttered before walking out of the cell. I entered the bathroom, and by "bathroom," I meant the open area where everyone washed themselves.

Over the weeks, I slowly accepted the grim fact that this would be my life for a long time. No one was coming to save me, so I had to be smart. Someone forcefully bumped into me, disrupting my thoughts and causing me to fall on my butt. I scowled at the unpleasantness of the tiles grazing me.

“Watch where you're going, pretty girl.” Her eyes beamed with excitement, her crooked smile giving her a deranged look.

“I'm not really in the mood, Darcy,” I rolled my eyes, my voice bored.

“What’s wrong? No snappy comeback? Kate’s not here to save you now,” she taunted mockingly.

Kate had taught me a couple of things here: who to mess with and who to steer clear of. Darcy was a small fry, always looking for trouble where there wasn't.

Before I could react, her knee connected with my nose, and pain exploded through my face. I clutched it as blood spilled between my fingers. I let out a curse before using my hands to push myself off the floor.

Big mistake.

“You shouldn't have done that,” I murmured, a smile matching hers. I looked up at her, wiping the blood off my nose.

Before she could step back, I swept her legs out from under her. She hit the ground hard, the air rushing out of her lungs. I straddled her, locking her in place with my thighs. The fall left her somewhat disoriented, so I had a chance. I punched her right between the eyes. She tried to use her hands to stop the next punch, but I was quicker, knocking her out completely.

My breathing was heavy as I jumped over her limp body and looked around. Some of the inmates were gawking at me. “What? You want to be next?” I snapped, and they scattered like cockroaches, leaving me with Darcy's unconscious body.

After that ordeal, I decided it was better to stay in my room all day. Darcy was stupid and would want payback, but she wouldn't do anything as long as Kate was there.

The day dragged on, and night came… the time I detested the most. It was just me and my nagging thoughts. They started spiraling again: Jake, his lifeless body, my parents. I stared emptily at the cracked ceiling, trying to numb the pain. I closed my eyes tightly, counting quietly, not letting myself grieve when I heard a sound.

The jingling of keys. Everywhere was dark, making it difficult to see, but the echoing steps stopped by my cell. I squinted and silently reached for the blade I had hidden inside my pillow, waiting patiently. My senses heightened at the face of imminent danger. Whoever they were, I was sure they didn't sneak in here to play chess.

I looked over at Kate, who was fast asleep, oblivious to what was happening. The shadows entered with hushed movements, spreading out. I counted the silhouettes, and there were at least five of them. s**t.

I waited for one to get closer to my bed and jumped on the person, stabbing her in the neck. She fell beneath my feet, and they were momentarily uncoordinated due to my sudden action.

They ignored their buddy and rushed over first to Kate. I was about to strike again when I felt a pair of hands around my face. I didn't see who it was, as she was out of my line of vision.

I watched as they stabbed her repeatedly. Cowards.

“Kate!” I screamed, but she didn’t move. The attackers descended on her instead, stabbing her repeatedly. Her muffled cries filled the cell, then stopped abruptly.

Rage blurred my vision, and I slammed my elbow into the ribs of the person holding me, breaking free. I lunged toward Kate, but another attacker grabbed me, clamping a cloth over my mouth.

The sharp scent of chloroform filled my nostrils, dulling my senses. I struggled under their hold; my body began to feel heavy. My consciousness wavered as I watched the life leave Kate's body.

“You'll regret messing with me, you stupid b***h,” Darcy's voice was the last thing I heard before I finally succumbed to the darkness.