Sia POV

The prison buzzed with anticipation, like a hornet’s nest disturbed. Two trials in one day, and everyone was on edge. My own trial loomed in the back of my mind, but today wasn’t about me. Today was Amanda’s day—her fight for justice and a future she could barely see.

I had spent the night preparing. Pages of notes scattered around my cell, my thoughts focused on how to defend Amanda in this grim parody of a court. The warden would play the role of judge. Gia, leader of the Outcasts, had been assigned as prosecutor—a woman notorious for her ruthlessness. The trial would take place at the prison’s...