Sia POV

After three long months of fighting to survive in this hellhole of a prison, the trial was looming over me like a guillotine. I’d spent my days walking on eggshells, watching my back for enemies I hadn’t even known I’d made. The days blurred into one another, each passing hour marked by the endless ticking of a clock that seemed to mock me. Camille and I had just stepped into the bathroom, a usual spot to get some air, but today there was a commotion—an LGBT gathering was happening, the vibrant energy mixing with the cold, hostile air of the prison.

Suddenly, Mechinze’s voice cut through the noise....