Fine. Let’s Fight

Cynthia exhaled sharply, realizing she’d been holding her breath. Her body remained frozen in place, her mind racing.

\--------------------

'Minutes Later...'

The sharp knocks on the cold steel door echoed through the cell like a warning. Cynthia flinched, her stomach tightening as a gruff voice from the other side barked an order.

"Step back from the door!"

She instinctively obeyed, pressing herself against the cold wall. Ashley, lounging on her bunk, barely acknowledged the command. The sound of metal scraping against metal followed, the peephole sliding open. A pair of suspicious eyes peered in, scanning the small room to ensure compliance.

Then came the familiar, unsettling clank of keys. The door creaked open, and in stepped the female officer from the day before. In her hands was a tray carrying two bowls of rice. With an uninterested crouch, she placed it on the floor between them and straightened up, her gaze landing directly on Cynthia.

"How’s it going? Settling in alright?" the officer asked, a smirk playing on her lips.

Cynthia’s breath caught in her throat. She flickered a glance toward Ashley, who was watching her closely, a dangerous glint in her eyes. The wrong answer would have consequences— painful ones.

Swallowing hard, Cynthia forced a smile. "Yes, ma’am. She’s been… nice to me."

Ashley snorted but said nothing.

The officer chuckled, clearly amused. "Oh, I’m sure she has. The very definition of hospitality, that one."

Ashley’s face remained blank, but Cynthia could feel the tension brewing.

The officer clapped her hands together once. "Anyway, listen up. You two better ration that food because the next meal won’t be coming until this time tomorrow."

Ashley sat up instantly. "What?"

The officer turned back with an arched brow. "You heard me. Or do you not want it? ‘Cause I can take it back."

Desperation clawed at Cynthia’s insides. She hadn’t eaten in over twenty-four hours. She immediately bowed her head. "No, ma’am. We need it. Thank you."

The officer smirked. "See? Someone with manners." Her expression darkened. "It’s too bad you’re all a waste of oxygen in here. If it were up to me, they’d line you all up and put a bullet through your heads. You disgust me."

With that, she spat on the floor right next to the tray and turned on her heels, stepping out and locking the door behind her with an eerie finality.

Silence.

Then Ashley chuckled, slow and deep, a sound that made Cynthia’s stomach twist. "Well, well, well… now that’s some terrible news for you, huh?" she drawled.

Cynthia frowned, confusion knitting her brows together. "What do you mean?"

Ashley leaned forward, her wicked grin stretching wider. "Because, bitch, I’ll be taking both bowls."

Cynthia’s eyes widened in horror. "No! That’s not fair!"

Ashley tilted her head, pretending to think. "Fair?" She laughed. "There is no such a thing as 'FAIR' in my dictionary. And also pray I don't collect the one of tomorrow. "

"That won’t be possible, I'm no push over."

Cynthia’s fists clenched. "And I haven’t eaten in a whole day. I need my food."

Ashley sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Oh, poor thing. You think you get to have a say?" She pushed herself off the bunk, her heavy frame landing with a thud that shook the tiny space. She took a step forward, closing the distance between them. "Like I said earlier who’s gonna stop me? You? I dare you."

Cynthia’s heartbeat pounded in her ears, but she stood her ground. "I won’t let you take my food."

Ashley smirked. "You won’t let me?" Her thick fingers shot out, gripping Cynthia’s collar and yanking her close until their noses nearly touched. "I break bitches like you for fun."

Cynthia’s breath came out shaky, but she didn’t back down. "Try me. I myself can't wait to fuck you up..."

Ashley blinked, clearly not expecting resistance. Her grip tightened, and Cynthia braced herself for the impact, for the pain, for—

Ashley let go. "You got guts, I’ll give you that." She stepped back, cracking her knuckles. "Tell you what, princess. You wanna keep your food? You'll have to fuck me up like you said."

Cynthia’s brows furrowed. "Yeah I will if need be."

Ashley grinned. "Alright fight me. Right now."

Cynthia swallowed. "I'm prepared to, if that means I'll be able to keep my meal."

Ashley chuckled. "Oh, I like where this is headed."

Cynthia’s legs trembled. She could feel her stomach churning, but she had no choice. If she didn’t stand up for herself now, she’d be a victim forever.

With a deep breath, she lifted her chin. "Fine. Let’s fight."

Ashley’s grin stretched wider. "Oh, I like you. Let’s see how long you last."

The moment Cynthia took a step forward, Ashley swung. A quick, effortless push sent Cynthia stumbling backward, slamming against the bunk. Pain shot up her spine, but she gritted her teeth and pushed off the bed, charging forward.