YELENA

After hours of driving, the station sign finally came into view. My hands gripped the wheel a little tighter, my heart pounding.

A few more minutes and I pulled up to the main prison. I found a spot, parked, and stepped out. The air was heavy, the kind that presses down on your chest, and my stomach twisted.

Two wardens stood outside, their presence making the place feel colder, sterner than the sunbaked walls promised.

I greeted them, my voice trembling despite my attempt at calm. ...