CHAPTER 06

Dante Castelli.

The image of Elijah’s terrified eyes flashed through my mind.

That horror carved into every delicate feature—wide eyes, parted lips... I ran my tongue across my lips, sliding my hand down my abdomen until it wrapped around my throbbing cock. A firm grip, a steady rhythm, while the scene played out in my mind.

Him on his knees. Wet mouth. Tear-filled eyes. The glow of fear already giving way to submission. A perfect picture. My body pulsed, breath turning ragged. The pleasure built fast—wild, impossible to hold back.

A low moan escaped. My head fell back. The climax hit hard and fast, stealing all the air from my lungs. I had never come so quickly. Proof of just how desperately I craved him.

And tonight, nothing and no one will save him from me.

Still floating in the afterglow, I reached for the soap and began to scrub the blood from my skin. My fingers ran through stiff strands of hair, now caked with the dry remnants of the massacre. I sighed, tilting my head back, letting the hot water cascade over my scalp as I massaged the filth away.

After finishing the shower, I grabbed a towel and walked to the rusted metal sink. My reflection stared back from the cracked mirror. My hair had grown too long, falling lazily over my face. Maybe it was time for a trim—but honestly, what did it matter?

I towel-dried my hair and tied it into a firm bun on top of my head. Just as I turned to the door, one of the guards entered, holding out a clean uniform. I took it from his hands without a word and began to dress.

As I adjusted the fabric against my skin, I looked up at the man, who stood stiffly, tense.

"Are tonight’s fights already set?"

He swallowed hard before answering.

"Yes, sir. Three fights are scheduled for the yard tonight."

A smirk pulled at my lips.

"Let’s hope they’re worth the show. I don’t have the patience for anything mediocre."

The guard nodded quickly.

"The selected inmates are strong. Should be entertaining."

I crossed my arms and stepped forward, forcing him to step back slightly.

"Find out who they are and report to me. I want something worth my time."

Without hesitation, he rushed out, leaving me alone again. A faint smile lingered on my lips. Fights always made the night more bearable.

I left the bathroom, heading toward the prison yard. The sunlight hit my warm skin as I inhaled deeply, taking in the thick scent of sweat and rust in the air. In the distance, scattered groups kept themselves busy in pointless conversations, distracting themselves from the real hell around them.

Some sought protection, forming fragile alliances. Others preferred solitude, trying to survive without strings. Fools. In the center of the chaos, new prisoners were being sized up by predatory stares—like prey being selected by hungry hunters.

I approached the benches, ready to sit, when something caught my attention. A tall inmate, covered in tattoos, strutted through the yard with his chest puffed out, laughing loudly, spewing arrogance.

"This place is too easy! I’ll fuck any weak little bitch that crosses my path!" His laughter rang out across the space, some prisoners echoing it, feeding his ego.

My jaw clenched. The mere thought of that worm even thinking of getting near my little rabbit made my blood boil. A dark smile formed as I advanced toward him.

"Big mouth for someone who hasn’t proven shit yet."

His laughter stopped. His gaze locked with mine and hardened as he realized who he was facing. Still, he tried to keep up the act.

"And who the hell do you think you are, calling me out?"

I stepped closer, closing the distance until I could feel his heavy breath.

"Reaper."

His expression changed instantly. The air grew dense. The inmates nearby began to back away. Still, the idiot clung to his last thread of bravado.

"Hah! Fuck you. Everyone says you’re the devil in this place, but I’m not scared. Bet you’re just a washed-up old man."

My smile widened.

"Then prove it."

I stepped back slightly, raised my hands—inviting him to try. The noise around us shifted as a circle of spectators formed. Everyone knew this wouldn’t end well for him.

He clenched his fists and charged with a straight punch.

I dodged effortlessly.

Another strike came—easily avoided. Frustration flared in his eyes.

"Stop dodging, you son of a bitch!"

I chuckled low.

"I thought you wanted to prove something. Go on—hit me."

He roared, driven by rage, and lunged again. This time, I was faster. I caught his arm, twisted it viciously, forcing him to his knees with a muffled cry of pain.

"Talk too much."

My knee crashed into his jaw, knocking him backward. Blood spilled from the corner of his mouth. He tried to get up, but before he could, I stomped on his chest, pinning him to the ground.

"The problem with scum like you is you bark before you think. Now everyone sees you for what you really are—trash."

I lifted my foot and let him try to recover. He barely had time to inhale before my fist slammed into his face, knocking him out cold.

Silence settled over the yard.

I shook the blood from my knuckles and looked around.

"Does anyone else here think they’re tough shit?"

No one dared answer.

A satisfied smile spread across my face as I made my way to the benches and sat down with a relaxed sigh. The day had been productive. I’d found my obsession again, eliminated a pest who dared touch him, and humiliated an idiot who thought he was more than he was. Now, he’s ruined.

The other inmates will turn him into a toy—and I won’t lift a finger to stop it. That’s what happens to the weak.

One of the guards approached, clipboard in hand. I glanced at him as he stopped beside me.

"Tonight’s fighters are confirmed," he reported. "Three inmates. All wearing white. Light offenses—nothing serious. None of them have combat experience."

A low chuckle escaped my lips.

"It’s always fun watching fresh meat try to survive."

The guard nodded.

"How would you like to proceed?"

I met his gaze, a sadistic gleam in mine.

"I want everyone here to watch. No one leaves. They need to understand what happens to the weak."

He dipped his head slightly in agreement.

"Understood, sir."

Before walking away, he pulled something from his pocket and handed it to me. I took the cigarette and lighter without a word, lit it, and took a long, calm drag.

Tonight’s going to be interesting.