The concrete courtyard of the maximum-security federal prison smelled of bleach, damp wool, and an unbearable, suffocating tension that hung heavy in the air[cite: 1].
Maya: You've been walking around this block like you own the yard, new girl.
Elena: I'm just walking, same as everyone else here.
Maya: Not on my turf, you aren't. People like you don't last a week in this facility.
Elena: We will see about that once my attorney files the appeal next morning.
Maya: Your attorney isn't walking this yard with you, princess. The wire is right behind you.
Elena gripped the cold chain-link fence as the wind whipped her orange prison uniform against her frame, her eyes narrowing as Maya stepped directly into her personal space[cite: 1].
Maya: One push and you meet the wire[cite: 1].
Elena's jaw tightened as she stared down the veteran inmate who terrorized every new arrival.
Elena: You overestimate your welcome around here, Maya.
Maya: Let's test who's stronger before lights out.
A sudden, deafening crack echoed off the brick walls as a loud slap rang through the freezing courtyard, followed by the harsh rattling of metal[cite: 1].
Elena's head snapped to the side from the immense force, a drop of crimson splitting her lip[cite: 1].
The surrounding inmates fell completely silent, holding their breath to see how the defiant newcomer would respond to the brutal provocation.
Would Elena back down in defeat, or would she ignite a prison war that no one could stop?