Eric's car rumbled to a stop outside the state prison, its tires crunching on the gravel. The building loomed ahead, a formidable gray monolith against the darkening sky. He took a deep breath and walked toward the entrance, his footsteps echoing in the quiet evening.
Inside, the reception area was cold and sterile. Eric approached the desk, where a stern-faced guard sat, glancing up from his paperwork.
"I'm here to see Cayden Browning," Eric said, his voice steady despite the tension coiling in his chest.
The guard eyed him for a moment before nodding. "You'll need to sign in and pass through security. Follow me."
Eric followed the guard through a series of corridors and secured gates until they reached the visitor's area. The guard ushered him into a small, stark room with a partition separating him from the inmate. Cayden Browning sat on the other side, clad in a prison jumpsuit, his once soft features now sharpened by the harsh environment. The transformation was evident-he had lost weight and appeared more muscular, a stark contrast to his previous appearance.
As the partition slid open, Cayden looked up, a smirk spreading across his face. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Eric," he drawled. "Long time no see."
Eric took a seat on the opposite side, his gaze fixed on Cayden. "I see you've lost a few pounds and got yourself in shape," Eric commented, his voice tinged with disdain. "You look like you've been working out."
Cayden chuckled, flexing his arms as if to show off his physique. "Yeah, a bit. It's funny how things change. Look at you now, all buff and tough. You used to be so skinny. Guess life's been treating you well."
Eric's face hardened. "Don't start with me, Cayden. I'm here because I need information. The killings are still going on, and I think you might know something."
Cayden raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And why should I help you?"
Eric leaned forward, his expression cold. "Because you owe it to me and to everyone else. You were the mastermind behind it all. You're the only killer who survived, so I'm sure you have some insight."
Cayden rolled his eyes, making exaggerated hand gestures as if Eric's words were nothing but background noise. "Wah wah wah, blah blah blah. Is this all you've got, Eric?"
Eric's face darkened. "Cut the shit, Cayden. I'm not here to play games. You think this is funny? People are still dying. People we know."
Cayden's amusement faded as he leaned back, crossing his arms. "So what? Why should I give a damn? I'm behind bars, remember?"
Eric's anger flared. "You think you're so untouchable? You're a delusional, egomaniacal piece of shit. A pathetic, pretentious excuse for a human being who thinks he's above it all. And guess what? I'm here to make sure you get what's coming to you."
Cayden's eyes widened in anger. "Bitch watch your mouth, Eric. You're not in a position to lecture me."
Eric leaned in closer, his voice low and venomous. "Oh, I'm just getting started. You were the biggest screw-up. A third-rate villain with a god complex who thought he could play puppet master but failed. Remember when you had everyone convinced you were the big shot? You were nothing but a bitch hiding behind lies and manipulation."
Cayden's face turned red. "And you? Look at you, all tough now. You weren't like this before. Do you think you're better than me?"
Eric's voice grew louder. "I know exactly what I'm talking about. You were nothing but a pathetic, scheming fat bitch who thought he could get away with anything. You ruined lives just to feed your twisted ego. You're an overhyped, dime-store villain who thought he could escape the consequences of his actions. But guess what? It's not over. I'm going to make sure you and your little goons pay for every single thing you've done."
As Eric's tirade continued, Cayden's resolve shattered. Tears streamed down his face as he struggled to maintain his composure. "Stop it, Eric. Please..."
Eric didn't relent. "Oh, I'm just getting warmed up. You're a vile, psychotic maniac who thought he could hide behind his sick games. But you're just a little bitch who's going to face the music. And if you think this is the end, you've got me fucked up. I'm coming for every last one of you, and I swear I'll make you all pay."
Before Eric could leave, Cayden suddenly locked eyes with him, a sinister smile spreading across his face. "It's not over, Eric. This is far from finished."
Eric's jaw clenched, his anger bubbling over. "Don't you dare think this is the end. I'm coming for every last one of you, and I swear I'll make you all pay."
With those final words, Eric turned and stormed out of the room. As he left, Eric heard Caydens maniacal laugh across the room. The guard led him back through the prison's maze of corridors, the oppressive weight of his confrontation with Cayden lingering in the air.
As night enveloped the prison grounds, Eric reached his car and got inside. He pulled out his phone and dialed a video call to his friend group. The screen lit up with the concerned faces of Tera, Caden, Shaunce, Tyler, Alejandro, Demetrius, Sequoya, Antasia, Von, and Isaiah.
"Hey, guys," Eric began, his voice strained. "I just got out of the prison. I spoke to Cayden Browning."
Tera's eyes widened. "And? What did he say?"
Eric shook his head. "He's still a piece of work. He's fit now, lost some weight, and he's still playing his sick games. He wouldn't give me much information, just laughed it off. I had to lay into him pretty hard. Told him he was a psychotic, egomaniacal mess who thought he could get away with everything. It didn't seem to phase him much, but I think he's hiding something."
Shaunce frowned. "You really think he knows something?"
Eric nodded. "I'm sure of it. But he's twisted, and I'm not sure how much of what he says is true. He was more interested in taunting me about my changes than helping us."
Tyler interjected, his tone grim. "Sounds like a waste of time, then. Did you get anything useful?"
Eric sighed. "Not directly. But he gave me a bad feeling, like he's still pulling strings. He said it's not over, and that he'll be watching."
As Eric spoke, his gaze flickered to the rearview mirror. He noticed headlights following him closely. Before he could react, another vehicle sped up beside him, and masked figures appeared, their faces hidden.
"Guys, I think I'm being followed," Eric said, his voice tightening with panic. "I need to go. I'll-"
Before he could finish, the following vehicle forced his car to a halt. A figure in a dark mask yanked open his door, grabbing him with a brutal efficiency. Eric's struggles were futile as he was pulled from his car and shoved into a waiting vehicle. The darkness of the night closed in around him as the door slammed shut, and he was driven away.
The car sped off into the night, leaving Eric to face whatever awaited him. The confrontation with Cayden had only been the beginning, and the real horror was just starting to unfold.
