Tides of Zaun

XVIII

The air in Jinx's cell felt heavier than usual as Viktor rushed in, his face a mask of urgency. "Jinx! Everything is going to be okay," he insisted, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his own uncertainty. "I promise I'll be with you every step of the way."

Before she could respond, an enforcer barged in, harsh and unyielding. "Time's up, inmate. Move!" he barked, gripping her arm and yanking her to her feet. Jinx shot a quick glance at Viktor, a silent plea for assurance, but his expression only reflected worry. The enforcer ushered her down the dimly lit corridor, leading her to the shower area.

"Don't even think about trying to run," the enforcer warned, his eyes narrowing as he watched her step into the small stall. The sound of the water gushing from the showerhead was almost deafening, drowning out her thoughts. As the hot water cascaded over her, she clutched the bar of soap, scrubbing her skin with a sense of finality. This would be the last time she felt clean, the last time she could enjoy the simple pleasure of a hot shower, far better than the frigid drips she endured back in Zaun.

As the water turned off, Jinx dried herself, feeling the soft towel against her skin—a stark contrast to the thin fabric she was about to don. She slipped into the white, sheer shirt and pants that they required her to wear, feeling exposed and vulnerable. The material clung to her, too light and almost transparent, making her feel as if she were walking around naked. This was it; she would be put on display for the world to see, her emotions laid bare for judgment, and all she could do was wait for her death.

She caught a glimpse of herself in the small, cracked mirror. Her hair, no longer in braids, flowed down to her ankles, a vibrant reminder of her past. She studied it with a level of scrutiny she had never taken before, noticing the split ends and how it hung straight down her pale body. It felt like a final farewell to the girl she used to be.

"Today is the day no enforcers beat me until I shut up," she thought, a bitter smile creeping across her lips. "I guess they got the last laugh, huh?"

As the guards shackled her legs and handcuffed her hands, Jinx felt the cold metal biting into her skin. She realized just how much weight she had lost; the cuffs rubbed against her bony wrists, a stark reminder of the toll this imprisonment had taken on her. The weight of her past hung heavy, but today, it felt different. She wondered if Vi would be there. Or Ekko. His name rang in her ears, igniting memories that made the tips of her ears burn with shame and longing.

She recalled how she had left things with him, how even in her darkest moments, he had tried to console her. And Vi—she longed to rebuild their sisterhood. They had grown so far apart, yet shared so much in common. Then there was Viktor, the one who had listened to her, the only person in a long time to make her feel normal again.

Lost in thought, she suddenly stumbled over her own hair, the long strands ensnaring her feet as she caught herself before the guards could drag her further. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself.

It was showtime.

As they dragged her through the halls toward the execution grounds, the oppressive atmosphere weighed on her. The distant sounds of the crowd outside filled her with a mix of dread and anticipation. Jinx's heart raced, not knowing what awaited her but knowing it wouldn't be good.

When they finally reached the execution platform, the harsh light blinded her momentarily. She squinted against the brightness, taking in the sea of faces, some curious, others angry, and a few filled with a sickening delight at the prospect of her demise. They were all here to witness her end.

As she was led onto the platform, she could see Ambessa standing with an air of authority, flanked by enforcers, her eyes narrowed in disdain. "Look at her," Ambessa declared to the crowd. "This is what happens when you let a girl from the trenches rise above her station." Her voice dripped with contempt as she raised her hand, signaling for silence.