Chapter 4: Lily's descent

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here," the leader of The Trio woman said; her eyes roving over Lily with mockery.

"What do you want?" Lily stammered, trying to hide the tremble in her voice.

"Friends don't need a reason to see their friend, isn't that right, Lily?" They sneered, their sarcasm biting. "We are friends."

Lily shook my head, trying to appear brave. "I don't need friends like you guys," Lily retorted, regretting her words instantly.

The other prisoners continued their work, indifferent to my plight. The Trio woman laughter sent shivers down Lily's spine.

"What should we do, Lily? You're hurting my feelings," one of the trio taunted , her voice dripping with malice. Her fist connected with Lily stomach, and she winced.

The marble wall, slammed again Lily's back scorching pain spread through her body. Lily doubled over, gasping for breath.

"We told you to do everything we say, even if it's harming your precious friends or becoming our puppet," the other hissed, her eyes flinging with cruelty.

Lily begged, "Please leave me alone! I've done nothing to you! Why are you doing this?" A slap cracked against Lily cheek, and she crumpled, holding my cheek.

"This bitch is crazy" the trio jeered, their laughter echoing off the walls.

"Everyone out! Don't worry about cleaning. Our dear Lily will do it for you," ordered the leader of the trio, her voice dripping with malice.

The other prisoners filed out, abandoning Lily. Lily pleaded for someone to stay, but no one listened. The Trio closed in their eyes gleaming with menace.

The bathroom, once a humble cleaning task , now seemed like a never- ending nightmare. Agony courses through Lily's body, each bruise a painful reminder of their cruelty.

"Where's the money we asked for? Think You're above sharing with us?" They snarled, their voices dripping with malice.

Lily was yanked by her hair, slammed against the wall. Slapped. Kicked. Punched.

Lily fell to the floor, pain overwhelming her. Tears streamed down her face, but she refused to surrender.

"Are you taking us for granted because we're not as rich as you?" They sneered, their kicjs pounding me like a relentless drumbeat.

However, Lily gritted her teeth, resolve inhibiting within. Their laughter fueled her determination.

"If you really want us to stop, bring us $100000" they demanded, their leader's eyes flinging with greed.

Lily glared up at them, a spark of defiance in her eyes. "I'll get it" she vowed, her voice firm. "But leave me alone."

Their leader raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flickering across her face. "Oh , Lily is grown brave," she sneered, but Lily stood up from the ground. Despite the pain and fear coursing through her veins.

"I'll bring the money. Just leave me be," she repeated, her voice steady.

Their laughter ceased and for a moment, they hesitated. Then, their leader nodded. "Very well, you have a week".

Lily crumpled to the floor, tears streaming down her face as they walked away, leaving her shattered.

☆☆☆

Lily sat on her bed that night, the darkness enveloping her like a shroud, every movement made her since. Her body screamed in protest, the bruises throbbing like a relentless heartbeat.

She removed her shirt, revealing the ugly bruises that marred her skin. Tears pricked at the corner of her eyes as she struggling to apply it. Rachel looked up from her book, concern etched on her face.

"Give me that" she said gently, taking the ointment from Lily's trembling hands.

Rachel fingers brushed against Lily wounds, sending a shiver down my spine. The cold sensation mixed with pain made Lily wince.

"These are severe," Rachel murmured, her eyes scanning the extent of Lily injuries.

Memories of being slammed against the wall flooded back to Lily, and she felt a wave of nausea wash over me.

"You can't continue living like this" Rachel said firmly, her voice filled with conviction. "You won't survive long in prison if you keep being weak" Lily sighed, feeling defeated.

"I'm trying to survive, but they're too many, too strong," Lily admitted, the weight of her helplessness crushing her.

Rachel's eyes locked onto Lily, her gaze burning with determination.

"What did they ask you to bring?" Rachel asked Lily, her voice low and urgent.

Lily hesitated before answering. "$100000, by this week." Rachel's question cut deep.

"What if they demand more next to.e? What will you do" Lily remained silent, unsure of how to respond.

What could she do?

The money wasn't the problem; the beating were.

'If they hurt me now, what would stop them next time?' Lily thought.

"I'll report them," Lily said trying to sound brave.

However Rachel saw right through her.

"You're rich, money won't be hard to give. But are you really that stupid?" Rachel's words stung, but Lily knew Rachel was trying to snap me out of my complancecy.

Lily felt foolish, vulnerable. Yet, Rachel's tone wasn't mocking. Her words pierced Lily's soul, resonating deeply . As Rachel finished applying the ointment, Lily gazed up to her, desperation etched on her face.

"What do you suggest I do?"Lily implored.

Rachel's response was immediate. "Fight," she relied her voice gentle yet resolute.

Lily chuckled, a mix of amusement and despair. Fight? Easy for Rachel to say, but how can she?.

"I don't know how to fight " Lily admitted, feeling helpless.

Rachel stood up , her eyes burning with determination. "Then start now, I 'ok teach you, if you let me." Her offer stunned Lily.

"Why would do that? Why help me?" Lily asked.

Rachel's laughter was was reassuring. "Not because I expect anything from you. I just hate seeing people bullied, especially my cellmate" her words touched Lily's heart.

Lily hesitated, uncertainty swirling within. "How do you know how to Fight?" She asked.

Rachel's expression shifted her face clouding. "I was a professional boxer," she revealed, her voice barely about a whisper.

'A boxer. Here?'

What was your crime?" Lily asked.

Rachel's gazed dropped, her voice laced with regret.