Confused, you walked next to Eloise while Vi did not attempt to explain what was going on. You just kept silent and followed the two down the corridor.

Only when you recognised the long hallway that was marked with restroom signs did you get an idea of what was about to happen.

"Huh...", your eyebrows lifted. "That's a nice surprise."

With a huff, Vi gave you a charming smile and nodded.

"Not to be a crybaby but I can't share a cell with you when you smell like that.", she joked.

"You're covered in... what are you covered in?", a hint of disgust made your toes curl.

With almost the same amount of disgust, Vi looked down on herself. Maybe she hadn't noticed before or only really noticed now but she was not the cleanest of people.

Worse enough, no one knew what exactly it was that stuck to her. Judging by the colour it could have been dried blood. But the purple gleam to it left some room for interpretation.

And worries.

With a shrug, Vi met your gaze with one of her charming smirks and tilted her head. The scarlet strands that adored her head were stuck together, also completely stained with the unknown contents.

"Don't worry about me too much, sweet cheeks.", she chuckled, eyebrows wiggling. "Otherwise I might think you care about me."

Rolling your eyes slightly, you shook your head to hide the smile that tugged at the corners of your lips. She really was able to woo you with this little effort.

It kind of disgusted you. Yet it was surprising. You couldn't remember the last time someone had made you feel so comfortable around them.

Then again, prison wasn't a place to get comfortable. It kept everyone on their toes at all times. Even when asleep it was best to keep one eye open.

Vi was the complete opposite to those who were rightfully imprisoned in this place. Sure, she was rough around the edges and a bit much to bear but still friendly, cheerful.

Maybe she was right. Next to her you did make quite the buzzkill.

That thought only made you chuckle. You two made one of the oddest pairs in all of Stillwater Hold Prison. It wasn't surprising that sheriff Marcus had transferred her to your cell to be bunk mates.

Who could have guessed that she would be able to keep up with your threats and warm you up to her?

You didn't, that was for certain. Vi, however, looked as confident as ever. Almost as if she had expected to win you over with her charm.

"You got an hour.", Eloise said, unlocking the door of the washing rooms. "Soap and towels are provided. If you're not done when time's up we'll get you out as you are."

A low snort of mockery escaped your closed lips. She just wanted to play though but you could see in her eyes how tense she was.

Vi must have delivered a good fight. The fact that she was still walking and well probably went against the sheriffs wishes. She was supposed to be dead.

And now she wasn't and would get a nice shower and some warmth. Two things that would make the next night easier to bear. Not the night after that but it was impressive how a good day could impact someone's will to keep on fighting.

You knew.

"After you.", Vi bowed in a comedic manner to let you have the first glimpse into the room.

Sceptical, you walked up to the door, leaned into the room and looked around.

"We're not trying to kill you.", Eloise snarled.

A thin smirk appeared on your lips.

"Did that hurt your feelings?", you asked sarcastically.

"Go inside.", she pressed out between clenched teeth.

A shiver chased up your spine. It felt like something lurked in the dark. Maybe it was just your paranoia or years of experience but you hesitated.

The room wasn't huge, covered in sterile, white tiles all the way up to the ceiling. In regular distances showers made of stainless steel were mounted to the walls.

Besides that there was nothing else to see. It was well lit, no corners to hide in. Not even shadows. Only an open shelf provided a stack of clean towels and bars of soap.

It was damn near impossible to hide someone in this room to attempt an assassination. But if the enforcers would try to get rid of someone discreetly they would just send in more inmates to cause a fight.

In that case there wouldn't be any weapons at hand. And wet tiles were hard to keep a good stance on.

A quiver made your body move slightly forward. Torn from your thoughts you were about to take the first step into the room when Vi grabbed your wrist all of a sudden.

Confused, you threw a glance over your shoulder back at her. Fingers with rough tips and sandy palms caressed your skin, soothingly drawing circles along the small bumps of your knuckles.

"I'll go first if you don't want to.", Vi said with a cheeky expression.

A bolt of annoyance chased up to your head. No one had ever dared to question you like this. It felt like your ego took a hit.

Then again, you wouldn't call it wise to turn your back on Eloise. And if someone was hiding in that room, however they would manage to do that, Vi would be able to knock them out.

She was a fighter, with raw skill and force. You, on the other hand, were trained to respond to other people. To dodge and reflect attacks.

With a slight nod, you took a step to the side and met Eloise's gaze. Even more displeased than she seemed before, the enforcer crossed her arms in front of her chest and just waited until Vi had taken a good look around the room.

"One hour.", she repeated with a warning in her words. "Not a second longer."

A low huff escaped Vi.

"Then I'd say we get to work, sweet cheeks.", she gifted you a grin.