The hybrid in the cell

*Emily*

It’s my first day in this new job, even though technically, I have been working for the high-security lycan prison for five years. Today, I’m joining a new team responsible for handling a recently arrived, highly dangerous prisoner… an unknown hybrid with magic powers.

The warden himself had asked if I was interested in the assignment. Honestly, the prisoner terrified me, but the opportunity for a promotion and a more exciting role than my desk job was too tempting to pass up.

As my first shift begins, I will be responsible for the hybrid’s care for the next twelve hours. Of course, I’m not alone; numerous guards are stationed around the cell, but I’m the only one with permission to enter.

My first task is to bring the prisoner breakfast. Picking up the tray, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I approach the elevator. The two guards standing by the door nod at me, and I muster a meek, “Good morning.” before stepping inside.

As I step into the high-tech elevator, I notice there are no buttons, only an eye scanner on the wall. I look into it, the scanner blinks, and the elevator begins its descent. The ride feels agonizingly slow, but I know it must be my nerves playing tricks on me.

When the doors finally open with a ding, I’m greeted by another two guards who nod at me. I walk slowly down the corridor towards the first of two double doors. Each door has an eye scanner and is guarded by another pair of watchful eyes.

As I move closer to the cell, my stomach churns with unease, the sensation reminiscent of butterflies, but far from pleasant. I have never seen the prisoner in person… only on the news… yet the stories I have heard are enough to scare me. The weight of the earth and concrete above me seems to press down, making it hard to breathe properly.

Once the final door closes behind me, I find myself on a ledge, taking a deep breath and gazing at the suspended glass cell sixty five feet away. Approaching another scanner, a walking bridge extends before me.

As I walk slowly forward, my thoughts race. Will he speak to me? Will he even acknowledge my presence? I know the cell was designed by renowned experts to ensure safety and stopping him from using his magic, but I can’t shake the nerves that bubble within me. What will it be like to finally meet this mysterious, dangerous hybrid?

I reach the airlock and pause to take one last calming breath before using the scanner to open the outer door. Entering, the door behind me closes, and the one in front of me opens.

Cautiously, I step into the cell, which looks surprisingly ordinary from the inside. There’s a small table, two chairs, a couch, a TV, and a large bed. But I can’t see Loki, as he is called, anywhere.

My voice sounds high and nervous in the silent room. “Good morning, I brought you breakfast.”

As I set the tray down on the table, I finally catch sight of him. He is sitting on the floor, back against the wall, with long legs bent and arms wrapped protectively around his knees.

I hadn’t known what to expect… perhaps a monster, a psychopath, or something not entirely human, I mean he isn’t human of course, but right now he looks it. But I never anticipated that he would look like an ordinary man, dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt.

Feeling uncertain, I wonder whether I should leave or ask if he needs anything else.

His long, dark hair has fallen like a curtain in front of his face, but suddenly, his head snaps up, and his intense green eyes lock onto mine. “You can leave now, thank you.”

A chill runs down my spine as I realize I’m face-to-face with the infamous new prisoner: Loki. A hybrid put here after he destroyed half a city. A true monster, who no one knows the full range of powers off.