…After thorough deliberation, it is the judgment of this court that the defendant, Devin Draik, is found guilty on all counts. These counts include the premeditated murder of his parents, Cole Draik and Diane Draik, his sister, Darcey Draik, and his two classmates, Bale De Franco and Levi Thompson.
As such, the defendant will be held accountable for his actions to the fullest extent of the law. This court hereby sentences the defendant, Devin Draik, to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The defendant will spend the rest of his natural life in a maximum-security facility, ensuring that he is no longer a threat to society.
The court is now adjourned."
…
The metal gates clanged shut behind Devin, their heavy sound reverberating through the cold corridors of Pollsmoor Prison. His orange jumpsuit clung to him, its rough fabric chafing against his skin. Beside him, the towering warden strode with a stern expression, the keys at his belt jangling with each step.
As they passed by, inmates glanced up. Some eyes held curiosity, others barely masked malice. Devin kept his gaze fixed ahead, his face a mask of indifference, unfazed by the hostile stares.
Finally, they reached the prison yard. The heavy doors creaked open, and Devin was met with the blinding glare of the afternoon sun. The yard was a vast expanse of cracked concrete, hemmed in by high fences topped with razor wire. Groups of inmates loitered, lifting weights, conversing on benches, or simply watching.
Devin took a slow, measured breath, the acrid scent of sweat and grime filling his nostrils. The warden placed a firm hand on his shoulder, steering him toward a bench near the perimeter.
"Get used to your new home, Monster," the warden said, his voice devoid of sympathy.
Devin sat down, the cold, hard surface of the bench grounding him in this harsh new reality. Whether here or out there, it didn't matter; all he'd known was suffering. As he had his head down in the yard, something bothered him.
'I haven't looped yet. It's been months since Darcey died, but time hasn't stopped. Day after day, the world forgets about her.' Devin sighed, burying his face in his hand. 'Was I wrong? Does her death not trigger the loop? Maybe they're right. Maybe all of that was in my head. The loops, Evan's and Project Freedom! I killed Darcey!' Devin scrunched his face in remorse, holding back tears.
Lost in his inner turmoil, Devin didn't notice the shadows looming over him.
"The South Town Monster, what an honour." A gruff voice remarked, snapping Devin back to reality. He looked up to find a giant of a man with a majestic gray beard that covered his chest like a lion's mane. The sun glinted off his bald head as he regarded Devin warmly, his group obediently behind him. Devin couldn't help but notice the cult-like tattoos of the sun on their foreheads.
"Me and my boys watched you on the news and wow, your eyes are actually red!" The bearded man curiously examined Devin's crimson eyes, while his followers chimed in with their remarks.
"Damn, are those eyes real?"
"You telling me this cute little thing killed his parents?"
"I couldn't believe it, did they ground him or something?"
"Hahahahaha!"
The followers laughed, much to Devin's chagrin. The bearded man raised his hand, silencing them. His demeanor shifted, and his cold brown eyes locked onto Devin.
"Listen, Devin right?" he asked.
Devin tilted his head to the side, squinting in confusion. "We all know who you are, Devin. You're famous here." The bearded man stepped closer, leaning forward to meet Devin's gaze. "Unfortunately, that fame comes with a bit of trouble." Devin looked around and noticed all the prisoners watching him, their eyes gleaming with an emotion he was all too familiar with—bloodlust.
"Look at me, Devin." The bearded man ordered, prompting Devin to lock eyes with him. Through his crimson eyes, Devin saw the bearded man for what he was—a tyrannical old man.
"You can't survive here alone, little devil. You need support. I—we—can help you with that." He raised his hand, moving it towards Devin's shoulder, but another firm, light brown hand beat him to it.
The bearded man's eye twitched as he and Devin looked up to find out who the hand belonged to.
The sun shone brightly on a 6'2" man with lean muscles visible through his sleeveless orange jumpsuit. Smiling brightly, the man had his long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. He chuckled at the bearded man. "What are you doing scaring the kid, old man?"
"This is Light Seeker business, Statun, and I suggest you stay out of it," the bearded man growled, regarding the new figure coldly.
"It's Light Seeker business when the kid decides it's Light Seeker business. As far as I'm concerned, this is neutral ground, old man." Statun smiled brightly, his dazzling hazel eyes gleaming.
"That's Pope to you, brat!" The bearded man roared, clenching his fist and cracking his knuckles. His followers behind him strained their muscles, leaning forward, ready to pounce on the disrespectful Statun.
'Urgh!' Devin grunted silently, feeling Statun's hand grip his shoulder. Statun remained cool and composed, still smiling at the bearded man and his followers.
"I tolerate you too much, Statun." The bearded man sighed, releasing his clenched fists. His followers eased their muscles and parted to make way for him. "But my patience wears thin." He walked past, leaving the two behind as his followers trailed after him.
"Phew." Statun sighed in relief as he watched them walk away. "I thought I was gonna die for a second." He chuckled before turning to Devin. "So, what you in for?" he asked, grinning from ear to ear.
Devin silently stared at him.
"It was a joke, a joke!" Statun cackled. "What's wrong with you, kid? You deaf or something?"
End of Chapter 16