The cages opened the next day — not with alarms, not with violence — but with gentle chimes and soft lights.

  "Orientation complete. Quarters unlocked. Nutrients issued."

  The door slid open, revealing a corridor bathed in white light. Beyond it: beds, warmth, trays of clean food, clothes that fit. The air smelled... safe. Like fresh sheets and warm rice.

  People rushed out. Some hesitated, but hunger always wins in silence.

  Ash stood still, eyes narrow. “This doesn’t make sense.”

  Niko walked past him, sniffing the food. “Doesn’t need to. It’s better than sleeping on metal.”

  Zed followed, hands in pockets. “Maybe this place isn’t what we thought.”

  Reva waited beside Ash for a second. “You coming?”

  He looked at her, jaw clenched. “They’re not being kind. They’re being clever.”

  Still, even Ash sat down eventually — not to rest, but to observe.

  There were dorm-style rooms now. Showers. Softer lights. A fake sense of peace.

  Most of the group started laughing again. Some played cards. Others slept like they hadn’t in days.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  But Ash stayed sharp. He didn’t forget the two who had escaped. Didn’t forget the silence of the guards. Didn’t forget the collar on his neck.

  One night, as the lights dimmed into a fake twilight, Reva sat beside him in the corner room.

  “You don’t even rest,” she said quietly.

  “Can’t afford to.”

  She looked at him. Really looked.

  “You don’t talk much about yourself. But I’ve been watching you, too.”

  Ash didn’t respond.

  “You don’t just want to escape,” she said, more softly now. “You need to.”

  He turned to her, eyes dark with truth.

  “I have a family. A brother, parents. I don’t care about what this place wants. I will survive, and I will go back. No matter who I have to leave behind.”

  Reva’s expression faltered for a second — a glimpse of hurt. But she nodded.

  “I’ll help you. When you go, don’t leave without telling me.”

  Ash stood. His fingers touched the cold metal of the collar again.

  “I won’t ask for help.”

  Then he left her in the hallway light, returning to the shadows.

  Because comfort was the trap.

  And he wasn't falling for it.