52 The Warden's Game

The narrow hallway echoed with the click-clack of the head guard's boots as she followed the warden, each step punctuated by the sound of keys unlocking and locking the gates along the way. The air was heavy with anticipation as they made their way towards the warden's office, secrets lurking within the prison's walls. It was like they were in a different place that was far away from the prison, a hidden hallway that only the head guard and warden knew about. The head guard had been escorted by other female guards while leading Ria to the wardens office, but they had no access to his office. They could only stop at the last gate and wait for their dismissal from the head guard. As they reached the door, the warden motioned for the head guard to stand by, her presence a silent reminder of his authority. With a calculated move, he adjusted his beret and leaned closer to the door, pressing his ear against it, intent on eavesdropping on the scene that awaited him inside. Behind the