Once they stepped forward their forms gradually came into focus, and a collective gasp of shock and fear spread through the cell block.
It was Damir - the most powerful figure within the prison! A man who had previously sought to recruit me upon my arrival but got rejected. A god within this prison!
The entire cell block looked stunned, a collective step backward taken in instinctive self-preservation, fists clenched in anxious anticipation.
He began a deliberate approach, slow applause emanating from his palms. "Bravo, bravo, Dionis," he intoned with admiration, his voice a mixture of approval and amusement.
Halting about three meters from me, his intense gaze locked onto mine. My throat tightened, and I stammered, "Thanks."