The Temptation
The offer from Knox lingered in Jayden's mind like smoke he couldn't clear.
A crew meant protection, numbers, and a shield against Rico's vengeance. It meant not having to fight alone every time someone circled.
But Dre's words pressed just as heavy: Crews don't care about you. They use you. When you're useful, you're in. When you're not, you're disposable.
Jayden paced his cell, fists tightening and loosening. The fire inside demanded action. But was choosing Knox strength… or weakness?
---
The Yard Pressure
The next afternoon, Knox made his move. He cornered Jayden in the yard, his crew forming a wall of muscle behind him.
"Time's up, fire-boy," Knox said, his grin wide but eyes sharp. "You with us or not?"
The whole yard seemed to watch without watching — conversations pausing, balls bouncing slower. Even the guards leaned on the fence, eyes narrowed but unmoving.
Jayden's pulse pounded. His gaze flicked to Dre across the yard, who gave the slightest shake of his head.
"Not interested," Jayden said flatly.
Knox's grin vanished.
---
The Threat
"You think you can stand on your own?" Knox's voice hardened. "Fine. But when Rico comes for you — when Spider sets you up again — don't come crawling to us. You'll be bleeding on the asphalt with no one to blame but yourself."
His crew laughed, the sound sharp and heavy. They walked off, leaving Jayden standing alone in the middle of the yard, the fire burning hotter than ever.
Some kids nodded at him, like they respected his choice. Others shook their heads, like they were already counting down the days until he cracked.
---
The Fallout with Dre
Back in the block, Dre leaned close through the bars.
"You made the right call."
Jayden's voice was sharp. "Right call? Now I've got Knox's crew pissed, Rico gunning for me, and Spider plotting in the shadows. How's that the right call?"
"Because you're still yours," Dre said firmly. "They don't own you. Not yet. You've got fire — but fire dies when you hand it over to someone else's game."
Jayden pressed his forehead to the bars, jaw tight. He wanted to believe Dre. But survival felt thinner every day.
---
The Setup for the Showdown
Two nights later, a guard "forgot" to lock the rec room door on time. Jayden stepped in, only to find Spider leaning against the wall, Rico seated at the table, and two of Knox's boys lurking near the back.
The door shut behind him with a clang.
Spider's grin spread wide. "Guess the fire-boy came to play."
Jayden's chest tightened. The trap had snapped shut.
He glanced around — no Dre, no allies, just enemies closing in. His fists clenched, the fire roaring in his veins.
---
The Cliffhanger
Rico rose from the table, cracking his knuckles.
"You had choices, Scrap. You made the wrong ones."
Spider leaned in close, his whisper like a blade: "This is where you learn what fire does when it burns too bright."
The circle closed. Jayden's heart thundered. His fire screamed for release.
And as the first punch came, Jayden whispered to himself:
Survive. No matter what.