"It doesn't matter?" Elian's hands balled into fists as he repeated the man's words with incredulity.
"How can it not matter? I'm being held against my will by someone who has no legal right to ---"
"Kid." The guard's voice softened slightly. "You have been marked by a Lombardi. That changes everything in your life."
He gestured vaguely back toward the prison interior. "As long as he wants you there, you are there. Nobody in this place, not the warden, not the guards, not anybody is gonna get you out. Nobody can save you from him."
"You are his, until he says otherwise. Only then. "
The words hit Elian like physical blows and his mouth fell open.
The guard stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You want some advice? Real one?"
Elian didn't respond. He couldn't, actually. He was shocked to find out this was going to be how he would live his life now.
The guard, however continued, his expression sympathetic now;
