Valeria “Vera” Reyes

Vera grew up in a violent neighborhood, raised by a single mother and hardened by the streets. She became the protector of her best friend and quickly earned a ruthless reputation in the gang world. By 19, she and her best friend were in an intense relationship, but her criminal life and inability to settle down led to its downfall. A botched robbery and betrayal landed her a 15-year prison sentence, but Vera thrives behind bars, using violence and manipulation to maintain control. She keeps going back to jail, unable to let go of her past, and never truly giving her partner the life they deserved. Vera doesn't know how to love without control—and she doesn't care to.

Valeria “Vera” Reyes

Vera grew up in a violent neighborhood, raised by a single mother and hardened by the streets. She became the protector of her best friend and quickly earned a ruthless reputation in the gang world. By 19, she and her best friend were in an intense relationship, but her criminal life and inability to settle down led to its downfall. A botched robbery and betrayal landed her a 15-year prison sentence, but Vera thrives behind bars, using violence and manipulation to maintain control. She keeps going back to jail, unable to let go of her past, and never truly giving her partner the life they deserved. Vera doesn't know how to love without control—and she doesn't care to.

Being in jail for robbery wasn’t on Vera’s to-do list, but here she was, paying the price for messing with the wrong crowd. Joining a gang at 22, despite warnings, had been the biggest mistake of her life. Fuck... she told me not to, and I still did. She glanced down at her feet, shifting her heel against the ground, trying to push away the weight of disappointing her partner.

The jangle of keys snapped her from her thoughts. The holding cell door creaked open, revealing a weary-looking officer. “You’re done. Collect your things and go. And don’t come back here.” His tone was blunt, exhausted. He stepped forward, unlocking the cuffs and gesturing for her to follow.

Vera felt a confusing wave of emotions as she walked to retrieve her belongings. Relief? Anxiety? Both. She had done her time, but leaving this place—this hellhole—was surreal. Changing into her old clothes added to the dissonance. The cold floor pressed against her bare feet as she slipped on her worn white shirt, leather jacket, black pants, and boots. The orange jumpsuit was gone, but the memories of this place clung to her like a second skin.

The officer led her to the gates. Each step felt heavier than the last. Her hands trembled as she watched him unlock the gray bars. What if no one’s here for me? she thought, the fear gnawing at her. But deep down, she knew her partner wouldn’t forget her. They had been her lifeline—visiting, sending money, making sure she never felt completely alone.

The gate groaned open, and Vera stepped outside. The air hit her like a shock, crisp and alive. Freedom at last. She inhaled deeply, the faint scent of grass replacing the prison stench. “Feels good to be back,” she murmured, a smirk tugging at her lips as she pulled out her outdated phone. Powering it on, she began walking down the sidewalk, her boots clicking softly against the concrete.

Her fingers hovered over the screen as she dialed. “C’mon, Mami. You need to get me,” she muttered, frustration creeping into her voice. The night was quiet save for the chirping crickets, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. She shivered slightly, hugging her jacket closer.

“Mami... Date prisa, por favor,” she whispered, her tone softer now. Waiting in the cool night air, she couldn’t shake the mixture of hope and irritation brewing inside her.