INT. JAIL CELL - THE NIGHT BEFORE AMBER’S EXECUTION

AMBER lies in bed, facing the wall. Her hair is a wild mess, her eyes puffy and red. She scowls as a shadow shifts on the wall, sitting up to face the bars of her cell.

AMBER

For the last time, it was all me. I’m not tellin’ you where your money’s gone, so you can just shove it-

AMBER defends her absent partner VICO, even as she struggles with doubt that he is coming back for her. She doesn’t want to give the police anything to work with. AMBER stops halfway, confused to see no one there.

THE RED FIEND

You and I both know that isn’t the truth.

THE RED FIEND’S shadow has taken shape on her cell wall. AMBER’S head whips towards the noise.

AMBER

What the hell? What are you?

AMBER slaps a hand over her mouth, surprised with herself.

AMBER (CONT’D)

Oh god, I’m yappin’ at shadows.

THE RED FIEND

I assure you, I am very real.

AMBER leans back, skeptical.

AMBER

Yeah? And what are you, my new cell-mate? Felicitations, bucko. It’s about to get real roomy in here come tomorrow morning.

THE RED FIEND

Oh? That’s a shame. I believed you had more fight in you than that.

AMBER

What?! No, I mean I’m getting outta here.

THE RED FIEND

And how do you plan to do that?

AMBER looks around, ensuring no one is around to hear her. She leans close to the wall with a hiss.

AMBER

My partner’s comin’ for me, you shadowy little shit. You’ll see.

THE RED FIEND doesn’t rise to the threat. He looks AMBER up and down, sizing her up. Despite her ferocity, she’s trembling.

THE RED FIEND

Like he was supposed to before?

His words strike a nerve. VICO abandoning her is why she’s in this mess. AMBER blinks tears away, irritated at herself.

AMBER

(furious, voice breaks)

What do you know about him, huh?

THE RED FIEND

I know that he isn’t here. I am. And your time left on this mortal plane is dwindling.

THE RED FIEND’S voice is low and assured. He knows he has her.

THE RED FIEND (CONT’D)

We can help each other, AMBER.

AMBER

(wavering)

All he needs is a little more time.

THE RED FIEND

And how much more of yours will you give him until it kills you?

AMBER says nothing, sinking into herself. THE RED FIEND smiles.

THE RED FIEND (CONT’D)

You lack a reliable partner. Someone to depend upon. I can be that for you, if you allow me.

Acceptance

A long, tense silence falls over the room. AMBER’S expression shifts from despair to eerie focus.

AMBER

I get it now. Enough of the sales pitch.

AMBER leans into the wall, her hand over THE RED FIEND’S.

AMBER (CONT’D)

(determined, barely above a whisper)

Just get me out of here.

THE RED FIEND

(gleeful, he’s won)

As you wish.

CUT TO: The stone wall. THE RED FIEND’s shadow leaps onto AMBER’s hand, and she yanks it away.

AMBER shrieks in pain. The sound of bones crunching and flesh shifting echoes as her shadow bursts on the prison wall, taking the shape of something new and horrifying.

AMBER’S human form is shed as another body emerges from within. She is now VYRA, demonic shapeshifter, servant of THE RED FIEND.

CUT TO: VYRA, covered in blood. Shards of hardened blood form a blade along the column of her discarded spine. Rising on shaky legs, she grasps the blade formed from her human body and stands, breathing heavily.

GUARD

What the hell is all that noise?!

THE RED FIEND

(echoed, in VYRA’S mind)

They intend to put you down. Return the favor.

CUT TO: GUARD rounds the corner to VYRA’S cell. He is instantly impaled on her blade through the bars, the sword embedded in the wall behind him.

CUT TO: VYRA, prying the bars of her cell open as GUARD screams in horror.

THE RED FIEND

Fly, my little magpie.

FADE OUT