Shattered Souls & Stolen Hearts

Chapter 1 - Broken Hearts & Bruised Knuckles

Ares Salvatore was no stranger to trouble. With a reputation as the high school bad boy, he was feared and respected by his peers. His dark eyes held a depth of pain that most couldn't understand, and his silence spoke volumes to those who cared to listen.

But when Ashanti Efuru walked into his life, everything changed. She was the quiet good girl who kept to herself, always buried in her books and never seeking attention. It was during their math tutoring sessions that Ares began to see a different side of himself reflected in her innocent eyes.

As their friendship blossomed, Ares found himself opening up to Ashanti in ways he never had before. She saw past the tough exterior he presented to the world, and instead, she saw the broken boy who was desperately searching for someone to mend his broken pieces.

But not everyone was happy with their budding relationship. Lynn Romano, Ares' ex-girlfriend, had never quite gotten over their breakup. She took every opportunity to bully Ashanti, trying to drive a wedge between them.

And then there was Emilio Gonzalez, Lynn's dangerous and unpredictable ex-boyfriend. A notorious serial killer with a vendetta against Ares, he saw Ashanti as the perfect pawn to get to him. One day, as Ashanti was leaving school, Emilio kidnapped her, leaving behind a chilling message for Ares: " And it's hard to hate someone once you thought you understood them."

Ares heart raced with fear and anger as he read those words. He knew he had to find Ashanti before it was too late. With Lynn's betrayal and Emilio's threats looming over them, Ares and Ashanti's bond will be tested in ways they could have never imagined.

But for now, all Ares could think about was saving the girl who managed to mend his broken heart and show him that there was still good in the world. With determination in his eyes and a fire burning in his soul, Ares set out to bring Ashanti back to safety, no matter the cost.