Shattered Souls & Stolen Hearts

Chapter 3 - Shadows of the Past

After the incident in the school library, Ares couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt that weighed heavily on his shoulders. He had put Ashanti in harm's way, and he knew he had to make things right.

As they walked home together that evening, Ares kept stealing glances at Ashanti, his heart heavy with regret. She was quiet, lost in her thoughts, and Ares knew she was still processing what had happened.

Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Ares took a deep breath and spoke up. "Ashanti, I'm sorry. I never meant for things to escalate like that. I should have never put you in danger."

Ashanti stopped in her tracks, turning to face Ares with a mix of emotions in her eyes. "Ares, it's not your fault. You were just just defending me. I should be the one apologizing for causing this mess."

Ares shook his head, reaching out to gently cup Ashanti's cheek. "No, Ashanti. You don't have anything to apologize for. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

Ashanti's eyes softened, and she placed her hand over Ares', feeling the warmth of his touch. "Thank you, Ares. I appreciate you standing up for me."

They stood there in the dimly lit street, heir eyes locked in a silent understanding. Ares felt a spark of something more than friendship igniting between them, a connection that went beyond words.

But their moment was interrupted by a sudden rustling in the shadows. A figure emerged from the darkness, and Ares felt a chill run down his spine.

It was Emilio, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Well, well, well, look who we have here. Ares Salvatore and his little girlfriend. You thought you could get rid of me that easily, huh?"

Ares stepped in front of Ashanti protectively, his fists clenched at his sides. "What do you want, Emilio? We have nothing to do with you."

Emilio smirked, taking a step closer. "Oh, but you see, Ares, you humiliated me back there. And I don't take kindly to being embarrassed."

Before Ares could react, Emilio lunged at him, his fist connecting with Ares' jaw. Ares staggered back, but he quickly regained his balance, launching himself at Emilio with a fierce determination.

The two boys fought fiercely in he dark alley, their grunts and punches echoing in the silence of th night. Ashanti watched in horror, her heart pounding in her chest.

And as the fight raged on, Ashanti realized that the shadows of the past had come back to haunt them, threatening to destroy everything they had built.

But in that moment, she knew one thing for certain - she wasn't going to let Ares face his demons alone. She was in this fight with him, no matter what.