The Shadows Within

Chapter 10

**Shana's POV**

I couldn't believe what was happening. One minute I was trying to escape Matthew's clutches, and the next I was being pulled back in. But this time, it was different. This time, I was in too deep.

I had thought I could handle it, that I could be the one in control. But Matthew's world was a dark and dangerous place, and I was just a pawn in his game.

As we stood there, panting and covered in blood, I saw the way Matthew looked at me. It was like he was seeing me for the first time, like he was really looking at me for the first time.

And I knew I was lost.

He took my hand, his fingers wrapping around mine like a vice. "You're mine now," he said, his voice low and menacing.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he pulled me close. I knew I had to get away from him, but I didn't know how.

He took me to a club, one of his many businesses. It was loud and crowded, with people dressed to the nines and dancing on the tables.

Matthew introduced me to his friends, people like Dantae, Lilith, Jessica, Alexander, Ashley, and Shameka. They all seemed to know Matthew's secrets, to be bound to him by some unseen thread.

As we danced and laughed, I felt like an outsider. Like I didn't belong in this world. But Matthew seemed to be enjoying himself, laughing and joking with his friends like we were all just one big happy family.

And then, as the night wore on, things started to get weird. People began to fight and argue, their words slurred and their fists flying.

Matthew pulled me close, his eyes scanning the room with a mixture of concern and calculation. "Time to go," he said, his voice low and urgent.

We slipped out into the night air, leaving the chaos behind us. But I knew it wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

As we drove away from the club, I saw Matthew's face in the rearview mirror. His eyes were cold and calculating, his jaw set in a hard line.

And I knew I was trapped.

**To Be Continued...**