The Shadows Within

Chapter 16

**Alexander's POV**

I watched as Donate slipped into the shadows, his eyes never leaving mine. I could sense his unease, his distrust. And I couldn't blame him. I had my reasons for working with Matthew, for wanting to take down his organization.

But I also knew that Donate was right. We needed to get Shana and Shameka back, and fast.

"Alright," I said, nodding curtly. "Let's get started."

Donate nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'll take point," he said. "You stay close."

I nodded, falling into step behind him as we made our way towards the Vipers' hideout.

As we approached, I could feel the tension building inside me. This was it - our chance to take down the Vipers once and for all.

I flashed back to the days when I was part of the Vipers myself, when I thought I was part of something bigger than myself. But it was all a lie. They used me, manipulated me, and discarded me.

And now it was time to make them pay.

**Donate's POV**

I led Alexander through the streets, my eyes scanning for any sign of danger. We were heading into the heart of Viper territory, and I knew it wouldn't be easy.

As we approached the hideout, I could feel Alexander's tension building. He was itching for a fight, and I couldn't blame him. But we needed to keep our heads if we were going to get Shana and Shameka out alive.

I flashed back to the times I had worked with Shana and Shameka, the good times and the bad. They were like family to me, and I would do anything to get them back.

I pushed aside my thoughts and focused on the task at hand. We had to get in, get the girls out, and get out before things got out of hand.

I motioned to Alexander to stay close as we approached the hideout. We were almost there...

**Shana's POV**

I sat in the dark room, my eyes adjusting slowly to the dim light. Shameka was next to me, her eyes wide with fear.

We had been taken by the Vipers, taken from our own territory. And now we were trapped in this dingy room with no way out.

I could hear the sound of footsteps outside, heavy footsteps that seemed to echo off the walls. The Vipers were coming for us.

Shameka's hand grasped mine, her fingers cold with fear.

"Don't worry," I whispered back to her. "We'll get out of here."

But as I looked around at our surroundings, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. The walls were thick, the doors reinforced with steel. And outside... well, outside was chaos.

The Vipers were planning something big. And we were caught right in the middle of it...

**Shameka's POV**

I squeezed Shana's hand tightly as we heard the footsteps outside grow louder. My heart pounded in my chest as I thought about what could happen next.

I glanced around at our surroundings again, trying to find any weakness in the walls or doors. But there was none. We were trapped.

The door creaked open, and a figure loomed in front of us. A Viper.

"Welcome," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "You're going to be very useful to us."

I swallowed hard as he reached out to grab us. This was it - our last chance to escape...

*To Be Continued...*