The Shadows Within

Chapter 17

**Shana's POV**

I struggled against the Viper's grip as he dragged us out of the room. Shameka's hand was still locked with mine, our fingers intertwined as we were pulled through the dark corridors.

We were taken to a large underground lair, filled with Vipers and their leader, Scar. He sneered at us, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"Welcome to our home," he spat. "You'll be staying here... permanently."

Shameka and I exchanged a terrified glance. We were trapped, with no way out.

Scar's eyes locked onto Shameka. "You're the one who's been causing trouble," he said, his voice dripping with venom. "You're the one who thinks you're above the law."

Shameka's face paled as she realized what was happening. She was being used as leverage against us, against our organization.

I knew we had to think fast if we were going to get out of this alive...

**Shameka's POV**

As Scar spoke, I felt my heart sink. I knew what was coming. I tried to think of a plan, but my mind was a blank.

Scar's hand grasped my shoulder, his fingers digging deep into my skin. "You're going to pay for what you've done," he hissed.

I tried to shake him off, but he held tight. Shana's eyes met mine, and I saw the fear there.

We were trapped, with no way out. But I refused to give up. I knew Shana would never give up, and neither would I.

I looked up at Scar, my eyes cold and hard. "You'll never win," I spat back at him.

Scar's smile grew wider. "Oh, but we already have."

**Ashley's POV**

I paced back and forth in my room, my mind racing with worry about Shana and Shameka. Matthew had told me what had happened - they'd been taken by the Vipers.

I couldn't sit still, my anxiety building with every passing minute. What if they didn't come back? What if something happened to them?

I stopped pacing and collapsed onto the bed, my eyes scanning the room for something to distract me from my fears.

Lilith sat down beside me, her eyes filled with concern. "Ashley, try not to worry," she said softly.

I shook my head. "I can't help it," I said, my voice trembling. "What if they're hurt? What if they don't come back?"

Jessica put a hand on my shoulder. "We'll find them," she said firmly. "Matthew will figure something out."

But even her words of encouragement couldn't calm my fears...

**Lilith's POV**

As Ashley fretted beside me, I couldn't help but think of our own experiences with the Vipers. We'd lost loved ones to their brutality, and now Shana and Shameka were in their hands.

I glanced at Jessica, who seemed lost in thought. We all knew what was at stake - our lives, our organization's future...

"We need to stay calm," Jessica said finally, her voice firm. "We need to think this through."

Ashley nodded slowly, her eyes still haunted by worry.

And as we sat there in silence, I knew that we had to find a way to get Shana and Shameka back...

*To Be Continued...*