The Shadows Within

Chapter 21

**Shameka's POV**

My heart was racing as I stared at Dantae's still form on the floor. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, like all the air had been knocked out of me.

But it wasn't just because Dantae was hurt. It was because...I loved him. I loved him more than anything.

I had tried to deny it, to push it away, but it was no use. I had fallen deeply in love with Dantae, and I knew he felt the same way about me.

We had kept it hidden, even from ourselves, but it was there. And now...now he might be dying.

I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I gazed down at his pale face. I couldn't lose him. I couldn't bear the thought of living without him.

I turned to Matthew, my eyes pleading with him. "Please," I whispered. "You have to help him."

Matthew's face was set in a grim mask, his eyes locked on Scar's. "I'll do everything I can," he said.

But I knew it wasn't enough. I knew that Dantae life was slipping away from us, and there was nothing we could do to stop it.

I felt a sob rising up in my throat as I looked back at Dantae still form. I loved him, and now...now he might be gone.

The thought was like a knife twisting in my chest. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think, couldn't feel anything except the agony of losing him.

And then, suddenly, Dantae eyes flickered open. He looked up at me, his gaze weak but determined.

"Shameka," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

My heart skipped a beat as I leaned down to him. "Don't try to talk," I whispered back. "Just stay with me."

Dantae eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. And in that moment, I knew that everything would be okay.

*To Be Continued...*