The Shadows Within

Chapter 22

**Rachel's POV**

I had been watching from the sidelines, my heart racing with worry as the standoff between Matthew, Scar, and his minions continued to escalate. I had been trying to come up with a plan, but everything seemed to be happening so fast.

And then, just as it seemed like things were about to get out of hand, I saw my chance. Alexander was holding Dantae's hand, trying to comfort her as he lay on the floor, and Shameka was kneeling beside her, her eyes fixed on Dantae's face.

I knew I had to act fast. I quickly scanned the room, my eyes locking onto the nearest of Scar's minions. With a swift kick, I took him down, and then turned to face the others.

"Let's take them down," I whispered to Alexander, who nodded and together we charged at the remaining minions.

Shana joined in, her fists flying as she took down another of Scar's men. Matthew and Shameka followed close behind, their faces set in determination.

Together, we managed to overpower Scar's men, taking them down one by one. Scar himself was the last one standing, his eyes blazing with anger as he faced us.

"You'll pay for this," he snarled, but it was too late. We had him outnumbered and outmatched.

With a swift kick, Alexander took Scar down, and we stood over him, victorious.

But as we caught our breath and surveyed the damage, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. This wasn't what I had wanted. This wasn't what any of us had wanted.

But it was done now. And all we could do was move forward.

**Dantae's POV**

As the chaos died down and Scar's men were subdued, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I was alive. And despite the pain in my stomach, I was grateful to be alive.

I looked up at Shameka, who was kneeling beside me, her eyes still locked onto mine. I knew she loved me. And in that moment, I knew that I loved her too.

I tried to speak, but my voice was weak. "Shameka," I whispered.

Shameka leaned in close, her voice barely audible over my own. "I'm here," she whispered back.

I smiled weakly, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. As long as Shameka was by my side, everything would be okay.