The Shadows Within

Chapter 31

**Lilith's POV**

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. It was a new day, and I felt a sense of unease wash over me. I knew that eventually, the group would find out about my connection to Scar.

I got dressed and made my way to the common room, trying to blend in with the others. But it was hard to ignore the curious glances and whispers that followed me everywhere I went.

I tried to focus on the tasks at hand, helping with chores and errands, but my mind kept wandering back to my father and what he had done.

As the days passed, I noticed that Shameka and Alexander seemed to be growing closer. They would sit together during meals, and sometimes even hold hands. It was like they were trying to prove that they were stronger together, but it only made me feel more alone.

I started to distance myself from them, trying to find my own way in this new world without my father's shadow looming over me. But it was hard to shake off the feeling that I didn't belong.

One night, as I was walking back to my quarters, I saw Ashley sitting on a bench outside. She looked lost in thought, her eyes fixed on some distant point.

I approached her slowly, not wanting to scare her away. "Hey," I said softly.

Ashley turned to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you want, Lilith?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Ashley's gaze made me trust her. "I'm... I'm Scar's daughter," I said finally.

Ashley's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside me. "I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. And I know what he did... I know what he did to Dantae."

Ashley's face hardened into determination. "We need to talk," she said.

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, Ashley could help me find a way to make amends for my father's sins.

As we walked back to the common room, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe this was the start of something new, something that would help me find redemption in a world where my father's darkness had once reigned supreme.

But as we approached the others, I knew that our conversation was far from over. The group would have questions, and they would want answers. And I wasn't sure if I was ready for what lay ahead.

*To Be Continued...*