The Edge Of Innocence

Shadows in the Dark

Ryan's POV

I couldn't protect her. That was the thought that ran through my mind as I walked away from Sophie's house. I'd tried to warn her, tried to push her away, but she was too stubborn to listen. And now, because of me, she was in more danger than ever.

Luca's threats weren't empty. He had the power to hurt her, and I knew he wouldn't hesitate. My only hope was to figure out a way to stop him before things got worse.

I met Caleb at our usual spot—the abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. It was the only place we could talk without worrying about being overheard.

"You look like hell, man," Caleb said as I walked in.

"I feel worse," I muttered, slumping against the wall. "Luca's going after Sophie."

Caleb's eyes widened. "What? Why? I thought he was only after you."

"He's using her to get to me," I explained, rubbing my temples. "He knows I care about her, and he's going to use that against me."

Caleb cursed under his breath. "What are we going to do?"

"We need to hit him before he hits us," I said, my voice hardening. "Take Luca out of the equation before he can hurt Sophie."

Caleb raised an eyebrow. "You're talking about going after him?"

I nodded. "It's the only way. He's not going to stop until I'm back in his crew, and I'm not letting that happen."

"It's risky," Caleb warned. "Luca's got more guys than we do. If we make a move and it backfires, we're all dead."

"I know the risks," I said, meeting his gaze. "But I'm not giving him the chance to hurt her."

Caleb sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. I'm with you. But we need a plan."

"Leave that to me," I said, already thinking ahead. "I'll figure out how to get to Luca. We just need to act fast."

As I left the warehouse, my mind was racing. I knew the risks, knew that going after Luca could end badly for all of us. But I didn't have a choice. I couldn't let him hurt Sophie.

Sophie's POV

The next few days were a blur. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched, even when I was alone. It started small—a figure I thought I saw in the shadows, the sound of footsteps behind me when I walked home from school. But as the days passed, the feeling grew stronger.

It all came to a head one evening when I was walking home from work at the coffee shop. The streets were quiet, the sun setting in the distance, casting long shadows on the sidewalk. I was about halfway home when I heard it—the unmistakable sound of footsteps following me.

My heart raced, and I quickened my pace, glancing over my shoulder. A figure in a dark hoodie was trailing behind me, staying just far enough away that I couldn't see their face.

I fought the urge to panic, telling myself it was just my imagination. But the footsteps grew louder, closer. I broke into a run, my breath coming in short gasps as I darted around the corner, my apartment building in sight.

But just as I reached the front steps, a hand grabbed my arm, yanking me back.

I spun around, my heart pounding in my ears. The hooded figure stood in front of me, their grip tight on my arm.

"Let go of me!" I shouted, struggling to break free.

But the figure didn't let go. Instead, they leaned in closer, their voice a low whisper. "This is just the beginning. Stay away from Ryan, or next time, it won't be a warning."

I barely registered the words before the figure shoved me hard, sending me crashing to the ground. By the time I scrambled to my feet, they were already gone.

Shaking, I rushed inside, locking the door behind me. My mind was racing, my heart still pounding in my chest. I knew who had sent them. Luca's threat was real, and now I had the bruises to prove it.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Ryan's number, my hands trembling. When he answered, his voice was tense.

"Sophie? What's wrong?"

"I—I think someone from Luca's gang just followed me home," I stammered, my voice shaking. "They grabbed me and told me to stay away from you."

There was silence on the other end of the line, then Ryan's voice, low and dangerous. "I'm coming over. Stay inside, and don't open the door for anyone."