Page 6 of Shadows Within

Ricco ducks left then catches me with a body shot. I stumble back and almost lose my balance.

“You okay?” He comes in closer to me.

I nod and keep my jaw tight. “Keep going.”

His eyes narrow before he strikes me again.

By the time we’re done, my arms shake. As I remove my gloves, Ricco doesn’t say much, he just taps my shoulder as he walks past me, out of the ring. I grab my water and sit on the edge. Silence settles in.

Today’s session wasn’t perfect, but it was progress, and that’s good enough for now.

Debt

Callum

They say that legacy is an honour, but no one talks about what it’s like to carry the burden of a name that you didn’t ask for. Mine is a brand, burned into my skin.

I walk down the halls at Langford University to my Strategic Management class. I can’t wait to finish this year. After I graduate with my business degree, I’m expected to work for my grandfather’s tech company—another jail they can contain me in.

No one makes eye contact with me as I walk down the hall. Even if they wanted to, they know better. I’ve never felt the need to be liked but I’ve always known what it’s like to be wanted. There’s a difference—one’s about control and the other is irrelevant.

My phone vibrates in the front pocket of my jeans.

“Yeah?” I answer.

“There’s been a situation. We need you here.”

I already know what’s happened.

“I’m on my way.”

I turn and walk toward my Jag instead. I don’t care about grades, I care about understanding the game. The numbers, the power, the psychology behind the power— that’s the only reason I’m here. Half of these kids are just learning how to play business, but I’m learning how to use it… how to control it.

The door unlocks as I pull the handle open to my car. It’s the latest gift from my gracious father after I handled another one of The Society’s problems. I grab a cigarette and press it between my lips. I hate smoking. Although I could quit anytime I want,today is not the day. I roll my window down and let the breeze roll over me as I flee from the parking lot.

Pebbles crush under the weight of my car as I slowly enter the driveway. I’m already frustrated before I enter the mansion.

As I stand at the dark red door, dread washes over me. This house was once so beautiful. Now, it’s a place of secrets and sin.

I tread into the lounge upstairs, the tension is palpable. Deluca, one of the Highers, sits in a chair while everyone else stands. He looks annoyed.

“We’ve got a problem, Mercer,” his words hold urgency. “A girl is in bad shape. One of the pledges got out of hand and she overdosed.”

I sigh. They either want me to deal with the pledge, deal with the girl, or both.

“What do you need me to do?” A knot tightens in my stomach as I wait for the response.

“I need your help with the girl, we can talk about the rest after.” He nods toward the back of the house and sips on his drink.

Of course, I’m the clean-up crew.

“She’s in the back room.”

I don’t waste any time. I want to deal with this as quickly as possible and get out of here.

I open the door to the back room and see an unconscious girl. Her skin is pale against the dark wood floor. Her lips are blue. Women are discarded like objects in The Society. Only certain women are untouchable, and even then, I’ve seen boundaries tested.

As I get approach, I realize it’s Emily Black. She was in a couple of my first and second year business classes. I’ve seen her at a few parties recently, and she was always quiet and shy. She doesn’t deserve this—they never do.