Page 98 of Shadows Within

She’s never looked so beautiful.

“I thought I couldn’t live without you.”

I pull the trigger.

Warm blood splatters on my face.

Vanessa’s screams fill the room as my father’s lifeless body drops to the ground.

“What the fuck did you just do, Callum!” One of The Highers yells.

Years of torture and emotional confinement slowly lift off my chest.I killed my father.

My ears ring and a heaviness builds in my head. I close my eyes, just when it feels like it might explode.I killed my father.

The one who was supposed to be there for me. The one who’s blood runs through my veins, and the one who never taught me how to love. A sea of emotions overwhelm me.

I turn around and pull Scarlett up.

Just then, Harrison jumps beside me. His gun is already in his hand.

Chaos erupts as bullets and debris fly in the air.

Archer lowers his gun in disbelief. Deluca shoots at me but misses. Leo and Harrison point their guns at Deluca.

“Let him go,” Leo says.

Victor points his gun at Scarlett then he brings his aim toward Vanessa. He slowly backs out of the temple with her, Archer, and a handful of others follow. Deluca and Leo stand there with their guns pointed at each other.

I turn around and drop to my knees, grabbing her wet face.

“I thought I couldn’t live without you, but now I know, I can’t. I can never be without you.” She tries to pull away from me, but I grip harder. “I fucking love you, Scarlett. Just like I told you, until I die. You’re mine, and I’m never letting you go.” My heart races thinking that I almost lost her.

I bring her mouth to mine—the kiss is damp from her tears. For a moment, the rest of the room fades and it’s just us. I get high from the ecstasy of her, she brings me back to life.

BANG.

I turn around to the sight of Harrison on the ground, clutching his leg.

Leo acts quickly and shoots Deluca in the shoulder.

“Fuck!” I hear Harrison scream from the ground beside me.

“It’s okay man, I’m going to get you out of here.”

“Go.” I look up at Leo as he yells and nods his head.

I crouch and lift Harrison’s arm over my shoulder. “We need to leave, now,” I say to Scarlett. Still in shock, she doesn't process what I’m saying.

“Angel. We have to leave.Now. Get up.” She slowly stands and follows me. I throw her my phone as I lead us all out the side door.

“Call Stirling to come get us. Tell him we’ll be past the temple, down the back. He’ll know what you mean.”

“Your phone… it’s locked.” She stares down at it, moving slowly.

“0510, it’s—”

“My birthday.” She looks surprised that the man who just killed for her knows her birthday.