Night fell quickly, and the city's silence was broken only by Matias' hurried steps. He carried a sense of victory mixed with tension; escaping Claws and discovering the leader's weak point had given him an advantage. Now, his mission was to inform the two rival gangs, consolidating his position as a messenger between them.
Upon arriving at the meeting point, Matias found leaders and representatives from both gangs waiting. He entered without hesitation, his proud posture hiding the real fear he felt.
Matias (looking at everyone): "I did it. I discovered Claws' weak point. It's not him… it's his friends. If we want to attack, we should target them."
Silence filled the room. The gang leaders exchanged glances, processing the information. Tension was palpable; finally, the possibility of destabilizing Claws emerged as a concrete plan.
Leader (gravely): "Very well. Then he will be treated as a traitor. Everyone with him as well."
Matias nodded, but his eyes narrowed as he noticed the third-year girl who had been with the vice-principal was there, observing every reaction. She had followed Matias, staying in the shadows, ready to act if something went wrong. Her gaze was cold and calculating, yet there was a flicker of curiosity about Claws, which made Matias feel partially safe.
Girl (interrupting the silence): "Everyone should know he's not trustworthy. The debt has been paid."
Matias swallowed hard, feeling that the power he had gained was now tied to something even greater. He couldn't fail.
---
Meanwhile, Claws remained hidden, discreetly observing the surroundings of the school. He had noticed subtle changes in the gangs' behavior and suspected something was being orchestrated. The arrival of Isa and Lucas in the external investigation still weighed on his mind, but now another problem was approaching: his reputation among the gangs was at stake.
Later, returning home after quietly handling gang matters, Claws was surprised by the same third-year girl. She appeared silently, walking alongside him on the deserted street.
Girl (firmly): "Claws… all the gangs already know you're a traitor… and you're not alone in this. Your group is involved too."
Claws stopped abruptly, the impact of her words hitting him like a punch to the stomach.
Claws (low, tense voice): "Traitor? I… I didn't…"
Girl (interrupting): "Yes, that's how you're seen now. The debt has been paid, but their trust is gone. You better understand nothing will be the same from now on." — With these words, she stepped away, disappearing into the street's shadows.
Claws stood still, unmoving. The cold night wind seemed to cut through his skin as he absorbed the information. He knew that from now on, all the gangs would have a justification to pursue him, and that his group of friends—his true strength—was now at risk.
---
Hidden, Claws decided he could no longer keep secrets from his family. The situation had become too serious to handle alone. Upon arriving home, he climbed the stairs silently, avoiding attention. His parents were in the living room, and he took a deep breath before approaching.
Claws (hesitating): "Mom, Dad… I need to tell you something important."
His parents looked up, immediately sensing that something serious had happened. Claws took a deep breath and began narrating everything: the gang war, the police call, Matias discovering the weak point, the gangs' perception of betrayal, and the third-year girl's revelation. Each word was heavy, filled with responsibility and tension.
Claws (firm voice despite fear): "Do you understand… that now everyone in the group is at risk? Not just me. All my friends."
His parents remained silent for a moment, absorbing the gravity of the situation. Then his mother spoke, firmly:
Mother: "Claws… you need to be cautious. But you are not alone in this. We'll figure out how to protect you and your friends."
His father nodded, supporting the decision:
Father: "We need strategy. From now on, every move must be planned, so they don't get a chance."
Claws exhaled deeply, feeling some weight lift from his shoulders. Finally, he could share the burden with those he trusted, but he knew this was only the beginning. The battle wouldn't just be physical—it would be strategic, emotional, and psychological.
---
Meanwhile, Matias and the third-year girl discreetly returned to the gangs, delivering the information that Claws and his group were now considered traitors. The news spread quickly, generating murmurs and plans among the members. The situation was escalating, and any misstep could be fatal for Claws and his friends.
Yet, even amid the chaos, Claws knew he couldn't panic. Every detail from Isa and Lucas' investigation, every clue they gathered about the shadow and the body, could prove crucial. Now he faced a new problem: besides the school's mystery, he had to protect the group from the gangs' real threat, knowing the enemy now knew exactly what his weak point was.
Night fully descended, and as Claws looked out his bedroom window, the city seemed silent but filled with shadows. Danger was out there—unseen, imminent. For the first time, Claws felt the true weight of being a leader, a friend, and a target all at once.
The chapter ends with Claws sitting alone, reflecting on the decisions he would need to make, while the group prepares to enter a phase of even greater mystery and danger.