367 UNMISTAKEN RESEMBLANCES

The dusty air clung to Lucas's throat as he regained consciousness. A dull ache throbbed in his head, and a knot of fear tightened in his stomach. His friends, Anna, Ben, Chloe, and Mark, were sprawled on the floor, their hands bound and mouths silenced by tape. A tall, lanky teenager, Henry, leader of the rival Skulls, smirked at him, flanked by two hulking menaces. Lucas's friends tried to warn him, their muffled cries choked by the tape. Henry shoved Lucas into a chair. Fear bubbled within him, but he glared back defiantly. "Thought you Storm Crows were all bite, no bark," Henry sneered. "Seems we were right." Lucas gritted his teeth. He hated their group's name. He wanted to fight back, but they were outnumbered. Ben mumbled a threat, but a giant named Bruno slammed his fist into Ben's stomach. Lucas clenched his fists, anger warring with fear. "This is what happens when you mess with the Skulls," Henry growled. "This turf is ours. You crossed a line, kid." Lucas knew they c