I was on a beach, not like the one we had been on only days earlier in search of Luna, but rather a large one that seemed to run on forever, surrounded by large mountains. The sun shone down on me, warming my skin as calming waves crashed from beyond. It was beautiful and so, so peaceful.

Looking down at my feet, I noticed that they were bare, buried in the warm sand. A flowing white dress hung from my body.

My legs were free of the usual scratches and bruises, my hands no longer coated in dirt like they always seemed to be. Most significantly, there no longer existed a gaping hole in my abdomen.

"Aves!"

The calling of my name caused me to turn in a hurry. Because unlike the last time I had dreamt of him, I didn't feel fear this time, I felt elated.

The sight of my brother running toward me caused me so much happiness I could barely keep myself standing.

I didn't wait for him to reach me, instead I took off toward him, throwing my body into his in a bone crushing hug. "You're here!" I cried, gripping onto him more tightly, "You're really here."

Finn let out a laugh, the one I had missed so much, "That I am, little sister."

I felt a grin spread across my face as I pulled away from him, taking in all of his features. "Two minutes." I reminded him, "That's all you have on me."

Another laugh fell from his lips as he nodded toward where he had come from, "Come on. I have some people who want to see you."

I didn't argue, desperate to spend any time with my brother, not caring exactly what we were doing.

I watched my twin the entire time we walked the length of the beach, terrified that he would disappear if I didn't.

With my eyes so focused on Finn, I didn't notice that we had stopped outside of a house. It was rather modest in size, but seemed so inviting I couldn't help but want to enter. At some point, we had veered from the beach and now stood in some kind of valley, the quaint house being at the centre of it.

Finn motioned toward the front door, "After you m'lady."

I gave him a wide grin as I slowly approached the home, turning the doorknob and entering into the warm space.

As Finn and I emerged into the house, voices could instantly be heard carrying from further within.

I looked to my brother in curiosity. Despite the unknown voices, I didn't feel scared. Once again I felt at peace.

Silently, Finn guided me through the house, the airiness and warmness of the environment making it so I never wanted to leave.

We walked through the entire house, coming to the backyard.

Finn gave me a quick wink before pulling the backdoor open, revealing the large, green yard that was covered in gardens upon gardens. It was breathtaking.

But what was most shocking was not the green grass or beautiful flowers. What had me really losing my breath was the sight of people.

However, it wasn't just any people that filled that yard, it was those who we had lost, my friends who had died before they really had a chance to live.

Lincoln, Maya, Atom, Wells and Monroe were seated around a large table, laughing amongst each other.

At our arrival, each of them looked up at us, all of them wearing inviting smiles as their eyes landed on me.

But suddenly, I felt fear and confusion course through my veins. This was too good to be true.

My brother seemed to note my sudden change in demeanour and he gave me a knowing smile. "I was waiting for that to happen." he admitted, motioning toward a path that led away from the house. "Let's go for a walk, Aves."

With one final glance toward the table, I followed after my brother, my mind racing a mile a minute.

After a few moments of us walking in silence, I finally blurted the concern that was on my mind. "I'm dead, aren't I, Finn?"

Finn wore a tiny smile as he stopped walking, turning to look at me. "That is up to you, Avery."

I shook my head, more confused than ever. "But all of them," I began, pointing back to where the rest of my friends were, "They're all dead. And you, Finn, I watched you die. I've been broken for months because you died, you left me. So how can you be here right now, how can I be with you if I'm not dead?"

"All of those people," my brother explained, resuming his slow walk, "Have taught you something about life. Each one of those people changed the way you thought about what it meant to live, meant to die.'

"So," he continued, "Yes, they're all dead. I'm dead. But you, Aves, you're whatever you chose to be."

I looked over at him, "You mean I get to chose whether I live or die?"

"Precisely." Finn grinned, finally happy that I had understood.

I felt conflict overtake my every emotion. "What do I do, Finn?" I questioned, my voice wavering.

Finn nodded slightly, as if he had been expecting this question from me. "Only you can decide that." he explained, his feet falling motionless on the path.

I looked up, noting that we had stopped at an opening that revealed the beach we had originally come from.

"I have to decide now." I whispered, knowing what it meant that we were back here.

"Yes." Finn answered, looking over to me with a reassuring look. "Whatever you choose, Aves, just know that I am always with you, no matter what. Always."

I felt tears well up in my eyes as I looked over at my twin. "I don't want to lose you again." I whispered, distraught over the fact that I had just gotten him back.

"I know." he nodded, giving me a sad smile, "But there's a lot of people who don't want to lose you."

It was then, for the first time since I had arrived in this fantasy, that I thought of those who I would be leaving behind.

Octavia, Raven, Jasper, Monty, Miller, Bryan, Clarke, Harper, hell even Murphy.

And Bellamy. Bellamy, the man I had convinced myself I couldn't stand for so long. The man who had been only my best friend's brother, nothing more, nothing less.

But I had been lying to myself all along. Because Bellamy had always been more to me, so much more.

He had been my lifeline, the sole thing keeping me going when all else seemed to be falling apart around me. Bellamy Blake was my saving grace and there was no way I could leave him.

It was with that realization that I turned to my brother who was already watching me with knowing eyes.

"I have to go, Finn." I admitted, finally at peace with my decision. "I can't leave them. Not yet."

He gave me a grateful smile. "I was hoping you'd say that."

"I'll be here." he added, "When you're ready, I'll be here, Aves. And until then, I'm with you, in here." he said, motioning to my heart.

My face morphed into a teary smile as I wrapped my arms around him, burring my face in his chest. "I love you, Finn." I whispered, "To the Earth and back."

He clutched onto me, kissing the top of my head before taking a step back. "I love you, Aves. To the Earth and back and then some."

I let out a watery laugh, watching as he slowly took a few steps back. And then, slowly and then all at once, he disappeared.

Soon enough, the warmth that the sun had provided me on that beach had vanished, and cold gripped my body.

I felt the cold hard ground I was laying on, all of my senses slowly returning to me.

My breath ripped through my body, as if it were the first time I had ever breathed

Warm hands had been pressing on my chest, the minute I took a breath they fell away and I could hear someone let out a sob.

I was back in the Throne Room at Polis.

I was alive.

-THE END-

-an-

yes, this chapter was cliche and cheesy but I am in love with it.

I think this is what aves needed to finally feel at peace with her brother's death.

and yes, you read that correctly, this is the final chapter of 'lifeline'. but fear not, as I am going to be continuing the avery and bellamy story in my new book entitled 'salvation'! if you enjoy their story, please, please, please check it out and give it some love.

love you all so so much

-maddy