Fortunately, I have no nightmares, which makes me feel relieved. I get up from bed, yawning, and get ready for the day. There's a meeting with the Order this morning, and I am not looking forward to it. Well, seeing Lukas that is.

I put on my armor, and grab materials from the chest. I eat a cookie for breakfast, remembering the treehouse.

Yesterday was full of surprises, and luckily I am feeling a lot better. The arrow wound healed quicker than I thought it would.

Once I am finished getting ready, I say bye to Reuben and exit the house. The sun is shining once again, but this time I am grateful for its warmth and light.

I head to the treasure hall, taking a deep breath before I head inside. Everybody is already there, waiting.

Axel, Olivia, Petra, and....Lukas. I try to avoid his gaze as I walk towards the Order.

"Morning," I say, trying to be cheerful, as I take my place between Petra and Olivia.

"Morning," some of them say nervously.

"You look better. Feeling it too?" Axel says. I shrug and give him a slight smile.

I can sense the tension in the room. Everyone knows that me and Lukas broke up. Ivor probably found out by the Order.

"So, we're here because of, the Blaze Rods. Right." I say, trying to start up a conversation.

"They're actually doing pretty good," Petra replies. "They haven't tried to kill us yet. Which I find strange."

"Well, that's good. Who's taking watch today?" Olivia asks. Axel shrugs.

"I'll do it." Me and Lukas say at the same time. We look at each other, my green eyes staring into his blue. I turn to the rest of the group.

"You just got back from the hospital Jesse. I think you should let someone else take watch." Lukas says to me, sounding concerned. I'm still angry and shoot a glare at him.

If looks could kill, he'd be dead.

"Someone like you?" I ask firmly. "I don't know if I trust you enough."

There's a deadly silence. Axel coughs nervously and Olivia scratches the back of her head.

"But you know who I do trust? Aiden. He's not going to hurt me."

The entire Order gawks at me. Lukas is the most shocked.

"Aiden? You trust that creep? Why?" Petra asks, surprised.

"Yeah, why?" Asks Lukas. I grin bitterly.

"He actually went to visit me in the hospital, unlike some people."

"Ooh. He just got burned." Axel whispers. Lukas shakes his head.

"I've talked to Aiden. He's changed. I can even consider him my friend." I say, getting ready to leave.

"Now, I'm taking watch. See you later." I say, turning to exit. Anger boils inside me. I keep my cool.

When I'm about to open the door I hear footsteps. I turn and see Lukas running after me. I exit the treasure hall.

"Jesse, wait!" I hear him call after me. I keep walking, resisting the urge to stop and talk to him. To give him a hug, or a quick kiss on the cheek. I shake that away. That won't happen anymore.

I struggle to ignore the feeling, the pain in my heart.

I walk until a figure appears in front of me, causing a shadow. I look up from the ground. He is all too familiar.

"Jesse," Lukas says quietly.

"That's me." I reply flatly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got something to do."

Lukas still blocks the way.

"Please," Lukas pleads. I am about to respond when his lips reach mine. I gasp. The kiss is short, but I am shocked. My heart beats in my chest. He pulls away, and looks at me. I can't take this anymore.

"What the hell do you want me to do Lukas?!" I shout at him. He looks at me, puzzled.

"I love you, oh Notch I do. But when you do this to me-I don't know if you love me, or you're just using me. Do you trust me? Or is it all just a lie? I know you want to protect me, but I'm not like everybody else Lukas. You of all people should know that. I don't even know what to do anymore."

Tears run down my cheeks as I push past him and toward the Blaze Rod household.

Lukas P.O.V.

I stare after her. Jesse's dark hair flowing in the wind, the hurt look on her face after I kissed her. She said that she loves me, and so do I. It pains me to see her like this. But this way will keep her safe.

I already miss her green eyes, sparkling with happiness, her laugh, the way she's always caring for everyone. Her smile, oh God. Thinking about her makes my heart burn.

What she said makes me think. I only want what's best for her, and I want to protect her. She wants to fight, to help me. I understand, of course I do.

But she got hurt because someone was, and still is trying to kill me.

An image flashes in my head. Jesse, on the floor, lifeless. Jesse, blood spreading throughout her body. Jesse, her smile fading. Her blood, on my hands.

I close my hands into fists to keep them from shaking.

"Well, that was a short meeting." A voice says from behind me. I turn to see the Order walking out. Petra folds her arms.

"What did you do Lukas?" She asks. I don't answer, until Petra's gaze becomes too intense to ignore.

"I did what's best for her." I say quietly.

"Leaving her at home while you go and get yourself killed? I don't think that's the 'best' for her Lukas." She says firmly.

"I just want to protect her." I reply. She sighs.

"I know you do Lukas. We all do. But Jesse's different. You know that. She's not the kind of girl who just sits around doing nothing."

I take a moment to let that sink in.

"You're right," I say, and she smiles sympathetically.

"Of course I am." Petra smirks and then pats my shoulder. "Now don't screw it up Lukas."

She and the Order walk home, leaving me staring at them, deep in thought.

Hoping this chapter isn't too cringy lol