I ran through the wood, following the path I had taken the other day to the riverbed. Dusk was slowly making its way through; the last speckles of sunlight seeping through the tree canopies and lighting the path ahead of me. I sprinted, jumping over bushes and analysing my surroundings. The woods were quiet, the only noise coming from the cold-earth underneath my boots as twigs were snapped, dirt was run over, and mud was splattered.

I prayed that this entire thing wasn't a trap. And as I slowed to a stop, reaching the tree-line and finding Kaden standing alone, looking as nervous as I felt, I readied myself. I stepped from my coverage as the last rays of sunlight kissed the day good-bye.

Kaden turned around, gripping the handle of his hatchet that rested at his side; easing as his eyes fell on me.

He smiled, his nerves seeming to dissipate. "You came," He said, walking towards me.

Standing still, my arms resting at my sides, I looked to him as I spoke. "Our plans have to be changed a little." I said, causing him to come to a slow in his steps. "Our priority is getting Blade out of there, alive." If he even still is alive. "He's more than likely going to be wounded severely, and I need time bought."

Kaden's brows furrowed. "What do you want me to do?"

I was more than a little surprised by his willingness to help, and Lincoln's comment about the man before seemed to be becoming more truthful as time went on.

I licked my lips, continuing, "The Grounders are attacking Camp Sky at first light. Something is going to happen – something big." I wasn't too keen on sharing much information with him till I could study and understand his angles better. "I need you to buy me some time so I can get Blade over that bridge before things go boom. It may cost you your life—"

"I'll do it."

I nodded in appreciation at his sacrifice. I hated risking his life when he was such a useful asset and a kind soul, but Blade was our main priority. Besides, if Blade and I were on the Grounders side of the bridge, there would be no guarantee that we would make it a day. And there was no way in hell I was stopping this bomb from going off, not when so many innocent lives depended on it.

"Lincoln said I could trust you," I said, Kaden's eyes widening at the mention of the Grounder. "Do not screw this up, Kaden, or you'll have hell to pay."

"I treasure your bravery and courage as much as I treasure Leonardo. You can count on me, Quinn. Whatever it takes."

And with that, we were off.

***

Kaden and I had stopped by a pool of mud to rub onto us so that we could blend in to our surroundings a little easier. On the way we had discussed our plan to get inside the camp, but for the remainder of the time, we had both been too caught up in worrying about keeping ourselves calm and ready for anything.

Running underneath the pale moonlight, we watched as the walls of Anya's village came into view. The sound of laughter echoed throughout the woods; the crackling of a large fire-pit heard and seen as it illuminated the surrounding area. I gripped the hilt of my katana, keeping focused on the task ahead and not letting myself get distracted by the haunting past.

Keeping to the far outskirts of the camp, I followed Kaden as he led me the coverage of bushes. His breathing was coming out in quick, quiet breaths. His brown eyes were watchful, appearing black in the dark night.

He pulled his hatchet from his side holster as a Grounder shimmied down a tree that stood only a few feet in front of us. I quieted my breathing, adrenaline pumping its way through my veins as the Grounder stalked towards our position. Kaden and I kept low, our heads peeking through the bush. I held my breath, my hand on the hilt of my katana that was sheathed and ready, to be yielded and spilling blood.

Stealing a glance over at Kaden as the Grounder drew nearer, I watched him stop breathing completely as the man before us stopped centimetres away from where we crouched. I held myself, squeezing my eyes shut and inwardly yelling a prayer to whoever was listening as the Grounder glanced around his surroundings before he zipped his pants undone and took a piss.

The foul stench ran up both mine and Kaden's nostrils. A disgusted look plastered my face, and as Kaden made a sign with his hand, I knew what I had to do. On the count of three, his eyes spoke. I gave him an understanding nod.

One... two... three!

I rose to my feet, unleashing my katana from its sheath and catching the man by surprise. Before he could even yell for help, I drove the katana through his heart. Blood poured from the wound. I slid my blade from his chest, his body going limp and Kaden catching it with a small oomph before the sound of the Grounder's body hitting the ground could draw any attention.

The both of us crouched back down, hiding behind our coverage before anyone could see. Glancing up over the bushes, I watched a pair of Grounders enter the camp, laughing to one another and disappearing from sight. Turning my attention back to Kaden and the dead Grounder, I watched as Kaden pulled back his mask and revealed a young man that looked no older than Bellamy. I swallowed, turning my gaze elsewhere as Kaden stripped him of his clothes before throwing them over to me to change into.

Within a matter of seconds, I slipped into the clothes of the man I had just murdered, throwing them over the top of my own. They were far too baggy, but that was easy fixed as I cut off the ends of the pants and sleeves. I wiped the blood off my katana onto my sleeve and slid it back into its holster.

Kaden got to his feet, holding out the mask the man had worn. I stared down at it, images from my childhood and an army of night-black, masked figures. "You have to wear it, Quinn." He said, pushing it closer towards me. "Otherwise, as soon as you step foot in that camp they'll recognise you, and they'll kill you."

I swallowed, hesitating before I reached out and held the mask in my thin hands. It was a skull. A skull that looked far too human for my liking. They had built in black, razor-sharp teeth to where the original teeth would have sat, and black cloth that had holes in it, which reached from just above the cheekbones to below the jawline. Three small, steel chains decorated the right half of the mask, spreading across the cheek area.

Giving it one last look, I closed my eyes and dismissed the dark thoughts of my mind. And slipping it on, I felt like a betrayer to my home, my people and my family.

I looked over at Kaden and found him grinning, wickedly. "Suits you," He said.

I ignored his comment, turning my attention on how the mask sat. It left my eyes and forehead free, only covering mid-way from my nose and stopping below my jawline.

"Let's move." I said, walking forth with Kaden by my side.

I stole a final glance over at him, noticing his grin from beforehand completely disappear as his demeanour from when I first had met him built itself up. A true warrior who was able to replace the mask he bore within a blink of a second. As he swaggered ahead in front, I watched as a lethal calm took over him. And as we strode through hell's gates, I felt that lethal calm settle over me, too.

***

The village was alive in sounds and colours. Torches lit the camp up, lighting up the path. Shadows crept away from the light, keeping to the dark and out of sight as they waited for a vulnerable being to walk right into their arms and let the overwhelming power of the dark succumb them.

People were out and about, conversing with one another or running to a set of gates that led to the meeting room. Shouts and yells in Trigedaslang echoed from that room and reverberated through the village. Walking beside Kaden, I watched as a few people looked to the gates to where the sound of disagreement came from.

Beside me, Kaden kept his eyes on the path ahead, walking through the camp like he usually would – like he wasn't working with an enemy to save another enemy. I kept my breathing steady, not allowing myself to trip over my own feet and completely blow my cover.

Cutting a corner, we walked through a section of the camp that was far more lit up then where he had come from. The flames of a large bonfire danced in the middle of the camp, flickering under the night sky and causing shadows to dance across the people's faces that celebrated and sang about.

Nostalgia hit me in a wave. My people had thrown events just the same as this. Kemp had thrown one, on the night of his wedding; the night my entire village had been massacred by the hands of these people; people who now danced about and sung songs of celebration and war as they readied their soldiers to take yet another camp of innocents.

I stopped walking, clenching my hands into fists as my eyes grazed across the large, open area. My eyes fell onto the devilish flames, their heat and stare encircling my body like a blanket. I reached for the blade that rested at my side, ready to unsheathe it and slice the blanket of heat in front of me—

A hand gripped mine, pushing my blade back into its holster.

Glancing upwards, my eye's landed on Kaden's demanding ones. "Do not pull your weapon out," He spoke through gritted teeth, keeping his voice low and his eyes alert. "Not here; unless you want all of us to die tonight."

I blinked, swallowing. I noticed the weird looks some passing Grounders gave us, their eyes falling on Kaden and I, and then to his hand that rested on mine. The man pulled away, giving the onlookers a hard stare that sent them looking the other way.

I stepped away from Kaden, eyeing the crowd before me once more before heading to the cells, not bothering with an apology on my distraction. The flames had gotten the better of me again, and it angered me. And I used that anger, keeping it on a tight leash for now till battle broke out.  Anger drove me, it always had. Some men needed hope in battle; I just needed that red, hot, burning rage that had resided within me since the day I was born.

Kaden followed suit behind, his hands rested on the head of his hatchet in a casual, lazy gesture. As we neared the steel gates that led to the cells below, two Grounders stood on guard, their faces blank and gazes cold as ice.

"Keep quiet and let me do the talking," Kaden said as we neared, keeping his voice quiet so that only I could hear. "If anyone asks, your name is Artemis and you're my trainee."

I let out a snort, "Artemis?" He gave me a sideways glance. "Like the Greek god, Artemis?"

Something flickered across his face, his gaze seeming to become taught in pain. "No, someone far more beautiful and powerful than her," He said that and no more. By taking in the tone of his voice and the expression that flashed before his eyes was enough to tell me that whoever his Artemis was, meant a whole lot to him.

The Grounders that stood guard tensed as we slowed to a stop in front of them, taking a step forward to stop us from going any further. Kaden held a hand out in front of me; a trainer motioning to his trainee.

"Kaden," One of the Grounders spoke, his voice raspy. He turned his attention to me, his green eyes examining my features that were revealed. Squinting, he asked, "Who is this?"

"Artemis," I said, confidently, holding myself up and straightening my back as I held the Grounder's gaze.

The Grounder gave me nothing more than a glance before turning his attention back to Kaden. Just as the man was about to open his mouth to speak, the gates behind them creaked open. Exiting the cells, a man with curly brown locks that reached just above his shoulder, blue eyes that one would associate with the sea walked out; wearing black pants, black boots and a white, dirtied shirt that cut low to reveal his tan, muscular chest underneath.

As the gates closed behind him, I noticed the two Grounder's standing guard stepped to the side, giving him a path to walk through. Kaden fell solemn; his figure tensing.

The curly-head slowed to a sudden stop as he felt more than a few eyes on him. Looking up, his eyes fell on Kaden, and he smirked. "Long time no see, old friend." His words were laced with an accent; his blue eyes gleaming underneath the torch-light.

Kaden's lips tightened. "Malakhai," He spoke, his eyes shooting a dozen mental daggers.

Malakhai – I'd heard that name before.

As if hearing my thoughts, the man turned his attention to me. Locking onto my gaze, he studied my features. Completely dismissing Kaden, he stepped towards me. There was a playful sense in his eyes, his lips lifting up in a smile. "And who do we have here?" Malakhai asked, keeping his eyes on me.

Kaden straightened himself, "This is Artemis, my second."

Malakhai studied me with a lethal cool. When his eyes landed on mine, he lingered on them longer than I would have liked him to. He gave me a swift dismissal as he shot me a look; then turning his eyes onto the katana that rested on my back. The man let out a whistle, striding forth and pointing behind me.

Shit. Had he recognised me because of my weapon?

"Nice blade," He commented. "But didn't the legendary Artemis of the Greeks carry a bow, not a katana?"

I spoke back, my voice confident and defiant. "I am Artemis of the Trigedakru," I almost choked on my words. I wanted to say Stalker, but that would have blown my cover entirely. "I like carrying weapons that let me get up nice and close to my victims, so I can watch the life slowly slip away from their eyes when I drive my blade through their heart."

It was only a half a threat.

The curly-head Grounder did nothing but smile, wickedly. "I like you, Artemis." I said nothing, and after several seconds of silence, I wondered if the man before us was ever going to leave when he suddenly spoke, "What does the Great Kaden and his second Artemis, who fights with a katana, want with the cells?"

Kaden shrugged, "I felt it the time to show her how to get answers out of someone and thought why not use an example out of the traitor."

Malakhai tilted his chin up, assessing Kaden with a warriors gaze. "And," He looked over to me. "What does our young Artemis here think of the treacherous Blade? He tried killing your leader; some think him fit to pay by starving, some say tie him to the pole in the camp and whip, or some said cut him till he bleeds out."

I felt sick to my stomach. But all eyes were on me, Kaden's included, and they were waiting for an answer. Swallowing my nausea, I responded. "He's a traitor," I began. "I don't care how he dies, just that he does."

Pleased with the answer I had given, Malakhai nodded, "Seems you're already a great warrior, Artemis. We might even find you fighting on the frontlines for when we attack the Skaikru at first light."

"I'm sure it'll be a blast," I said, grinning in a wolf-like manner. I let a laugh escape my lips; Malakhai smiling, too. Damn, it felt good to know that the Grounders were going to lose this time round. I could almost taste the flavour of victory on the tip of my tongue. I could start getting used to this.

"Do what you want with the traitor," Malakhai said, waving his hand in dismissal. "But don't have too much fun – especially you." The man tilted his head towards me, that teasing back in his eyes. "'Till next time," Malakhai swaggered away, not bothering to throw another look back.

I was going to have fun alright – in destroying their plans and every bit of confidence they held.

***

Darkness laced every part of the hall we walked down. Every step we made bounced off the walls. It was eerily silent down here; the only noise a constant water drop from another cell.

I found myself clenching my fists in impatience. Every cell we passed was empty, and my nerves were growing. What happened if my doubts from before were true? I glanced over at Kaden and found him to be wearing a blank expression. God, I was so stupid to even risk coming here.

The hall was drawing to an end, and I felt myself reach for my katana—

Kaden halted in his steps as we passed a cell. My hand faltered as I took in his guilt-stricken expression and looked into the cell.

Blade's half-naked body huddled in the corner, everything but his feet covered by the darkness. His body shook; his head cowering between his knees; his arms wrapped around. I felt my stomach lurch as I took in his bare back. Deep gashes covered every inch of his hard, muscular back. It was if the sick bastard who had given him such gruesome wounds thought Blade to be a canvas.

Kaden didn't waste another second as he broke the lock on the door with his axe and rushed through the cell-door. The clinging of metal against metal rang through the hall, causing Blade to jump in fright and press himself to the wall. There was no doubt he was afraid – afraid and wanting so badly to just sink into the wall where no one would be able to see him.

"Blade, it's Kaden," The Grounder slowly stepped into the cell, careful not to make any sudden movements that would upset Blade. "Quinn's here, too. We've come to get you out of here."

The tips of his blonde hair were stained in red. His hair had been cut, viciously; looking in some places as if the hair had been ripped from his scalp.

I stood outside the cell, not quite sure what to do. Shock had taken over me. I felt my feet glued to the spot; my food from yesterday daring to rise in my throat as I stared at the cell I had been locked in days before. Blood stained the floor – most likely Blade's. But it wasn't the blood or the cell that had me in shock... it was Blade – the state he was in, what they had done to him.

Blade's blue eyes were tormented, swirling with complete fear as he tilted his head up and met Kaden's eyes. His eyes widened in realisation, as he spoke, "K-Kaden?" The man's voice was shaky and hoarse, like he had been screaming for hours on end.

Those blue eyes turned to me. I waited for him to say something – for him to show some sort of realisation or relief as he did with Kaden. But none came. Instead, he just stared blankly at me. There was no doubt that he was still bitter about my choice the other night, of staying with Bellamy instead of leaving with him. Although it pained me to say it, and to see him in this state, I still did not regret my choice.

Several seconds passed till Kaden moved forward and helped Blade to his feet. The man clenched his teeth, letting out sounds of discomfort. An arm was wrapped around the blonde's waist, his friend careful not to tug to lightly on his wounds. Kaden glanced up, motioning for me to help with the other side with a small nod of his head.

"You think you can make it?" Kaden asked Blade, genuinely curious but also keeping the blonde distracted from the pain.

Blade gave a tight nod.

"Good."

I walked forward, ready to help Kaden in carrying Blade. As soon as I was within reach of his body, he let out a growl. I stopped, looking up into those icy blue eyes of his.

He winced, repositioning himself against Kaden. "I don't need your help," He spoke through gritted teeth. "Just get me the hell out of here."

I felt hurt flicker within me, but I was quick to brush it away. I looked to Kaden; the Grounder staring at me with an apologetic look. I ignored it, sucking on my cheeks as I took a step back and threw my hands up in surrender. "Don't go crying when you fall over and we have a group of Grounders on our asses," I spoke, my tone curt.

Blade's only response was another growl.

I threw the blonde a cutting glare, un-sheathing my katana from its holster. The easy part was over, now, it all depended on being smart, quick and quiet. I gave a final glance over my shoulder at Kaden. His brown eyes found mine, and his look was enough to tell me that we needed to get out of here – fast.

***

I made sure to keep my footsteps loud and clear as I closed the gap between myself and the exit. Kaden stood a few feet back with Blade; the blonde clinging to his friend, barely holding himself up. His skin was a sickly pale; the dark circles underneath his eyes darker than ever before. He'd lost blood – a lot of it – and it looked as if escaping was going to be a lot harder than I originally planned.

I didn't bother with a glance back at the two Grounders, or even the mask, as I pulled it off my face and threw it to the ground. With that thing on, I was the mysterious Artemis, always being a good Grounder and obeying my leader's orders. Artemis was restricted to speak, to have a say and to go for her sword unless she was told so. But now, as I stood near the exit, the mask no longer making me someone I wasn't – someone who received orders and let others protect her with their sword – I felt a lethal calm overwhelm me at the feeling of being free again.

Gripping my katana in my right hand, and a short-knife in my other, I stormed forward, taking the steps two at a time before barging through the gate and taking both guards on duty by surprise. They didn't even get a second to scream or reach for their weapons as I dug the short-knife into the left guard's neck, and my katana through the other's side. They fell instantly, choking on their own blood and shock.

"Move it," I ordered, quietly, keeping a look out as Kaden and Blade exited the cells and made a turn, heading for a secret, hidden entrance that Kaden had made god-knows when.

The laughs from the feast still echoed throughout the wood; the embers of the large bonfire floating in the air. Fortunately, majority of the camp was distracted, but that didn't mean there weren't any stragglers about.

I quickly pushed the limp bodies of the guards inside. I would have cringed from the sound of their bodies hitting the cold, hard concrete if it weren't for the hissing of Blade as Kaden wrapped his fur coat around him for warmth.

"You owe me a coat." Blade was able to muster a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.

I closed the cell gate and made my way over to Kaden and Blade. "We're good. How far is the exit?" I asked, glancing over my shoulder every five seconds.

"It's close. We pass those houses there then take a right turn. It's hidden behind an old slaughter house—" I stilled. "—for animals." Kaden reassured. "We might be cold-blooded killers to you, Quinn, but we're not cannibals."

I responded with, "I know."

Blade grunted, getting to his feet and swaying slightly as he stared at the both of us. "I'd like to get out of here – alive. I really don't want to spend another day in that foul cell, so, if you guys could please stop the small-talk, and if we could get moving before Anya, or Malakhai, or anyone throws us all into a cell, that'd be great."

Kaden stepped forward, supporting Blade once again as they began their walk to the exit. I sucked on a tooth, taking a final glance backwards to see if the coast was clear. Dismissing our surroundings clear, I followed the two Grounders, ready to get the hell out of here and return safely back to Camp Sky before both Anya and Bellamy found out.

"Artemis."

I halted in my steps. I looked up to see the two Grounders ahead throw a single glance over their shoulders. I shot Kaden a look that yelled at him to get Blade the hell out of here as I turned to face – Malakhai.

I straightened my shoulders, keeping my breathing steady as I assessed my surroundings. The Grounder had me trapped like a mouse. I couldn't risk running in the direction of the secret exit without risking two lives, and there was no way I could even make it past a single Grounder without them spotting me, for I no longer wore a mask to hide my features.

I kept to the shadows, letting the darkness somewhat hide my features from Malakhai's playful, blue eyes. He grinned, his teeth gleaming underneath the moonlight. The Grounder probably meant it to be a friendly gesture, but it was more animal-like than anything.

"Where are you going?" He asked, taking another few steps forward and resting his hands on his hips.

I laced my voice with a casual tone as I replied, "Why do you care?" My words came out sharper than I intended them to.

He smirked, sucking on a tooth. "Because," He began, walking forward, slowly, till he was a foot away from my shadowed figure. "I am in charge of keeping everyone in this camp safe and protected from unknown soldiers who walk in wearing a dead man's clothes. I can't believe Kaden did this... Kaden."

I fell still with something that seemed to be like animal instinct.

I watched, waited. And then, I stepped out of the darkness, lifting my katana and holding the blade at the edge of Malakhai's throat. The blade gleamed underneath the moonlight; the blood from the guards still staining it and inking the Grounder's tanned skin.

"Quinn," He breathed, smiling down at me.

I threw him a deadly smile, "Surprise."

Malakhai didn't move; didn't drop the casual act as he stared down at me with an impressed look on his tanned, freckled face. "I've heard so much about you. You look so much like your father, have you ever been told that?"

I felt my grip tighten at the mention of my father. I kept my cool as I responded, "Wish I could say the same, and yes, actually. I've been told he was quite an attractive man, but then that attractiveness runs in the family, I'm afraid." I sighed, "It's not easy having a face as gorgeous as this."

"Oh, I assume it's not."

"Well, I better get going," I smiled, winking. "I've got Grounders to kill and a war to win." I pulled my katana away, ready to hit the blue-eyed Grounder across the head—

He reached forward, grabbing both my shoulders and knocking his head up against mine. I let out a string of curse words, falling onto my ass and losing my hold on the katana. I blinked, trying to rid the white that dared blur my vision; dodging his kick at the last minute. I rolled to the right, getting to my feet, swaying slightly from the hit.

"Anyone ever told you, you have a fucking hard head?" I said, placing a hand to my forehead and hissing. It pounded; a bruise more than likely on its way.

Malakhai only chuckled, kicking my katana further away from reach. Looks like it was going to be hand-to-hand combat then.

I drew the short-blade from my boot, swinging it in my hands and readying my stance. Malakhai did the same – minus the blade – and called me forth with his hand. If this guy was calm enough to take me on with no weapon, there was no telling what he was capable of. I clenched my jaw, taking in his daring gaze and realised that he was taking all this as a game. He was enjoying every moment of it.

It seemed I had jinxed myself. There was a small part of me that was jumping up and down at the thought of getting out of this forsaken place with such ease. I thought the three of us might've had a chance at making it to the bridge before it was blown, but that was a fools dream. I only hoped Kaden and Blade had gotten a safe distance away.

I lunged forward, swiping with my blade. Malakhai jumped back, hitting back almost immediately with a swing of his fist. I ducked down and swiped for his legs. He jumped over my crouched body, landing with feline grace and coming to kneel on his knees behind me, a few feet away.

I growled, "Grounders."

"Come on, Stalker," He spoke, barely out of breath. "Show me what else your father gave you. You have to remember, good looks alone won't win you wars in this world."

I snarled, lashing out in quick angry swipes. The sound of his shirt ripping as I got a good swipe at his arm was like music to my ears. Blood dripped from the wound, but Malakhai didn't even stop for a second as he swung, landing a hard hit to my abdomen.

I stumbled – again – allowing the Grounder to reach forward and knock the short-blade from my hands, leaving me weapon-less. Distracted with reaching for the short-blade, Malakhai knocked me to the ground with a single kick. I landed on the cold, damp Earth; the breath escaping my lungs all at once. I gasped, eyes widening as I hit the ground with an ooft. A second later, the Grounder was on top of me, a knife to my throat.

He grinned down at me, taking in my state. My breathing was ragged; hair sprawled about my face. My body was in need of rest – a lot of it. I thought I had pushed past the feelings of nausea and weariness, but I realised I'd slowly became overtired. I hadn't had a good meal in days, hadn't had a good sleep in weeks, and now, when I needed my energy most, I was beyond exhausted, where I could no longer fight properly.

"You're sloppy. You're tiredness and impatience is resulting in your reckless mistakes," Malakhai commented.

With my arms sprawled above my head, I laughed. Though nothing he said was funny. "Are you my mentor or something now?" I asked, looking up at him with raised eyebrows.

"No," He replied. "I'm trying to make you wake up to your decisions."

"Why give a shit about my decisions? Just kill me already and get it over with."

"I give a shit about your decisions because I was ordered to."

I sighed, "By who – God?"

He ignored me and continued, "You're letting a psychopath run loose, Quinn. Blade isn't the man that he seems. He was in that cell for a reason."

Two people now. Two people – Grounders – had warned me of Blade. They had both said the same, that he isn't 'all that he seems'. I found Keegan's voice ringing in my ear: Don't trust the weapon. When he said the weapon, did he mean my actual weapon? Or did he mean Blade? I blinked, driving those thoughts away as I focused on the world before me.

I glared up at Malakhai, forgetting the knife that sat at my throat as I snarled, "He was in that cell because he is one of the few people who's actually smart enough to open their damn eyes and see Anya for who she really is: a cold-blooded killer."

I noticed Malakhai's muscle in his jaw clench. But that was all he gave away to show he was even a little angered at my words.

"Wow..." Malakhai breathed. "He's got you so wrapped around his little blood-stained fingers—"

The Grounder's knife went limp in his hand as his body fell. I pushed Malakhai off of me, looking up to find Kaden standing, holding a hand out for me to grab. I reached forward, taking his hand and getting to my feet.

"You alright?" He asked.

"Fine," I responded, giving him an appreciative nod before picking up my katana.

"Good. Blade's waiting for you a few metres away from the camp; I'll keep them distracted while—"

"No, Kaden, you're coming with us."

"But you—"

"Malakhai knows. I will not have you dying now. If we don't make it over the bridge then that means just another days trek. We can make it – together."

Kaden licked his lips and nodded, "Alright. Let's go."

***

The sun was slowly rising, blanketing the earth with its light as darkness went into slumber. The three of us walked through the wood, not having spared a single glance back since we left Anya's camp. So far, we were fortunate enough to not have any chasers, but that luck wasn't going to last long when Malakhai awoke and ordered a group to hunt us down – if he hadn't already awakened.

As I kept a good distance away from a limping Blade and a panting Kaden, I felt Malakhai's words repeat themselves over, and over, in my mind as I stared at the back of Blade's head. He isn't all that he seems. Then what was he? He was just like the rest of us: a survivor. And while he was a little broken, and had a dark side that came out every now and then, he was still smart and tough enough to see right from wrong. He and I were almost the same – broken, but survivors.

I was torn from my thoughts and brought back to the world before me as I heard the quiet chatter of Blade. He leaned in, keeping his words low enough so that only Kaden could hear. I clenched my jaw, rolling my eyes at his ungratefulness. He hadn't uttered a word of thanks to me since we'd left the camp. He hadn't even spared me a look. There was no doubt that he was still bitter about me choosing Bellamy over him. It was probably why he had committed such a suicidal thing, trying to kill Anya in her sleep.

"You can't ignore me forever, Blade." I spoke, eyeing our surroundings.

The blonde glanced over his shoulder, throwing me a sharp glare. He slowed in his steps, turning to face me as Kaden spoke, "Quinn, Blade and I will find a hideout and lay low till all this settles down. You head back over the bridge before even more shit goes to hell."

I took a step forward. "Clarke can bandage Blade up. Those wounds won't heal without proper care; infection could spread. And you guys are at a greater risk out here."

Blade snapped, "I'll deal with it." His jaw clenched. "You seem to forget, Quinn, that these woods are our home. We know how to survive off this land. Your help isn't need anymore."

Kaden stared at his friend, shaking his head. He turned his eyes onto me, his gaze softening. "What Blade was meant to say was, thank you, but we can take it from here."

I felt anger boil within my veins at Blade's words. I stepped closer, my hands clenching into fists as I stared at Blade. "No, Blade meant exactly what he said. He also happens to have a pole shoved up his ass for some reason when we – I – risked my life to come save his ungrateful ass." I took another few steps forward till I was an inch away from the blonde, poking his chest. I was clearly pissing him off, but I hadn't the slightest care. "I get it, they did things in that cell to break you, but that gives you no right to treat me like absolute shit."

Blade took a daring step forward, a growl escaping his lips as he snarled, "You better watch your mouth, Stalker, before I rip out your tongue—"

Kaden took a step forward, separating the both of us. "Blade, enough."

I glared up at the Grounder, my fingers itching at the thought of being wrapped around that tanned throat of his and sucking the air out of his lungs. His voice had been cold like ice; his eyes swirling with complete rage and disgust as he stared down at me. Kaden watched on with wide, uncertain eyes. I could only imagine what the two of us looked like; sizing up one another, steam basically fuming from our mouths and ears.

Blade was the first to step down. When he did, I loosed a breath. Kaden sagged in relief; his stress levels, no doubt, having pounded through the roof by now.

I sucked in my cheeks, not daring to break Blade's gaze as I spoke with a sharp, cutting tone, "Next time you want my help, the only help you'll be getting is a fist to that pretty face of yours. Maybe it'll knock some sense into that thick head."

I ignored the death that swirled in his blue eyes, and nodded a goodbye to Kaden. "Thank you, Quinn." He said. "Be safe." I didn't bother responding, as I gave one final sour stare to Blade, before picking up my feet and heading back to Camp Sky.

Maybe Lincoln and Malakhai were right. Maybe Blade wasn't all that he seemed to be. Either way, any relationship I had built with him before was gone. I wasn't sure whether it was because of my own selfish actions or Anya's. I had hoped that was the last I ever saw of him. But I knew, way deep down, that that was false hope.

AUTHORS NOTE:
this chapter is so bad and rushed, I'm sorryYyy.
BUT IM BACK Y'ALL!! I'm so sorry for not updating in like a month.
idk when the next chapter will be up but stay tuned :)