Her Weakness

Chapter 7

A small group of my people stands outside the Mountain Men's main entrance, chanting "jus drein jus daun."

I stand further away, hidden by the shadows of the trees with Clarke and one of my best archers. She is with us because we need her for her extremely keen eyesight.

"A red light has turned on. It is on the metal box, just as you said it would be, Commander."

"Thank you for informing me. You may join the archers in the clearing if you wish. Or the others hidden in the trees. You may go home if you choose, you have done well."

She nods and disappears in the forest.

I was right about the first phase of the plan. I cannot help hoping I am correct about the rest as well.

"Lexa, the door is opening!" Clarke whispers excitedly as Mountain Men not wearing those protective suits emerge with large guns. "Do we go in now?"

My heart swells in knowing she trusts me enough to make the call. "Not yet. Wait until the fighting starts. We can go in during the chaos, but we have to act as if we are one of them."

I shift uncomfortably in the clothes Clarke said resembled theirs. It is a black sleeveless shirt with a plunging neckline that makes me uncomfortable and itchy pants. Clarke and I have both put our hair up in what she calls, "ponytails." We hardly look like ourselves. I would not recognize us, so hopefully our enemies will not either.

A clang of a sword and a gunshot draws my attention and I look up to see the battle has begun.

I grab Clarke's hand and murmur, "look terrified."

I think of my feelings for her and how it would feel to get rejected rather than pushed away. To me, losing her is the most terrifying thing. I focus on that and let that expression show on my face. Clarke pulls me into the clearing. We run, refusing to scream out of stubbornness and pride, but acting scared nonetheless.

The Mountain Men usher us inside like the fools I have always thought they are.

"Get inside, get inside," one snaps, "I know the fact we can go outside is exhilarating, but we still have enemies. Don't be so stupid in the future. The civilians are gathered on the fifth floor, join them there. As you know, we're low on power thanks to those barbarians, so the elevators aren't working. Take the ladder. Don't fall."

We nod and thank him. I manage not to stick my concealed dagger in his neck for calling us, for calling Clarke a barbarian. I am grateful that I can curb my temper because that poor excuse for a man is getting on my last nerve.

"Do you know where the ladders are?" Though I did spend time learning the basic layout of the place, she has not only been here before, but she has also studied her maps extensively.

"Of course."

She begins leading me, not letting go of my hand and I try to focus on our mission instead of her touch. Clarke freezes when a voice floats down the hallway.

"That's the old leader's son," she hisses, her eyes wide and fearful, "he will recognize us for sure!"

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