Her Weakness

Chapter 16

"I will get her back."

"Not right now." Octavia shakes her head and gazes at me with sympathy in her eyes. "We need to get them back to the Ark and I'm sure Abby will want to talk to you..."

Raven walks up with Monty trailing behind her. She has a ghost of a smile on her face that quickly vanishes when she sees my expression.

"What's the matter?" Raven questions.

"The Mountain Men took Clarke." I growl out and glare accusingly at the mountain as if it has done something wrong just by housing the enemy.

Monty frowns, "No offense, Commander, but why do you care? I know she's a fellow leader, but..." He trails off and smiles knowingly at me. "I knew there was a reason she seemed so calm. I knew there was something going on with you two."

"So what's the problem?" Raven cuts off Monty's observations.

"I am going to go after her. Octavia wants me to risk Clarke's life even more by stopping at the Ark before I leave."

Octavia frowns at me as if to say that's not what I meant and Monty interrupts before we can begin arguing.

"I don't see why she shouldn't just go now. She's the Commander; she can take care of herself. She's a Grounder, so she's probably a good tracker. So--"

"I am going, Octavia, and I am going alone. Clarke's mother does not like me and our people do not trust each other after my decision."

"I know you're not asking for permission, Commander, but please consider taking another warrior."

I know she means well, but I am worrying and overthinking this already. It hurts to know I did not protect her, though I know she does not need my protection. Clarke is out there, captive and possibly being tortured... This keeps happening to those I lo- those I am weak for.

I put on my emotional mask so they will not see my weakness and how I am hurting by just knowing that Clarke could be. "I am going alone."

Octavia nods reluctantly. "If you're not back in two days, we'll send more after her."

"Very well." I turn to Raven and Monty, "I am glad you are safe."

I do not wait for their response, but hear their surprised "thank you"s as I walk away. I walk towards the Reaper cave we just got out of and try to look for clues as to where she was taken.