Cloaked Heart (Silent Moments Series: Book 3)

Chapter 9

 The morning sun bathed the landscape in a soft, golden hue as we rode on horseback, accompanying the lifeless body of Naya on our solemn journey towards Arkadia. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, and Lexa's presence beside me provided a comforting anchor amidst the somberness.

Lexa's question about my thoughts brought me back from my introspection. "Thinking about home?" she inquired, her voice carrying a soft note of understanding.

As we continued our ride, I couldn't help but ponder the notion of home. "I'm thinking about if Arkadia is home. When I left, it had a different name. I was different," I admitted, my voice tinged with nostalgia and the weight of the changes I had undergone.

In her typically assured manner, Lexa reassured me with unwavering support. "You left your people a hero, and you return as one. The great Mountain Slayer, returning with the body of the Ice Queen. You bring them justice," she declared, her words resonating with confidence and pride.

However, I felt compelled to redirect the accolades. "No, you bring them justice," I pointed out, emphasizing her pivotal role in our shared endeavors.

Her smile in response warmed my heart. "We bring them peace," she affirmed, encapsulating the hope and the promise that our actions could usher in a brighter future, not only for my people but for all who were touched by the challenges we faced. The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainties, but together, we carried the potential to make a difference and forge a path toward a more peaceful and just world.

Despite the weight of our mission and the somberness that hung in the air, Lexa had an uncanny ability to bring forth a smile from me, and it was a reaction I had no control over. Her presence was a reassuring balm to my soul, infusing a sense of peace into our surroundings. We continued our journey on horseback in relative silence, the rhythmic hoofbeats creating a soothing backdrop to our thoughts. Lexa's eyes met mine once more, and we both found ourselves smiling in unison. It was a subtle exchange, a silent communion that needed no words to convey our mutual understanding and connection. In that tranquil moment, as we rode side by side, the world seemed to fade into the background. The complexities of our roles and the challenges we faced momentarily receded, leaving only the simple joy of knowing that we were on this journey together. It was a bond that transcended the trials and tribulations that lay ahead, a shared connection that filled the air with unity and warmth.

The horrifying sight of the dead Grounder warriors sent shockwaves through us, and we swiftly dismounted from our horses to investigate. Bodies upon bodies lay scattered across the landscape, their lifeless forms bearing the unmistakable signs of bullet wounds. It was a chilling tableau of violence and death that left us all in a state of profound sadness.

With a heavy heart, I voiced my observations, my voice heavy with grief. "All bullet wounds."

Lexa wasted no time and led the way to the main tent, where we found Indra, her condition dire and her pain palpable.

"Heda," Indra groaned, her voice strained by the agony she endured.

My instincts kicked in immediately, and I called for bandages as I approached her, eager to provide any assistance I could. However, Indra's words of caution halted me in my tracks. "Stay away, you're one of them," she warned, her voice laced with mistrust and fear.

Lexa, ever the commander, overruled Indra's objections with a single, authoritative command. "Indra, let him help."

With bandages in hand, I worked to staunch the bleeding from Indra's wound, my focus solely on providing the necessary aid. As I worked, Lexa questioned Indra about the brutal attack, her voice filled with genuine concern and disbelief.