Cloaked Heart (Silent Moments Series: Book 3)

Chapter 18

 Once we moved inside, away from the prying eyes of the Arkadia residents, Abby's question cut through the heavy silence. "What happened?" she asked, her voice a mix of desperation and a need for understanding. Her eyes, red and swollen from crying, searched mine for answers, for some semblance of sense in the senseless tragedy that had befallen us. The task of explaining the events that led to Clarke's death weighed heavily on me. The room, filled with those who loved and respected Clarke, awaited my response. In their faces, I saw a reflection of my own pain and confusion, a shared need to make sense of the incomprehensible. As I prepared to recount the harrowing events, I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the emotional toll of reliving those moments. The story I was about to tell was not just the narrative of Clarke's final hours; it was a testament to her life, her impact, and the indelible mark she had left on each of us. In that room, with Lexa by my side and surrounded by those who had been part of our journey, I began to speak. The words that followed were a tribute to Clarke, a chronicle of her final moments, and a shared catharsis for us all.

In the solemn room, where Clarke's coffin lay as a stark reminder of the tragedy that had befallen us, those who knew and loved her gathered in a circle of shared grief. Pike had respectfully excused himself, understanding that this was a matter for family and close friends. Monty, Jasper, Octavia, Raven, Abby, Kane, Lexa, Bellamy, and I formed a tight-knit group, each of us grappling with our own emotions while supporting one another.

I glanced at Lexa, seeking reassurance. She responded with a nod, her hand holding mine firmly, offering silent moral support. The room was heavy with anticipation and sorrow as I prepared to reveal the circumstances of Clarke's death.

"She was shot," I began, my voice steady but laden with emotion.

Abby's immediate response, "How, by who?" was a plea for answers, for some understanding amidst the confusion and shock.

"Are you sure you want to know the whole story?" I asked, seeking her affirmation. Her nod was a silent gesture of readiness, albeit tinged with apprehension.

Taking a deep breath, I recounted the harrowing events that had led to Clarke's untimely death. "I was walking back into my room when I found Murphy of all people beaten and tied up to a chair," I started, my narrative painting a vivid picture of the chaos and danger of that fateful day. The story unfolded, detailing Titus's confrontation, his accusations and misguided actions, the shots fired in panic and anger. "On the third shot, he was shooting towards where I was going when the door opened. Clarke instantly fell into my arms," I continued, my voice cracking slightly at the memory.

I described the frantic attempts to save Clarke, the struggle to stem the bleeding, the dawning realization of the severity of her injury. "She was losing too much blood at that point, and I was pretty sure that the bullet was in her heart. I knew for sure it was still inside her because there was no exit hole."

The room was silent, the weight of my words hanging heavily in the air. I explained the inner conflict I faced with Titus, the desire for retribution against the man who had inadvertently killed Clarke, tempered by the knowledge of his importance as the Flame Keeper.

"After she died, I really wanted to hurt Titus but I didn't, I couldn't because he is their only Flame Keeper," I said, my voice a mix of grief and resignation. "It wasn't fair that Clarke had been shot when it was supposed to be me," I added, expressing the guilt and helplessness that had been consuming me.

I shared how Titus had, in his own way, cared for Clarke, taking her under his wing in the short time she had been in Polis. "Even though she was only there for a few weeks, he had taken her under his wing and began showing her the way of the Flame Keeper," I concluded, acknowledging the complexity of emotions and relationships that had become entwined in this tragedy.