Cloaked Heart (Silent Moments Series: Book 3)

Chapter 20

 As we approached Titus, I called out to gain his attention, "Titus! We're leaving." The surprise was evident on his face.

"We're leaving," Lexa echoed with finality, her voice firm.

As the other delegates began to filter into the room, taking their seats, the gravity of the situation set in. The vote of no confidence proceeded without any issues, a clear indication of the delegates' support for our decision. It was understood that a conclave would now be necessary to choose the next Commander.

Following the vote, we were escorted to Titus's room for the removal of the Flame. Throughout our time in Polis, I had always assumed Lexa's references to seeing past Commanders were metaphorical. However, the reality was far more literal and astonishing. Titus made a small incision in the back of Lexa's neck and carefully removed a chip – the physical embodiment of the Flame. The sight was unnerving; the chip was attached to her spinal cord, and its removal seemed like a delicate, potentially dangerous process.

The entire procedure was a revelation to me. The Flame was not just a symbol of leadership or a spiritual icon; it was a tangible, integral part of the Commander. Witnessing its removal, I gained a new understanding of the weight and responsibility Lexa had carried as Heda. As the chip was removed, a sense of finality washed over us. This act symbolized the end of Lexa's reign as Commander, a turning point in our lives. Standing beside her, I felt a mix of relief and apprehension. Our future was uncertain, but together, we were ready to face whatever came next.

The situation in Polis rapidly escalated following Lexa's abdication as Commander. Titus's proclamation, "Let the conclave begin. The Commander is no more. May her spirit choose wisely," marked the start of a critical and dangerous transition of power.

Unexpectedly, the guards locked us inside Titus's room, an action that caught us all off guard. Murphy's frustration was evident as he banged on the door, exclaiming, "What the hell!" The sound of a distant horn signified the commencement of the Conclave, confirming my suspicions.

As the hours ticked by, I grew increasingly restless. Confined spaces were not my forte, and the tension of the situation only amplified my discomfort.

Murphy, trying to lighten the mood, asked, "Cool. You see anything?" His sarcasm was palpable as he added, "A bunch of Grounders fighting to the death to see who gets the A.I. drilled into their brain. Doesn't that sound fun to you?"

Lexa, deep in thought, expressed her concern, "We need to make sure that Aden wins." Her words were cut short as the door finally opened, revealing Titus.

Confronting him, I asked, "What, did you come to finish the job?" My words were a mix of suspicion and defense.

Titus, however, was there with a different purpose. "No. I'm here to fulfill my vow to Clarke. Put these on," he urged, handing us long coats with high hoods, perfect for concealing our identities.

Murphy, ever the pragmatist, suggested, "Look, the door we were banging on for the last 24 hours is open. Let's use it."

Titus explained, "If you go now, you can slip in with the crowds arriving for tomorrow's conclave." His advice was a strategic opportunity for us to blend in unnoticed.

Despite the urgency, I insisted on seeing Aden first. Titus, however, objected, citing the Nightbloods' ongoing Purification Ritual. Murphy chimed in, "That sounds kind of private, Kegan."

Ignoring the objections, I pressed for Aden's location. Lexa, unusually silent throughout this exchange, followed as Titus led us to the chamber where the Nightbloods were gathered.

Upon entering, we witnessed a solemn scene. Aden, amidst his fellow Nightbloods, was deep in meditation. Murphy, observing the young candidates, whispered in shock, "They're just kids."