Cloaked Heart (Silent Moments Series: Book 3)

Chapter 21

 Jasper's response to my plea for communication was curt and filled with resentment. "I saved your life, and hers. It's more than either of you deserve," he retorted sharply, his tone laced with anger and bitterness. The atmosphere in the rover was thick with unspoken grievances and tension.

As I processed Jasper's harsh words, a sense of betrayal gnawed at me. "Abby, the woman who gave birth to me, let them shoot at me," I muttered under my breath, the realization bringing a mix of hurt and disbelief. The complexities of our relationships and the decisions made in dire times were weighing heavily on my mind.

Jasper's patience was wearing thin. "I can see the appeal. Shut up and look for the cave, Sinclair said it would be somewhere around here," he snapped, his focus shifting to the task at hand.

Scanning the terrain, I soon spotted the cave, a dark opening in the rocky landscape that promised a temporary refuge. Jasper brought the rover to a halt, the engine's abrupt silence amplifying the tension in the air. As we disembarked, Miller's voice cut through the quiet, "They're here!" His alertness was a clear sign of the precariousness of our situation.

Jasper's urgent call for assistance added to the urgency. "I need your help! We need to get her in there before she wakes up!" he shouted, indicating that we had precious little time to act.

Bellamy's concern about being followed was met with Jasper's uncertain response, "Maybe, I don't know." His admission underscored the risk of our position – we could be walking into a trap or leading danger right to our doorstep.

Miller quickly took charge, assigning tasks to ensure our security. "Get to the route radio in case you see anybody. Harper will stay here on watch," he instructed, his voice steady and authoritative.

Noticing Octavia nearby, I called out to her, seeking her assistance in the unfolding situation. "Octavia, we need your help!" My voice was urgent, knowing that every pair of hands was crucial in these tense moments.

The scene around the cave was a flurry of activity, each of us moving with purpose, driven by a mix of fear and determination. The uncertainty of our circumstances, coupled with the need to protect one another, forged a bond of solidarity among us. In those critical moments, our individual strengths and skills were vital. We were more than just survivors; we were a team, each member playing a crucial role in navigating the dangers that surrounded us. As we worked to secure the cave and attend to the immediate needs, the weight of the situation settled on my shoulders. We were in uncharted territory, both physically and metaphorically, and the choices we made here could have far-reaching consequences.

In a swift motion, I moved towards the back of the rover, where Raven lay. The urgency of the situation was evident in her condition. Carefully, I lifted her, mindful of her injuries and the pain she might be in. Her body was limp, a stark reminder of the dire circumstances we were in. As I carried her, her head rested against my shoulder, her breathing shallow but steady. The weight of her in my arms was not just physical; it was the weight of responsibility, of a life that was in our hands. Each step towards Lincoln's cave was measured and cautious, navigating the uneven terrain with the utmost care. The cave, once a place of refuge and secrecy for Lincoln, was now our sanctuary in the midst of chaos. The cool air of the cave contrasted with the heat of the day outside, a natural haven that provided us a momentary respite from the dangers we faced. Descending into the cave, the dim light filtered in from the entrance, casting long shadows on the walls. The interior was rugged and unadorned, a stark space that had served as a haven for those in need. Now, it was our turn to seek shelter within its confines.

The cave, now a makeshift medical center, was crowded with worried faces and tense bodies. My command to clear some space was met with immediate action, as everyone understood the gravity of Raven's condition.