SOLDIER
book one
It's been 97 years since a nuclear explosion radiated life on Earth and life support on The Ark is now failing. In a desperate attempt to grant the citizens of the SpaceCraft more time, 100 juvenile delinquents are sent down to the...
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MASKING her fear behind a facade of confidence, Vivienne followed Bellamy deeper into the woods with Murphy keeping pace beside her. The towering trees stretched ominously overhead, their creaks and rustling leaves amplifying her unease and every snapped twig sent a shiver down her spine.
Ahead, Clarke and Wells led the way to where Jasper had last been seen—impaled by a wooden spear, a grim reminder of the brutal world they now faced.
Murphy scoffed, picking up his pace to match Bellamy's stride. "Since when are we in the rescuing business?"
Bellamy didn't break stride. "The Ark thinks the Prince is dead," he said, referring to Wells, his voice edged with calculation. "Once they think the Princess is too, they'll never come down." His gaze locked onto Clarke's back, determination burning in his eyes. "I'm getting that wristband—one way or another."
As they ventured deeper into the woods, Vivienne couldn't shake the feeling of unseen eyes tracking their every move. Shadows shifted between the trees, and her wary gaze darted from one darkened shape to another, mistaking harmless stumps for threats. Each heartbeat echoed in her ears, the pressure building behind her furrowed brow.
"Relax, Kane," Bellamy drawled, his pistol hanging loosely in his grip, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Even if a Grounder attacks, they won't be able to outrun a bullet."
Vivienne shot him a wary glance. "I'd rather not find out," she muttered, her voice trembling. Bellamy chuckled, finding amusement in her worry.
"Hey, hold up," Bellamy called after Clarke, lengthening his stride to catch up with her and Wells, who pressed forward with urgency. "What's the rush? No one survives a spear to the heart," he remarked, twirling his gun lazily in his hand.
Standing between Bellamy and Murphy, Vivienne watched them intently, her nerves and curiosity entwined, her heart still racing.
"Put the gun away, Bellamy," Wells stepped forward, only for Murphy to clamp a firm hand on his shoulder, holding him back.
"Why don't you do something about it?" Murphy taunted, positioning himself like a guard dog between Wells and Bellamy.
Clarke turned abruptly, unimpressed."Jasper screamed when they moved him. If the spear struck his heart, he'd have died instantly. That doesn't mean we have time to waste," she snapped.
Bellamy's expression hardened. "As soon as you take this wristband off, we can go," he countered, gripping Clarke's wrist.
She ripped her arm free, her eyes blazing. "The only way the Ark is gonna think I'm dead, is if I'm dead. Got it?"
Caught between two boys she barely knew, on a planet that filled her with fear, Vivienne couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy toward Clarke. She envied the clarity with which Clarke made her choices, the certainty that guided her to what was right.
For Vivienne, it wasn't so simple. Every decision she made felt clouded by her need to protect Charlotte, a priority that always came first, even when others couldn't understand.
"Brave Princess," Bellamy's voice rang out, his eyes narrowing at Clarke.
"Why don't you find your own nickname?" Finn Collins chimed in from behind, stepping out from the shrubs. His tone was dismissive as he brushed past them. "You call this a rescue party? You need to split up and cover more ground. Clarke, come with me," he ordered, and Clarke quickly fell into step beside him.
•••
CLARKE and Finn strode ahead, disappearing into the forest, leaving Wells behind, his emotions a tangled mess. He watched Clarke with a mix of longing and regret, knowing she might never forgive him for something he didn't even do.
But as Vivienne passed him, his attention shifted to her, his gaze tracing her arm before settling on her bare wrist. The regret he'd felt quickly turned to a wave of betrayal. He couldn't understand why she would jeopardize the safety of everyone.
Wells quickened his pace, passing Bellamy and Murphy. "Are you really okay with this?" he asked Vivienne, his voice tight as he fell into step beside her.
Vivienne nervously glanced back at the two boys trailing behind them, their eyes locked on the pair. "Not now, Wells," she whispered, her gaze shifting back to him.
"No, Kane," Bellamy interrupted, bringing the group to a halt. "If Wells has something to say, he can say it," he declared, his eyes sharp as he faced Wells.
"You're putting all of us at risk by removing those wristbands. We need The Ark if we're going to survive down here," Wells said, frustration clear in his deep tone.
Bellamy clenched his jaw. He knew Wells was right—they did need The Ark to survive. But after everything he'd fought for just to be here, he couldn't bring himself to take that risk. He was willing to take his chances without The Ark.
"Of course, you'd agree with the Princess, Chancellor," Murphy mocked, standing with his arms crossed beside Bellamy, holding his chin up high.
Turning to Vivienne, Wells hoped she might still understand. "How could you not want your family to follow us down, Viv? Your grandmother? Your father?" The words slipped out before he could stop them, the weight of them settling in the air between them.
Vivienne crossed her arms tightly over her chest, scoffing. "Really?" she shot back, unable to understand why he would think she'd want Marcus Kane here, invading her new sense of freedom.
Faltering, Wells was flooded with regret. "I didn't mean—" he started, but Vivienne turned away, not wasting another second as she continued through the woods, the boys falling into step behind her.
Unable to tear his eyes away from her, Murphy watched the enigmatic blonde girl walk away, his gaze following her with an intensity he couldn't shake. Meanwhile, Bellamy, walked confidently beside him, wearing a cocky smirk on his lips.
As long as he could keep Vivienne Kane on his side, Bellamy should have no problem keeping The Ark away.
