「 ✦ Bambi- Bellamy Blake ✦ 」

Solivagant

wandering alone

"If it cleared the ridge, then it's probably near the lake," one of the teenagers noted, pointing towards the dark horizon where the object had vanished.

"We should probably go check it out before a grounder does," Athena suggested, her eyes scanning the group for any signs of agreement.

"Athena is right," Octavia chimed in, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "We need to get moving. Everyone ready?"

But before they could take a step, Bellamy's authoritative voice cut through the gathering excitement. "No one's going anywhere. Not while it's dark. It isn't safe. We'll head out at first light; pass the word," he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Athena and Octavia exchanged a knowing glance, sensing an unusual edge in Bellamy's behavior. His abrupt decision to wait until morning felt out of character, and a knot of suspicion began to form in Athena's stomach.

"Bell, we should go now," Octavia insisted, stepping in front of him, her stance defiant as she tried to block his retreat to the tent. Her voice was firm, laced with a sisterly concern that refused to be brushed aside.

Bellamy turned to face her, his jaw set in a stubborn line. "I said we wait till sunrise," he retorted sharply, his gaze locking with Athena's. She didn't shy away, meeting his eyes with a look of clear suspicion, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

As Bellamy walked past Octavia, Athena followed closely, her steps quickening until she was right behind him. She grabbed his arm, spinning him around to face her. "What are you up to?" she demanded, her tone probing, eyes narrowing as she searched his face for any hint of deceit.

Bellamy rolled his eyes, the annoyance evident in his expression as he turned back to her. "I'm not 'up' to anything," he replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "Why can't you just trust that I know what I'm doing?"

Athena crossed her arms more tightly, refusing to be placated. "I don't believe you," she asserted, blocking his path again. "You're planning something."

"Bellamy, you've already done more than enough foolish things in the past few days," she continued, her voice rising slightly as her emotions got the better of her. "Maybe it's time to take a breather, don't you think?" Her words hinted at her lingering anger over Murphy's banishment, a wound still fresh and raw.

Bellamy's face softened momentarily, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Look, I don't know how many times I have to apologize—" he started, but Athena cut him off.

"There's no point in trying to get me to forgive you, because I won't," she snapped, her expression hardening. "But at least try to do the right thing for once, okay?"

Bellamy watched her closely as she spoke, her nervous fidgeting betraying her attempt to appear composed and in control. The sight stirred a pang of guilt within him, a reminder of the burden his decisions had placed on her.

"Go to bed, Bambi," Bellamy finally said, his tone a mixture of firmness and a strange, unspoken softness.

She met his gaze, her resolve wavering for just a moment as she considered his words. Maybe, just maybe, she thought, she could trust him this time.

"Fine," she conceded, her voice tinged with reluctant acceptance. "I'll trust you this time and this time only." Turning away, she headed back towards the others, not noticing the conflicted expression on Bellamy's face as he watched her leave.

The weight of guilt settled heavily in his chest, each step she took away from him amplifying the burden he felt. As Bellamy stood there, contemplating the gravity of what he was about to do