「 ✦ Bambi- Bellamy Blake ✦ 」

Cingulomania

a strong desire to hold a person in your arms

As the spectacle of the flares subsided and the camp settled into a quiet lull, Athena found herself drawn back to the spot she had claimed earlier. The fireflies danced around her, their gentle glow providing a serene backdrop as she settled onto a fallen tree, the rough bark pressing against her back.

With a heavy sigh, Athena closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of respite amidst the chaos that had consumed their days. 

The events of the past couple of days weighed heavily on her mind, each moment replaying in her thoughts like scenes from a vivid dream.

As Athena gazed into the depths of the forest, her thoughts inevitably turned to Murphy. Despite his banishment, she couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at her heart. 

Over the past few days, she had come to a realization - harboring resentment toward Bellamy wasn't helping anyone, least of all herself.

While she still felt a lingering bitterness over the incident with Murphy, Athena knew that holding onto grudges served no purpose in their precarious situation. Time on Earth was fleeting, and she couldn't afford to waste it dwelling on past grievances.

Yet, despite her efforts to move forward, memories of Murphy lingered, a constant reminder of the hurt and betrayal she felt. 

Whenever she found herself in the company of Clarke and Bellamy, his absence loomed large, casting a shadow over their interactions.

The nightly ritual of seeking solace amidst the fireflies became her refuge, a quiet sanctuary where she could confront her thoughts and fears. 

In her heart, she held onto the hope that Murphy was safe, somewhere out there in the wilderness. And perhaps, if fate allowed, he would find his way back to them.

But no such thing has happened and she had slightly given up hope. She thought about Charlotte and how she had barely given any thought to the now deceased young girl. 

She still couldn't believe that this seemingly innocent girl had killed Wells. Suddenly a sudden sound shattered the silence of the night. Her heart leaped into her throat as she spun around, instinctively calling out into the darkness.

"Hello?" she called out, her voice trembling slightly as she strained to discern any movement amidst the shadows.

"Who's there?" Athena's words hung in the air, tinged with a hint of fear, though she attempted to mask the quiver in her voice.

A familiar voice broke through the darkness, accompanied by the soft crunch of footsteps on leaves. Relief flooded through Athena as Bellamy emerged from the shadows, his figure illuminated by the gentle glow of the fireflies.

"It's just me, Bambi," Bellamy reassured her, his voice calm and steady as he stepped into the light. He offered her a reassuring nod.

"Don't sneek up on me," Athena exclaimed, her heart still racing from the sudden startle.

Bellamy chuckled softly at her reaction, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're out here later than usual," he remarked, his tone casual.

Athena's confusion was evident as she furrowed her brow in surprise. "Well, yeah, I—hey, how did you know that?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"You didn't really think that I don't see you sneaking out every night? You tend to make quite a bit of noise when you walk," Bellamy replied with a knowing smirk, his observation drawing a sheepish grin from Athena.

"Oh," she muttered, feeling a flush of embarrassment at being caught in her nightly excursions.

"Since you're here, come join me," Athena invited, patting the spot next to her on the fallen tree. "It's quite relaxing."