✓ 2. SHADOW HUNTER ᵇᵉˡˡᵃᵐʸ ᵇˡᵃᵏᵉ

20. omen

-OMEN-

The world she once knew has faded into uncertainty

As Sairah draws in a deep breath, she feels the weight of reality pressing down upon her once more, grounding her in the present moment. Her gaze locks with Clarke's piercing blue eyes, and despite the turmoil raging within her, she manages to muster a faint smile in response to Clarke's gesture.

Clarke's question hangs heavy in the air, a silent plea for reconsideration. "You're really not coming with us?" she asks.

Sairah's resolve remains unyielding as she shakes her head. "No, my people are in danger," she asserts firmly. "I can't just sit here and let someone who's pretending to be the Commander rule over my people." Her words echo with a sense of righteous indignation, fueled by the injustice of Ontari's false claim to power. "She doesn't deserve to rule over my people. Not as long as I'm alive."

Clarke's expression softens in understanding, her eyes reflecting the depth of Sairah's convictions. "Alright... We're going to need the Flame, Sairah," she states, her tone gentle yet resolute. "If we find Luna without the Flame, she'll never trust us."

Sairah's mind races with the implications of Clarke's words, the weight of their mission settling heavily upon her shoulders. After a moment of contemplation, she reaches a decision, her hand moving with purpose to retrieve the Flame from its hidden sanctuary within her shoe. "Yeah..." she murmurs softly. With a solemn expression, Sairah presents the box containing the Flame to Clarke, her fingers trembling slightly as she relinquishes her grip. "Here," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "Take good care of it, Clarke of the Sky People. It's the last thing I have of my sister."

As she watches Clarke accept the precious artifact, a pang of sorrow courses through Sairah's heart, a silent acknowledgment of the irreplaceable bond she shared with Lexa. With a heavy heart, she bids farewell to the symbol of her sister's legacy, knowing that its journey is far from over.

Sairah and Clarke make their way back to the waiting group. As they approach the others, Sairah offers a silent nod of farewell before breaking away from the group and heading towards her loyal steed, Atlas, who stands patiently nearby.

Niylah, ever gracious, is already by Atlas's side, her gentle touch soothing the noble creature. As Sairah draws near, Niylah bows her head in a gesture of respect, her demeanor reflecting the solemnity of the moment. "Trikova, it was an honor having you here," she says, her voice tinged with sincerity. "Though I wish it was under different circumstances."

Sairah returns Niylah's respectful bow with a warm smile, touched by the genuine kindness in the girl's words. "Right. Thank you for letting us stay here," she replies graciously, her tone filled with gratitude. "You saved a lot of people today, Niylah."

Niylah's smile widens at Sairah's words, a sense of pride evident in her eyes as she gazes upon the courageous warrior before her.

Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of Bellamy clearing his throat from behind Sairah. She turns to face him, her expression guarded as she waits for him to speak.

Sairah's gaze flickers briefly to him before returning to Niylah, a silent request for privacy in their exchange. Niylah nods understandingly and retreats, leaving them alone.

With Bellamy's eyes fixed on her, Sairah braces herself for whatever he has to say, her mind racing with a myriad of emotions. "Uh..." he begins, his voice uncertain. "So, you're not coming with us?"

Sairah's response is firm, her resolve unshaken. "No, I'm going back to my people," she asserts.

Bellamy nods in acknowledgment, his expression betraying a hint of regret. "Right," he mutters, his gaze dropping to the ground as he wrestles with his thoughts. After a moment of hesitation, he takes a step closer to her, his words heavy with remorse.