Havenfell

Chapter 13: Confronting the Consequences

The group stumbled back into the hotel, their faces pale and their bodies trembling with the aftermath of Poppy's brutal death. The usually cozy lobby felt cold and unwelcoming, the shadows seeming to close in around them. They collapsed into chairs and against walls, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as the reality of what had just happened settled in.

Felicity couldn't shake the image of Poppy's lifeless body from their mind. Their hands were still shaking as they tried to catch their breath. They exchanged a glance with Juno, who was equally distraught, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and fury.

Nathan was the first to break the silence, his voice trembling with rage. "Alex, what the fuck was that?"

Alex, still shaking, looked around the room as if seeking an escape. "I didn't know what else to do," he stammered. "It was instinct. I just... I just reacted."

"Instinct?" Juno's voice was icy, her eyes narrowing. "You used her as a shield, Alex. You let her die."

Nathan stepped forward; his fists clenched. "That wasn't just instinct. That was cowardice."

Bree stood apart from the group, her face a mask of shock and sorrow. She took a deep breath, then stepped up to Alex, her voice cold and resolute. "We're done, Alex. I've had enough of your lies and your cruelty."

Alex's face twisted in anger and disbelief. "You're breaking up with me? After everything?"

"Yes," Bree said firmly. "I should have done it a long time ago. You've manipulated and hurt too many people, and I won't be a part of it anymore."

Alex's anger flared. "You're all turning against me. After everything I've done for you!" He looked around, seeking support, but found none. His gaze settled on Felicity, the embodiment of everything he hated.

"You!" he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "This is all your fault!"

Before anyone could react, Alex swung his fist, hitting Felicity square in the jaw. The force of the blow sent them crashing to the floor, their vision darkening as they lost consciousness.

Callum was the first to move, rushing to Felicity's side. "Felicity! Felicity, wake up!" His voice was desperate, his hands shaking as he gently cradled their head.

Nathan grabbed Alex by the collar, his eyes blazing with fury. "What the hell is wrong with you? You've crossed the line!"

Alex, now fully consumed by his rage, struggled against Nathan's grip. "Get off me! You're all against me, every single one of you!"

Juno knelt beside Felicity; her eyes filled with worry. "We need to get them to a hospital."

Bree, her face pale but determined, turned to Alex. "Get out, Alex. You're not welcome here anymore."

Alex glared at her, his expression a twisted mask of anger and betrayal. "Fine," he spat, yanking himself free from Nathan's grip. "But this isn't over."

He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The group was left in a state of shock, the weight of the night's events pressing down on them.

"Let's get them to the bed," Callum said, his voice shaking as he gently lifted Felicity. "We need to make sure they're okay."

Nathan nodded, helping Callum carry Felicity to one of the rooms. Bree followed, her hands trembling as she tried to steady her breathing. The others stayed behind, the reality of Poppy's death and Alex's betrayal sinking in.

As they laid Felicity down, Juno brushed a strand of hair from their face, her eyes filled with tears. "We'll get through this," she whispered, more to herself than to anyone else. "We have to."

The group gathered around, their faces etched with grief and determination. They were a fractured group, their bonds tested and strained by the horrors they had faced. But in that moment, they knew they had to stay strong, for Felicity, for Poppy, and for each other.

The night pressed on, the shadows deepening as the group sat in silence, waiting for Felicity to wake and dreading what horrors the darkness might still hold.