THE FALTERED BOND

Ava | Chap. 14

The journey back felt excruciatingly long. My mind was a blur, overwhelmed with so many words I couldn't manage to speak; who attacked us? Why? Where did they come from? What did they want? Fear, anger, dread, grief... I sigh. It's gonna be okay... right?

We break into a clearing, and Cade slows his pace to a steady trot. A short while after, the echo of a shouting match between Jace and Ryder reached my ears; they waited! Their shouts turned into words as we approached, catching everyone's eye when Cade emerged from the brush.

"They're back!" Angel spoke, relief easing her features.

"Cade!" Emerging from the crowd, Angel leaves a trail of ice as she approaches. I notice her eyes seem bagged and darkened as though she hadn't had any sleep but her physical display remained sharp. "Are you two alright?"

Her words melt into a blur when my gaze wanders to Jace, realizing his forest gaze was fixed onto me like a hawk. Our eyes met for a heartbeat. Once again, an invisible string, that same ethereal connection I couldn't quite identify, tugged at my mind. I feel a presence, powerful, but warm and gentle, attempting to connect with my own when a hand lays onto my leg. With that, the string snaps and I feel myself fall back into my body.

My breath stills in my throat. ''... Ava?'' My eyes meet those of Kyra's as I realize she had been standing beside me, her hand squeezing my leg. Silent seconds tick by as I gather my thoughts.

''S-sorry!'' I blur, realizing I was the one she'd addressed. ''I... I zoned out.

Kyra silences, pensively pinching her lips. ''We will camp by the river tonight.

- What!?'' Jace spoke in outrage. ''I said we would leave by first light-" A second passed before I realized he'd stepped away from the clearing's center. He turns to face Kyra, what seems to be uncertainty clouding his eyes.

My heart nervously skips a beat. I clutch my chest, feeling as though the emotion wasn't truly mine when Kyra's voice catches my attention, interrupting my train of thought.

"And as your Healer, I have the right to overrule your orders in time of need. The lot of you need a proper rest.'' She hobbles away, ignoring Jace's furious eyes when she passes by him. ''I will stir up some proper food. Winston-'' she turns to a broad, honey blond male. ''Gather as much food as you can carry; there are backpacks in the vault's cellar. As for the rest of you-'' Her hazy eyes sweep the clearing, silencing them instantly. ''Take a bath by the river; you smell like wild dogs.''

-*-

Water danses calmly before my eyes, its tinkling melody easing my mind.

We'd reached the river bank within the hour; everyone jumped to work without a second thought while I was asked to stay put so as to not risk reopening my wounds. I obeyed, albeit hesitantly and was left to sit by the river since then.

The hours pass by. I have nothing but my own train of thoughts to keep me busy, broken by the occasional shout from behind; Winston preparing firewood, Angel scolding Ryder, Kyra bossing some guy called Zakary. I caught myself giggling at the latter, amused by the old lady's searing words against him. I'm really starting to like her.

"Hey there." I start and snap a look over my shoulder to see Angel standing beside me. Her icy eyes glow a shimmering blue as she smiles, water dripping from her soaked hair. "Can I sit?

- Sure."

She steps forward and plops herself onto the soft sand, her arms raising into a stretch with a grunt. "Man! Sure feels good to take a bath." Pinching a rubber band between her teeth, she raises her hair and ties them into a soggy ponytail. A smile captures her lips. "I'm Angel.

- Ava." As we shake hands, my mind questions whether this is the same female from the bunker, remembering the snarkish, almost snobbish tone she'd used to speak to me.

"Nice to finally meet you!" She pauses with a stare. "You're the Omega, aren't you? The one who lives at that cottage." Curiosity colors her voice, but the words still sting like salt on a wound.

I gaze down, holding back my brimming tears. "Yeah..."

Silence slices between us, broken only by the water's constant gurgle. I eventually fall back into my own thoughts, once again staring aimlessly at the rippling water when a familiar voice calls to me.

"Ava?" Angel and I turn heads as Cade steps towards us, the sight pulling a small grin onto my lips. "It's your turn."

My smile falls. "For what?"

Angel cracks out a laugh. "A bath, girl! Have you seen how you look? You're covered in muck."

My cheeks gush red at her words, only now feeling the itchy mud and ash stuck to my skin. I haven't washed in almost two days... I realize.

Cade seems to notice my discomfort and smiles softly. "I know a place where you can wash. It's not too far, but it's quiet.

- I'll get her some new clothes." Angel skids away, returning a brief moment later with freshly folded clothes and a fluffy green towel. "Here, I sure hope they fit. You can have spares from my pile if you need to though."

Standing up, I take the clothes from her hands and stammer a thanks then promptly follow Cade as he leads me further down the river bed. It's a short walk before we reach a small estuary. The water's current slowed down to a gentle stream, making it safe to swim while also being far enough from prying eyes. I tuck my borrowed belongings in the crane of a tree and turn to Cade as he leans his weight onto the trunk of another tree, arms crossed over his chest.

I still, my voice slightly quivering. "Uhm... Are you...? Staying there?"

He smiles softly, what seems like amusement glinting in his eyes. "It's best I stick around for your safety, but I can give you my word, I won't look."

I swallow thickly and gaze down fearfully, unsure of what to do. Cade seems to notice my worry as he promptly turns heel and trails back the way we came. Only once his golden mane disappeared from sight did I begin to remove my clothes, ignoring the nagging discomfort prodding the back of my thoughts.

In and out... It won't be long, just in and out... I repeat to myself, pushing aside my concerns.

My shirt flutters to the ground and my pants follow suit with my undergarments. A shudder rolls through me at the sight of my bandaged chest, the initial shock of my injury returning to haunt me. I shake my head. Don't think about it. You're safe now, there's no need to worry.

Taking a breath, I hold it in as I dip my foot into the water. The liquid snakes around my toes and seeps into my skin with an icy grip. It takes a few seconds for my body to become accustomed to the water. Soon enough, I let myself glide into the clear liquid until it reaches my midriff- I didn't want to risk loosening the bandages. I thoroughly wash then begin step out, happy with the results when the bushes nearby rustle.

Before I even realize it, I'm shoved underwater with a gasp.

-*-

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