✓ 3. HUNTING SHADOWS ᵇᵉˡˡᵃᵐʸ ᵇˡᵃᵏᵉ

8. vengeful

-VENGEFUL-
"don't act like you and your people didn't see this coming. my people are known for being vengeful. you know that as well as anyone."

##

Sairah strides toward Roan, who stands tall in front of one of the trucks, his guard stationed nearby. As she approaches, Clarke follows closely behind, their steps in sync with a sense of purpose. When Roan notices them coming, he turns to face them, his gaze steady. Sairah dips her head in greeting, her eyes never leaving his before speaking up.

"Bellamy, Clarke, and I will lead the way in the rover," Sairah informs him, her voice firm and authoritative. "You, your guards and my men will ride in the back with the fuel." Her tone leaves little room for negotiation, as she's already considered every angle of the plan.

Before Roan can respond, his guard steps forward, his tone defiant. "The King of Azgeda follows no one." His words come sharp, filled with the arrogance of someone used to unquestioned loyalty, and it takes Sairah by surprise. Azgeda warriors typically don't speak out of turn—not in her presence, anyway.

Sairah narrows her eyes, locking her gaze on the guard. Her voice is low but filled with challenge. "The King of Azgeda follows me," she says, stepping closer to the guard without hesitation. "And so do you, warrior." The words hang in the air, thick with threat. "If you have a problem with that, I'm more than ready to solve it with you." Her lips curl into a slight smirk, the kind that speaks of confidence earned through countless battles.

The guard tenses, his muscles coiling, but before the situation escalates, Roan steps in between them, his expression hardened. His brow furrows as he looks down at his guard, his jaw clenched with frustration. "Seiku," he says, his voice a low growl. Roan steps closer, towering over his guard. "I decide who I follow and who I don't," he mutters, his voice rising just enough to command respect. "And if you ever speak to Trikova like that again, I'll have your tongue." He releases his clenched jaw, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "Besides," Roan adds, glancing briefly at Sairah before turning back to his guard, "it's best I stay out of sight for now."

Seiku lowers his head in submission, clearly understanding the weight of his king's warning. Sairah doesn't look away, her gaze lingering just long enough to let the guard know that her threat was far from empty.

Before the conversation can go any further, Bellamy strides past them, his expression set in stone, his eyes focused ahead. "It's time to go," he says, his voice clipped and without emotion. He doesn't bother glancing their way as he continues toward the rover.

Clarke watches Bellamy walk away, concern etching itself across her features. She turns to Sairah, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, as if silently asking for some insight into Bellamy's behavior. Sairah catches her glance, but instead of offering an explanation, she just gives a small shrug. She's not sure if she's the right person to discuss the fragile and strained relationship between the Blake siblings.

With a sigh, Sairah lets her gaze linger on Roan and his guard for a moment longer before turning on her heel and heading toward the back of the truck, where her warriors are already gathering. They stand in disciplined lines, their eyes fixed on her, waiting for instructions. She takes a deep breath before addressing them.

"Listen up," she calls out, her voice strong as it cuts through the air. The warriors bow their heads slightly in respect, showing her the loyalty they've always given. Sairah walks among them, looking into each of their eyes, her presence commanding their full attention.

"King Roan will be riding in the back with you," she says, raising her hand before they can even think about protesting. "I know he's not exactly your favorite person right now, but this is our only way forward. We need him." Her tone is serious, as she makes it clear that their personal feelings need to be set aside for the greater good. She steps closer, lowering her voice just enough to make sure they hear every word. "You will not speak to him. You will not look at him. And you will certainly not harm him in any way." Her words are final, carrying the weight of an order that will not be disobeyed.