Blood And Ashes

chapter 06: where there is love...

Tallon's POV:

Amid the apocalypse, our group had become a makeshift family, fending for ourselves without any adult guidance. Lucy, not even a year older than most of us, had taken on the role of a single mother figure, especially for Maisie and Jace. I mean, if we're discussing order- then I am the oldest, but Lucy is most certainly the most mature out of us all. Lucy was an independent woman after her ex left her, both her strength and weakness. She constantly bore the weight of the world on her shoulders, and it showed in the lines of stress etched on her face. But tonight, as I watched her sleep, I saw a rare moment of calmness that touched my heart. The way the flames made her face look even more angelic, she seemed.. ethereal. A true beauty, a calm in the storm, and soon... mine.

The flickering light of the campfire cast dancing shadows across her face, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of tenderness for the young woman who had taken on so much responsibility. Protecting the whole group had been my priority, but seeing Lucy so vulnerable made me realise that she needed someone to share her burden too. I moved closer to her, wanting to offer her some warmth on the cold night. As I settled beside her, she unconsciously cuddled up to me, seeking comfort even in her sleep. I wrapped my arm around her gently, holding her close, and for a moment, I allowed myself to let go of the worries and responsibilities that burdened us all.

In the silence of the night, my mind wandered to the future, and the darkness that lay ahead. Logan, a friend once, had become a rival, consumed by jealousy. I could feel the tension between us escalating, and I couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that our paths would cross in a deadly confrontation. As much as I wanted to protect Lucy and the group, I couldn't deny the jealousy that had taken root in my heart. Logan had always been close to Lucy, and lately, I had noticed their interactions becoming more frequent. It gnawed at me, and I feared the consequences of my emotions.

I knew I had to act rationally, to keep the group safe, but the thoughts of Logan and Lucy lingered, clouding my judgement. The weight of the future and the burden I carried became too much to bear, and I found myself making impulsive decisions driven by jealousy and fear. As the days passed, I tried to bury the thoughts of Logan and Lucy, focusing on keeping everyone safe. But the darkness inside me grew, and I knew that if I didn't confront it, it could lead to disastrous consequences. I resolved to talk to Lucy, to share my feelings and fears, and to seek solace and understanding from the one person who had shown me kindness and support. But I couldn't help but wonder if my jealousy would drive a wedge between us, ultimately leading to the very future I feared.

Logan's POV:

As the days passed, my jealousy towards Tallon and his closeness with Lucy grew. I couldn't help but notice the way he looked at her, how he comforted her when she needed it, and it gnawed at me. I had always been close to Lucy, but now it seemed like Tallon was encroaching on our bond. One night, unable to shake off my thoughts, I decided to confront Tallon. We stepped away from the group, and I tried to keep my emotions in check. "Tallon, we need to talk," I said, my voice tinged with frustration. He looked at me, his expression guarded. "What's on your mind, Logan?" I take a deep sigh, my eyes empty. "I've noticed how you're always there for Lucy, and it bothers me," I admitted. "I care about her too, you know? But it feels like you're taking my place." Tallon's look changes and a flicker of possessiveness takes hold. "Well, if Lucy chooses me to look after her, it says a lot about you Logan." he spits. I stand there, shocked about what he just said. "What?" I utter, fear lacing my voice. Tallon steps closer, a sense of anger, and even obsession, dripping from his voice "Lucy is mine, body and soul. Cross that line, and I'll rip your sanity apart piece by piece until there's nothing left but a hollow shell of the man you once were." My heart pounded in my chest as I stared back at Tallon, taken aback by the intensity in his eyes and the threat in his words. This wasn't the friendly and easy-going Tallon I thought I knew. It seemed like there was a darker side to him that I hadn't seen before, and it sent shivers down my spine.

"I-I didn't mean any harm, Tallon," I stammered, trying to find the right words to defuse the situation. "I care about Lucy, and I just don't want to lose our bond. You must understand that." Tallon's grip tightened on his fists, and he leaned in closer, almost invading my personal space, the only thing keeping our distance being a small, bloody dagger; the one Lucy gave him when they first officially met. "Understand this, Logan," he hissed, his voice dripping in a venom I never knew he could even possess, "Lucy needs someone who will protect her, who will cherish her. And if that person happens to be me, so be it. You can't control her choices." His words fuelled my frustration, and I couldn't back down. "And what makes you think you're the best choice for her?" I challenged, my anger starting to rise. Tallon laughs at me as if I intended to be funny before dropping his act to reply. "Because I've been through things you can't even imagine," Tallon replied, his voice low and ominous. "I know her better than you ever will. I'll keep her safe, no matter what it takes."

I shook my head, trying to reason with him. "This isn't a competition, Tallon. Lucy doesn't belong to anyone. She's her person." Tallon's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of doubt cross his face. But it quickly vanished, replaced by a determined look. "We'll see," he said cryptically. "But mark my words, Logan, stay away from her." I stand up taller, anger flooding in my veins "Or.. or what." I stutter out, receiving the most horrific laugh I've ever heard from a man. "Keep testing the waters with my precious, and you'll see, Logan."Before I could respond, Tallon turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my mind swirling with confusion and fear. I didn't want to lose Lucy, but I also couldn't stand back and let someone else dictate her life. I had to find a way to protect her without causing more conflict. As the days went on, tension built between Tallon and me. Lucy noticed the strained atmosphere and tried to mediate, but it was clear that both Tallon and I were unwilling to back down. It was a constant struggle to keep my emotions in check, but I knew I had to be careful. Tallon's threats were not to be taken lightly, and I couldn't afford to make things worse. Despite the challenges, I resolved to prove to Lucy that I cared for her deeply, not out of possessiveness, but out of genuine love and concern. I tried to be there for her in my way, respecting her choices and giving her space when needed.