Blood And Ashes

chapter 07: ...there is always insanity.

Jace's POV:

I've been noticing a change in Lucy lately, and it worries me. She used to be the one who stayed behind, taking care of everyone else, but now she's finding excuses to leave and coming back with her arms bloodied and bandaged. I can't help but wonder what's going on, but I know Lucy well enough to understand that she won't open up easily. It's like she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, and I wish there was something I could do to help her. Maisie's noticed it too, and in her way, she's been trying to lighten the mood by teasing Lucy like she always does. But I can see that Lucy doesn't bite back anymore. It's like her spirit is dampened, and it breaks my heart to see her like this.

Tallon's been trying to help her, and I can't help but feel a bit jealous of the way he's always by her side. I know he struggled in the past too, so maybe he understands her in a way that the rest of us can't. But I can't shake the feeling that he's doing it to impress her, to win her over, and it frustrates me. Logan, well, he's always wanted to be with Lucy. I can see it in the way he looks at her, with that longing in his eyes. But I also see the darkness in him, the jealousy and possessiveness that he's trying to hide. It makes me worry even more about Lucy's well-being. Kas, as always, is observing everything, and I can't help but wonder if they know more than they're letting on. They're perceptive and wise beyond their years, and I can't shake the feeling that they see things that the rest of us miss. Seeing the knowing glances between Kas and Lucy tells me that they have a share of understanding I'll never have with her.

Then there's the supply run that Lucy went on alone. She came back with only a few long-sleeved shirts, even though she hates wearing them. I've known her longer than everyone else and I know she despises them. She hates the feeling of them if they're too tight, too baggy, too warm, too cold, she hates them wet, she hates them bloodied. But I couldn't shake off why she's wearing them more now, despite her burning hatred for them. It's like she's trying to hide something, and I can't help but feel like there's more to the story than meets the eye. But.. despite all this, I can't find the words to ask her what's wrong. It's like there's an unspoken agreement among us to respect Lucy's privacy, even though I wish I could be the one she turns to for comfort. For now, I'll keep watching over her, silently hoping that she'll find the strength to confide in someone and that we can help her through whatever she's going through.

Maisie's POV:

Lucy's been acting off lately, and it's hard not to notice. She used to be the life of the party, always teasing and joking around with me, but now it's like she's lost her spark. I've been trying to lighten the mood with my usual teasing, but she never bites back anymore. It's like my jokes don't have the same effect on her, and it worries me. I've also noticed those bloodied bandages she's been hiding under her sleeves. It's strange because Lucy hates the feeling of wet or bloodied sleeves, and she's always been so careful to keep herself clean. But now, it's like she doesn't even care. I tried to ask her about it once, but she brushed it off with a smile and said it was nothing. But I know Lucy well enough to see through her façade. Something is going on, and I wish she would let us in, and let someone help her.

I've seen Tallon trying to be there for her, and part of me wonders if he's doing it to impress her. It's like he's taken it upon himself to be her protector, just like he did with me when I struggled. But Lucy's not me, and I can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy seeing them together. Jace's noticed it too, I can tell. He's always been so observant, even if he doesn't say anything. I wish I had his patience and understanding, but I can't help myself from prying. And then there's Logan. Oh, Logan, always wanting to be with Lucy. I can see the way he looks at her like she's the only person in the world. But there's something off about him too, a darkness that he's hiding. I don't trust him, not with Lucy.