Blood And Ashes

chapter 23: the past always catches up to you

Lucy's POV:

I couldn't bear to stay in that conflict any longer, the air thick with the residue of betrayal. With each step away from Commander, the weight on my shoulders lessened, replaced by a fierce determination. I needed to heal, not just physically but emotionally.

In a secluded corner, I rummaged through our medical supplies, applying bandages to the superficial wounds inflicted by Commander's betrayal. Jace, though silent, watched with a mix of concern and understanding. The medical training I had learnt in the early days of the apocalypse from what my dad taught me, became my solace.

Kasper's POV:

I found Lucy sitting alone in a dimly lit corner, nursing the wounds from her recent altercation with Sceltiq. The tension in the air was palpable, and as I approached her, I could sense the weight of the emotional turmoil she carried. "Hey, Lucy," I greeted softly, offering a sympathetic smile. "Mind if I lend a hand with those wounds?"

Lucy's POV:

I looked up, surprised to see Kasper, a welcome distraction from the chaos within. "Sure, Kasper. Thanks," I mumbled, attempting a weak smile. His gentle approach brought a sense of comfort, a contrast to the storm that had just passed. As he began tending to my wounds, I couldn't help but appreciate the genuine concern in his eyes.

Jace's POV:

Watching Kasper help Lucy tend to her wounds, I couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and frustration. "You know, Lucy, Sceltiq's probably out there, plotting his next betrayal," I remarked with a sly grin, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe he's got a secret stash of zombie allies waiting to strike."

Kasper's POV:

I chuckled at Jace's comment, seizing the opportunity to join in on the banter. "Yeah, and here I thought he was just a puppet master. Turns out, he's got a whole undead army at his beck and call," I added, winking at Lucy. My attempt at humour seemed to have a slight effect, a small smile breaking through the tension on Lucy's face.

Lucy's POV:

Despite the pain, I couldn't help but chuckle at Kasper's playful banter. It was a welcome respite from the heavy atmosphere. "You guys are ridiculous," I teased, a genuine smile forming. Kasper's easy-going nature started to chip away at the walls I had built.

Jace's POV:

Encouraged by Lucy's smile, I continued the banter. "You know, Kasper, maybe you should take over as the new leader. At least you'd keep the mood light, even in the apocalypse."

Kasper's POV:

I raised an eyebrow, playing along with Jace's suggestion. "Well, as the new leader, I declare mandatory dance breaks between zombie attacks. Keeps the morale up, you know?" I grinned, attempting a goofy dance move that earned a genuine laugh from Lucy.

Lucy's POV:

Kasper's antics genuinely made me laugh, a rare occurrence in these trying times. "You might be onto something there, Kasper," I admitted, appreciating the light-hearted distraction from the turmoil. It was a relief to have a moment of reprieve, even if it was just through silly jokes.

Jace's POV:

As Kasper continued with his jokes, I noticed a shift in his demeanour. The playful banter seemed to be his way of connecting with Lucy, easing the tension that lingered. I decided to go along with it, allowing Kasper to create a moment of levity in the aftermath of the fight.

Kasper's POV:

The conversation took a turn, becoming more personal. "You know, Lucy, I get it. Sceltiq's betrayal cuts deep," I confessed, my tone sincere. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. We can bond over our shared distrust of puppet master's and bad dance moves."

Lucy's POV:

Kasper's change in tone caught me off guard, his sincerity reaching through the layers of my defences. "Thanks, Kasper. It means a lot," I replied, a genuine warmth spreading through me. In that moment, I realized that amidst the chaos, unexpected connections could emerge, offering solace in the most unlikely of places.

Kasper's POV:

As I continued to tend to Lucy's wounds, the conversation took a more serious turn. "You know, Lucy, there's something else you should know about Sceltiq," I began cautiously. "He's got a secret leverage – a vial of the cure for the rage serum. The one that you and Jace experienced months ago, you know, with Tom and Skyla."

Lucy's POV:

The mention of the rage serum sent shivers down my spine, memories of that harrowing experience resurfacing. "How did Sceltiq get his hands on that?" I asked, concern etched across my face. The revelation added another layer to the intricate web of betrayal we were entangled in.

Jace's POV:

I overheard Kasper's revelation, my expression darkening. The cure was a dangerous secret, one that could be manipulated for unimaginable consequences. "We need to find proof, Lucy. If he's got that leverage, who knows what he's planning," I declared, my mind racing with the potential ramifications.

Kasper's POV:

Jace left to find evidence of Sceltiq's theft, leaving Lucy and me alone. Sensing Lucy's unease, I decided to lighten the mood again. "Well, if Sceltiq thinks he can use that cure against you, he's got another thing coming," I said with a smirk, trying to channel Jace's earlier banter.

Lucy's POV:

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Kasper's attempt at humour brought a small smile to my face. "You think so?" I replied, grateful for the distraction from the impending threat. Kasper's easy-going nature served as a welcomed balm to the wounds on my body, physically and mentally.

Jace's POV:

Returning to the room, I caught the tail end of Kasper's attempt to lift Lucy's spirits. "Hey, don't go stealing my thunder, Kasper," I teased, a smirk playing on my lips. "I've got the key to her heart, after all."

Kasper's POV:

I chuckled at Jace's comment, deciding to play along. "Well, Jace, maybe I'll just have to find the spare key," I replied with a wink, continuing the flirtatious banter. The room filled with a light-hearted atmosphere, a stark contrast to the dark secrets that loomed over us.

Lucy's POV:

The banter between Jace and Kasper brought a genuine smile to my face. In the midst of the chaos, their playful exchanges provided a temporary escape. "You two are incorrigible," I teased, feeling a sense of camaraderie amidst the uncertainty.

Jace's POV:

Before leaving to search for evidence, I turned to Kasper, a stern expression on my face. "Listen, Kasper. I don't trust Sceltiq, and I definitely don't trust him around Lucy. If you hurt her, you'll answer to me," I warned, my tone leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Kasper's POV:

I met Jace's gaze, understanding the gravity of his words. "Don't worry, Jace. I've got no intention of hurting her. I'm more of a lover than a fighter," I replied with a playful grin, trying to diffuse the tension. "Besides, who could resist making Lucy smile?" I added, continuing my attempts to lift her spirits.

Lucy's POV:

Kasper's words brought a blush to my cheeks, and I couldn't help but laugh. Despite the looming threat and the dark secrets that surrounded us, Kasper's light-hearted approach became a source of comfort. As Jace left to confront Sceltiq, I found solace in Kasper's presence, grateful for the unexpected bond that had formed between us in the midst of the apocalypse.