GROUNDER - The 100, B.B

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ⋅ᡣ𐭩 ་༘࿐ 011 - Undercover

Sylva

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ⋅ᡣ𐭩 ་༘࿐

   The walk through the woods was anything but comfortable. The tension in the air between me and the group of teenagers was undeniable. They didn't trust me—how could they? I was an outsider, a stranger who had suddenly appeared in their midst, and despite Bellamy's orders to allow me into their camp, I could feel their mistrust in every sideways glance and whispered comment. They kept their distance, forming a loose but deliberate circle around me as if ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of a threat.

   To ease their fears, I had handed over my weapons to Bellamy. He now carried my sword, bow, and quiver of arrows slung awkwardly across his back, clearly uncomfortable with the weight and unfamiliarity of them. His fingers fumbled occasionally, adjusting the straps that kept the weapons in place, and I couldn't help but notice how out of place they looked on him. I knew he wouldn't be able to use them effectively if it came to that; the thought gave me some reassurance. Despite the situation, I was still confident that, if necessary, I could overpower him with nothing but my fists.

   The others seemed to recognize this as well. I caught more than one wary glance from the group as we moved through the dense underbrush. They were well aware of my abilities, even without my weapons, and that knowledge hung heavy between us, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken power dynamics at play.

   We trudged on in silence, with only the rustle of leaves underfoot and the occasional snap of a twig to break the stillness. Bellamy walked beside me, his presence steady but strained, as if he wasn't quite sure what to make of me yet. Finally, he broke the silence, tapping me lightly on the shoulder and slowing his pace to create a bit of distance from the rest of the group.

   "I can't promise you that all of my people will be happy with you being here," he whispered, his voice low and cautious. His eyes darted sideways to meet mine, a mix of concern and resolve in his gaze. "But I'll try to get them to accept it."

   I returned his look with a tentative nod, my voice equally soft when I responded. "I'll try to gain their trust," I promised, though the task ahead felt daunting. The weight of their suspicion was already bearing down on me, making each step feel heavier than the last.

   Bellamy gave me a reassuring glance before turning his attention back to the path ahead. I could tell we were nearing their camp; the trees were thinning out, and in the distance, I could make out the faint outline of their makeshift walls. My nerves started to gnaw at me, a cold knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. If I didn't handle this right, if I made even the smallest mistake, it could easily cost me my life.

   My thoughts were interrupted by a shout from ahead. "Hey! They're back!" A boy's voice rang out from the direction of the camp, and soon after, the gates creaked open to admit us.

   As we walked through, the camp fell into a tense silence. All eyes were on me, a mixture of curiosity and wariness in their stares. It was clear they recognized me as an outsider, someone who didn't belong. Their gazes tracked my every move, but no one dared to speak up, their unease manifesting in the way they kept their distance, clustering together like a herd of animals on alert.

   Just then, a young boy rushed up to Bellamy, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. He didn't even acknowledge my presence, his attention fully on Bellamy. "Bellamy," he panted, his voice laced with urgency, "Murphy's back."

   The name meant little to me, but the effect it had on Bellamy was immediate. His expression darkened, a flash of anger crossing his features as he processed the news. Judging by his reaction, it seemed likely that this Murphy character had been banished, or something similar. The irony wasn't lost on me.