Siren Song ~ Finnick Odair x oc

11...Call of the Nightingale

"Ready to tackle the stairs?"

With unwavering determination, I stride across the street, my long legs propelling me forward in sync with the urgency of our mission as I guide Cove toward the fire escape entrance, discreetly tucked around the corner.

It feels far more prudent to tackle this risky venture via the back alley rather than making a predictable front approach, and the weight of that choice presses heavily on me.

Behind me, Cove stifles a groan at my question, but the slight smirk playing on his lips gives away his amusement.

"Yeah, let's do it," he replies, feigning reluctance in his tone. The sound of his footsteps on the pavement is a reassuring reminder that we're in this together.

"I hope you realize I'm not carrying you upstairs if you get tired..." he jokes, keeping his voice low, as if the walls might side with our enemies.

"Well, there goes my plan," I quip back with a smirk, rolling my eyes for effect.

My free hand grazes the cold, steel door, pushing it open carefully, but the echoing scrape of metal rips through the silence like a gunshot in the night, making both of us flinch.

I can sense Cove's worried stare, the tension radiating from him palpable, as he whispers, "Keep it down..." I shoot back with instinctive sarcasm, "Oh sorry...next time, I'll kick it open instead," my voice barely above a whisper. I move forward, dagger raised, a vigilant guardian bracing for danger.

To my relief, the fire escape seems clear, showing no signs of prior passage, confirmed by the unwelcome noise from the door. The darkness envelops us as the narrow stairwell ascends, illuminated only by faint shafts of moonlight filtering through grimy windows, granting just enough visibility to navigate this daunting maze.

"Looks like we're in the clear. But let's keep moving; we can't linger," I say, the door slamming shut behind us with an ominous thud as we begin our climb.

Each step sends a surge of protest through our legs, a reminder of the challenges ahead, while Cove follows closely, gritting his teeth and muttering curses at the never-ending staircase.

"How many floors do we have to go?" he asks quietly, breath coming in laboured gasps.

"Five total...three left now," I reply, my own breaths coming harder as exhaustion edges in.

Cove groans internally at my answer, his shoulders drooping in defeat.

"Great, just three more flights. Fantastic..." he mutters with exaggerated sarcasm, his words dripping with mock enthusiasm. I can't help but chuckle softly at his childlike complaints, grateful for this fleeting moment of levity amid the oppressive darkness that surrounds us.

After what feels like an eternity trudged through quicksand, we finally reach the top floor, relief washing over me at the sight of the door to the rooftop. Cove lets out a weary groan, his legs shaking from the relentless climb as he pauses to catch his breath before facing me, his expression a mix of fatigue and resolve.

"Alright...that was the last floor..." he says, rubbing his sore calves.

"We're at the top. Let's get this door open."

As we approach the imposing door that guards our escape, the heavy metal frame looms intimidatingly, secured by a lock that seems to mock our efforts. Cove studies it intently, casting a glance my way as if searching for inspiration, his eyes silently asking a question.

I quickly shake my head, panic bubbling in my chest as I realize I have no immediate answers. The weight of uncertainty hangs heavy in the air, the night whispering secrets of peril and intrigue around us, igniting a blend of fear and adrenaline as we stand at the brink of the unknown.