XLII

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A/N: This is a long one, and I apologize but this is basically the first part of it. I've been working on this since yesterday and just now finished working on it. I'm pretty tired between this and being in classes most of the day so here you all are, please don't curse or murder me.
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- Jordan's POV -
It's been days since Emerson was brought to Polis, and the memory of that night still lingers in the air. Today, however, is different. Today is Ascension Day, a sacred time when we honor the Commanders of the past.

I stand beside Lexa, on her left, as she sits on her throne. To my left is a guard, and Titus stands to her right, flanked by another guard. Citizens of Polis gather to Lexa's right, while the young nightbloods stand beside me, each holding a lit candle in their small hands.

"We gather here on this Ascension Day to honor the Commanders who came before me." Lexa's calm voice fills the room, her gaze fixed on the young nightbloods. "Those who live on within me, as I will live on within one of you."

Just as her words settle, commotion erupts outside the throne room. The doors open with a loud clatter as a group of people force their way in. A man speaks, his voice tight with frustration. "The Flamekeeper promised we would be heard!" A guard follows warily behind him.

"Titus." Lexa's tone is firm as she turns to him. "What is this?"

Titus leans down and speaks in a low tone. "Something you need to hear, Heda."

The man kneels before Lexa, dragging a woman with him. As soon as I see her face, I realize it's Octavia, restrained by the guard. My muscles tense.

"Forgive me for intruding on this holy day, Commander. I am Semet of Trikru, and I come seeking justice." The man says, his voice laden with anger.

"Explain yourself. Why do you hold Octavia of Skaikru prisoner?" Lexa's command rings clear, but her eyes are sharp and guarded.

"She is a prisoner of war, Commander, brought here to bear witness to the crimes of her people." Semet answers.

Clarke steps forward from her position near the throne, her face contorting with concern. "What crimes?" She demands before turning her attention to Lexa. "What happened?"

"Skaikru attacked their village." Titus answers coldly. "Their warriors were lost when your people massacred the army we sent to protect you. Their village was defenseless."

Clarke's eyes flicker toward me, searching for something, but I remain impassive.

"Please, Heda..." Semet's voice shakes as he addresses Lexa once again. "I beg you. Avenge us."

The tension in the room thickens as murmurs rise, echoing with the words "Blood must have blood." spoken in Trig. Another voice yells, "Death to Skaikru!" The air fills with anger and frustration, voices rising with every heartbeat.

"Enough!" Titus barks, trying to regain control. The crowd stirs, unwilling to calm.

Lexa's voice cuts through the noise as she orders the gathering to end. Frustrated murmurs follow as Clarke and I are quickly ushered out behind Lexa and Titus. We trail through the halls, following the Commander to our quarters. The moment we enter, Lexa throws open the doors with force.

"How dare you bring this to me on Ascension Day?" She snaps, her voice brimming with restrained fury.

Titus, undeterred, stands his ground. "I did not bring this here, Heda. You did." He steps closer, his tone biting. "Against my advice, you made Skaikru the thirteenth clan. They rejected this, murdered hundreds of your people, and yet you forgave them. Now, this provocation is proof. 'Blood must not have blood' has failed. The only solution is war."

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