Inferno

Chapter 49: Safe Haven

A/N: We're almost to act three!! How exciting! As always, let me know what you think!

The first thing that Bellamy was acutely aware of was that there was a light breeze drifting over her skin. And not one that could be recreated by some fan or room—but truly a breeze. The second thing that she was aware of was the fact that there was the sound of a bird cawing overhead.

It took a moment to try and rouse her faculties—considering the fact that her body ached like she had been through the ringer. And she knew that in a way, she had. It took everything in her to not go back to sleep, to force her eyes open.

Bellamy blinked a few times, eyes focusing on the wooden canopy overhead. A hut—had they—had they really gotten away? Or was this some sort of afterlife?

The girl glanced to the side, finding the cot adjacent to her empty. Slowly, ever so slowly, because it still stung to move, she sat up. She gazed down at her own body—she hadn't been wearing this t-shirt before. It was oversized.

Any blood that had stained her hands and body previously was gone. As if it had never been there. Bellamy listened to the sounds for a moment—taking in the birds and the sound of an ocean—

She moved forward with great struggle, stopping in the exit point of the hut and gazing out. All breath seemed to catch in her throat as her gaze fell on the ocean, the beach that lay before them. The mountains seemed so far away, in the distance.

And for a moment, Bellamy just stared at it like she was afraid that it would melt away. Like if she moved, it would prove to be a mirage. A fake, like all of the ones before.

Then came the drifting sounds of voices and busy work—Bellamy's gaze drifted to the right, landing on groups of tents and people, oh so many people. She felt strangely on edge as she took a step—

Agony erupted in her feet and Bellamy nearly cried in pain. The soles of her feet were covered in cuts and gashes, some going deep from the glass she had stepped through. Each step was brutal as she started forward.

But she did, stepping into the makeshift village and passing by people—people who stared as if she had come back from death itself. She knew she certainly probably looked like death and she were old friends.

She didn't doubt that.

Then just ahead, her eyes landed on a sight that nearly made her heart burst. Because up ahead, Thomas and Minho were sitting beside Jorge and deep in conversation. But then worry shot through her just as fast.

Because where was—

"Of course you're bloody walking. You're an idiot, you know that?" Bellamy nearly sobbed in relief at the sound of Newt's voice.

"You're—" Bellamy's voice cracked as she turned, finding Newt coming up beside her.

"Just fine now. Thanks to you."

She hardly had time to process that before Thomas and Minho and Leo and literally everyone was crowding around her. And for a moment, she was just staring at them in dumbfounded surprise and joy.

Then Thomas was sweeping her up in his arms, holding onto her like he was afraid she'd disappear. "I didn't get to say it back," he murmured into her ear.

Bellamy relaxed in his grip, eyes closing in safety for just a moment. "It's okay."

"I love you, too." Thomas breathed out, pulling away from the hug.

"Ugh, you two are disgusting. Are Newt and I like that?" Leo demanded, crossing his arms and glancing over at his boyfriend.

Bellamy couldn't help herself. Her eyes went wide and she just broke away from Thomas and pulled Leo into the biggest hug she could muster. "You absolute dumbass."