Scars to Your Beautiful (the 100 fanfic)

Chapter 23 - Finn

Lexa POV

I spared a glance toward Rook and saw the scowl on her face as she watched the boy being led by his guard. I sighed, relieved that my promise to her would finally be fulfilled. Ava's murderer would finally face justice and we could both move on with whatever was happening between us. Though meeting Clarke sent me down another path and I couldn't help that my mind seemed to turn to her frequently.

A noise from the Skaikru camp drew my attention and I watched as a now familiar blonde began making her way into the camp. I frowned and withdrew seeing her as she made her way closer to us. I was curious to see what she wanted, but I had a feeling she was going to try one last time to dissuade me from doing what must be done. I looked over towards Indra and Rook and noticed that they had also taken note of the girl. They had stepped away from the crowd and stood in the path leading up to the tent, blocking her way. It was Indra who leveled a spear at Clarke and I watched as she walked right up to it.

"I'm here to talk to your Commander," she said, looking Indra right in the eye.

Neither one of them spoke, so Clarke stepped closer and I watched as she winced as the tip of the spear pierced her skin, blood darkening the shirt in front.

"Let me through," she demanded.

She was determined to speak with me. It made me curious to see how this would play out, so I stepped out from the shadows and called out, "Let her pass."

Indra reluctantly pulled back on the spear and they both glanced up at me for confirmation before they parted to let her through. She stopped a few feet in front of me and I took a moment to regard her.

"You bleed for nothing," I told her. "You cannot stop this."

"No, only you can," she answered making me bristle at her tone. "Show my people how powerful you are. Show them you can be merciful. Show them you're not a savage."

I stared at her for long hard moment as she begged me with her eyes. Calling us savage. Calling me savage. How dare she. How dare she call us savage when she would let a murderer of innocents go free.

A wave of concern flowed through my body and I looked behind Clarke to see Rook take a few hesitant steps towards us. I sent her a wave of reassurance and she nodded before she relaxed but kept her eyes on us. I felt gratitude for this woman that I had known for less than a month and yet had so completely broken down my walls that I found it hard to understand.

Before I could lose myself in Rook, I dispassionately replied, "We are what we are."

A noise came from where Finn was being placed against the pole and Clarke glanced wildly at him and I could see that she was getting desperate to save him. I wondered briefly if she had a weapon on hand that we could not see, but she did nothing but turn back to me, tears beginning to fall down her face.

"Then I'm a killer. I burned three hundred of your people. I slit a man's throat and watched him die. I'm soaked in Grounder blood. Take me."

I couldn't help but be taken back at her attempt to sacrifice herself, but I was not about to be swayed so I said, "But Finn is guilty."

My heart wanted to go out to her as she became even more distressed, "No. He did it for me...He did it for me."

I replied, softly, "Then he dies for you."

She took a step back and looked over towards Finn once more and her shoulders dropped in defeat. She knew that she had done everything she could and that I would not budge from my decision.

She turned back to me after a moment and asked, "Can I say goodbye?"

Again, I took a moment to regard the blonde. She had shown courage and determination when she came to me yesterday, demanding an alliance. She'd shown loyalty by coming here tonight. Admirable qualities of a born leader. She was earning my respect with every action she took. So, against my better judgement, I acquiesced with a slight nod. I watched as she walked up to the boy quickly and then when she neared, she ran the rest of the way, embracing him tightly when she got to him. I felt a pang of something when I saw them kiss but ignored it as I continued to watch. It was only when she stepped back that I knew something was wrong. As if in slow motion, his head dropped and his body slumped. He was dead. The army erupted in anger, but it was Rook's rage that made me snap my head to her.

"No," she roared and started to head towards Clarke, her hand going to a knife at her side.

"Restrain Pakripa," I commanded and those close to her, tackled her to the ground as she continued to scream out.

Clarke looked over at her startled and stepped back involuntarily at the apparent display of rage. She looked hastily around the army and they were barely containing themselves. They had been denied what was rightfully theirs and they wanted blood, I could feel it as palpable as the rage I was feeling from Rook. She had chosen to give the boy mercy and it would take much to calm them down.

"It is done," I called out and then turned to the men that were pulling Rook up and holding her as she still struggled, "Bring her into the tent."

A wail had started from the Skaikru camp and I barely glanced over before I returned my attention towards Rook and I knew that I would need to speak with Indra as well.

The men brought Rook into the sleeping quarters to allow more privacy and with a wave of my hand, I dismissed them. I watched as Rook breathed heavily and paced like a caged animal.

"Rook," I said cautiously, stepping forward.

"She denied me what was rightfully mine," she said through gritted teeth. "She took it! He was supposed to suffer! As we have suffered!"

"It's done, Rook," I said gently and caught her as she came close to me. "Now, she has to live with what she's done."

She stood rigid in my embrace, breathing hard, and on impulse I began nuzzling her neck to calm her, "It is done," I repeated over and over until I felt her begin to relax.

She wrapped her arms around me and I felt her tears begin to fall. I could only spare her a few moments, but that seemed to be enough.

"Thank you, Lexa," she whispered in my hair.

I kissed her neck and looked up at her. She leaned down and kissed me gently before she stepped away to take a deep shuddering breath.

"He will still burn," I told her. "His body will join those of his victims."

She nodded, "I will need to begin packing then."

"Will you be okay, now?"

She cleared her throat and said, "Whatever just happened, has helped. I will be able to make the journey and will not do anything rash."

"Good. I'm going to let Clarke come in here to give her a moment to collect herself," I told her. "I want you to stay here and watch over her while I placate the others."

"No harm shall fall on her, Commander. Neither by my hand or others," she promised.

I nodded and left as she began packing to head back to Tondc.