Ruination

Chapter 10: "You gotta pull a disappearing act that'll put Houdini to shame"

BELLATRIX POV:

It was the dead of night and I was crouched down behind the shrubbery, hidden under the shade of the night sky. My dark eyes squinted, reaching out to push the shrubbery obstructing my view out of the way as I heard the stomping of clumsy footsteps trudging in our direction. Rigel and Echo hovered behind me, cautious and awaiting my signal, I glanced over at Echo, nodding and she made animal noises that I'm sure would only confuse Murphy, but on the off chance it was Raven, she would understand, she would even respond. A small snort of laughter burst free from my lips earning a mockingly scathing look from Echo.

"You're slipping, we're supposed to be stealthy, or have you lost your touch Wanlida?" Rigel whispered, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear as I shoved him away from me, my eyes glued to the surrounding environment. All concerns faded from my mind as Murphy stumbled into my view, tripping and flailing around, his body colliding with the moist and harshness of the ground.

"I'm sorry but our witty exchange of banter will have to be put on hold for something much more important." I breathlessly drawled out batting my eyelashes as I gripped my sword and I pushed myself up into a standing position quickly running after Echo who jumped on Murphy, tightly clasping her hand around Murphy's mouth which caused him to panic. I laughed, walking in front of him watching him relax upon seeing me. "You seriously looked like you were going to piss yourself." I laughed lightly; a smile spread onto my lips as I placed my sword in the holster attached to my back.

"Oh thank god," Murphy breathed out, doubling over and trying to catch his breath as I stepped forward, a swell of happiness erupting inside of me as I threw my arms around his neck, causing him to stumble back, his arms wrapped tightly around me for support. I pulled away; our bodies still intertwined as everyone slowly snuck out from their hiding places. "Raven knew you guys would be watching the camp, we got to go now." Murphy heaved. I turned back to him, loosened my grip my hands resting on the base of his neck as I gazed over the wounds on his face. My fingers lightly brushed against his cheek as I stared into Murphy's twinkling blue eyes. I could feel Rigel's analytical stare burning into me, judging me for the choices I'd made over the six years.

"What happened?" I asked worriedly as I looked at the collar around his neck.

"It's nothing, it's not important right now." He shook his head, trying to catch his breath.

"Where is Raven?" Rigel asked as Emori appeared beside him.

"She's still there" Murphy informed Emori.

"You left her there?" Emori gasped stepping forward, I quickly stood between them causing Emori to stop in her tracks. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Why did you leave her?" I asked, turning to Murphy.

"She made a deal to get me out." Murphy informed everyone. That sounded like Raven Reyes to me, even if it left a bitter taste in my mouth, I could only imagine how difficult it would have been for Murphy. I couldn't be the only one that saw how he wasn't really a survivor when she was around.

"Shock collar?" Monty asked reaching for it, but Murphy gripped his wrist pushing it away.

"Trust me I wouldn't do that." Murphy breathed out.

"We need to find a way to get it off." I chimed in, glancing over to Monty who nodded as I backed up, standing beside him.

"I'll try and figure something out." Monty said, gazing down at the collar, worried for Murphy.

"Too bad Raven isn't here, but you are Skaikru I'm sure you overly sentimental people can figure something out." Rigel shrugged with a toothy grin causing Emori to step away from him and I let out a small chuckle, but it faded quickly.