Ascende Superius | Book 3

14 | Red Sky At Morning

And so it begins.

Look guys, university just started for me, and I'm in a semi-fight with a friend, so I am beyond stressed right now. Please understand.

---

     When I blink open, sunlight is shining right in my eyes. There's an odd movement to the environment, and we seem to be in a large metal container. The sunlight is streaming from ragged holes in the box.

     Shifting and sitting up, I realise I'm the first to awaken. Lincoln is the next to wake up, the others following a few moments later. They, too, swing their heads around to look at our new surroundings.

     "Where the hell are we?" Bellamy croaks. Octavia inhales sharply, reaching for her sword only to realise its absence.

     "My sword's gone."

     "The guns, too."

     "We won't need them," Lincoln reassures calmly, voice as monotone as ever, shuffling over to Octavia.

     After managing to stand up, I watch Clarke check for the flame, and she sighs in relief when she sees that it's still in its case, safe and sound.

     My sister begins banging on the metal wall, and the doors, finally, swing open. I shield my eyes, blinking rapidly in an attempt to allow my eyes to adjust.

     A frizzy haired girl steps in. Luna. My heart picks up pace, and I contain the squeal of absolute excitement. Oh my god it's actually Luna. Holy-

     "Luna," Octavia breathes. We approach, but she brushes all of us off, first greeting Lincoln, their arms coming together.

     "It's good to see you, Lincoln. But why have you come here?" She tilts her head, but I look past her, hearing the familiar sound of gulls. It brings me home. To my real home. There were so many seagulls there.

     Clarke steps forward, and as usual, takes charge. "Luna, you're the last of your kind," she starts. I wince at her lack of sensitivity, shaking my head. "The last Nightblood."

     "So Lexa's dead, then?" She murmurs, looking to Lincoln, and he nods solemnly. Her eyes fall before Clarke continues, and they flicker back up to the blonde's pale face.

     "Her spirit has chosen you to become the next Commander. Titus entrusted me with the Flame to give to you."

     "Then he should have told you that I left my conclave, swearing to never kill again. Lincoln should have told you that," her voice is calm, even now. Her eyes trace over to me, as if she senses the overwhelming temptation I already feel.

     "You don't have to kill. To lead is your birthright, how you lead is your choice. Here," Clarke steps closer, offering the flame.

     "I recognise the sacred symbol," Luna murmurs, holding Clarke's hand in her own gently. Her eyes train on the flame, dark and pretty. "But what is that?"

     "This is the flame. It holds the spirits of the Commanders, of Lexa. Will you take it and become the next Commander?"

     Utter silence. "No." Luna curls Clarke's fingers over the flame and then turns on her heels, leaving the container. We all share looks, and hurry after her. Where the others plead, Jasper and I stop to look around, taking in the awe-inducing sight of Floukru's structure.