Chapter 38

When the time comes, an hour before sunset, we all meet in the dining hall. Cal has converted it to more of a weapon hall with various knives laid out, swords and more. We are taking the plane to the stilts, and Cal has transport to take us to the plane. It has all been organised. All timed correctly.

Cal told me earlier today that he couldn't find Theresa. She ran from him, upset and angry. I choose to ignore that. I don't care about Theresa. I spent the night in the rain and mud after her little fake announcement. She should do the same. Maybe that would teach her to mind her own business and to get used to sleeping outside. I laugh to myself, liking my little joke.

"I don't know how you can laugh at a time like this" Cal says, sharpening a knife he plans to hide in his boot. He looks angry at me. I sigh and walk towards him, taking his face in my hands.

"Please don't do this. Let's not argue now" I kiss him, slowly. I savour this moment because I know we won't have it for a while. He pulls back.

"I don't want to, I just can't help how I feel" I nod, knowing that it must be hard. I could never give Cal up. But if he asked me too, I would do it for him. We have that understanding about sacrifice and respecting each others wishes. He knows this too because we used to not listen to each other and it made it worse. We lost too much because of it. Because of the lies.

I pull away from Cal, and move to the table to start adding weapons to my outfit. I'm wearing my black pants, with pockets. I hide little things in the corner of some of the pockets, to use as weapons or lock picks. I also wear a singlet, with thick straps and a leather jacket, thin but sturdy. It hugs my body. I wear my usual boots, that reach the middle of my calves and I put a knife on a holster on my thigh, and in my boot too. Cal straps a large sword on his hip, preparing for anything. I can tell he imagines taking his brothers head off with it. Cal is a soldier. He knows what he is doing.

Shade and Farley also strap weapons onto them. Just in case they need to fight. Cameron doesn't need anything, but she takes a little knife in her boot too. Farley braids Cameron's hair, and mine. She puts hers in a ponytail. Kilorn takes a couple of weapons, and I really hope he doesn't have to use them. I just want this to go smoothly. No hiccups. When we are all done, we take small snacks and head for the vehicle that will take us to the plane. With 50 minutes left, we all feel the tension. I sit next to Cal and he places his hand on my knee, squeezing tight. I place my hand on his and squeeze back. This is our little moment where we say, I love you and it will be ok.

We get to the plane, and load ourselves on. Cal is of course piloting it, so I sit with the others. We strap ourselves in, and I look from Shade to Farley. They are looking at each other, whispering something. I hear the words Clara and Gisa, so I know it is about them. Cameron doesn't say anything, she just looks down. Kilorn is the same, he is next to me but hasn't said a word.

"Are you ok?" I ask him. He doesn't look at me, just nods. I leave it at that. He is angry with this whole situation too so me asking him questions will just make this worse. The plane abruptly moves, and it all starts to hit me. My stomach feels heavy, and I feel like I will be sick. It hurts to think that I am going to be seeing Maven and giving myself up. It hurts to know that I won't be coming back with them on the plane. Everything hurts. Deep in my heart. Suck it up Mare I tell myself, taking deep breaths. Just breathe.

Cameron POV

Sitting in the plane is the most daunting thing. Knowing that we are basically taking Mare to her death. She sits there, taking deep breaths. She thinks no one can see her, but I can see that she is nervous and even scared. I can see her trying to mentally prepare herself. I can't believe that we are even doing this.

Kilorn won't look at her or anyone for that matter. He looks so angry and I feel it too. Shade won't look at his sister, and Farley looks like she will be sick. I won't even mention Cal because he looks like he will burn the whole world down. It is the hardest for him to give up Mare. I am surprised he is even doing this. But then again, what choice does he have. Mare would kill him if anything happened to Gisa and Clara. He would kill himself too if it did. Cal is not a murderer. He loves Mare and would do anything to make her happy. I wish they had a happy ending, but in this life, there are no happy endings.

With 30 minutes left, we land. It is a quick trip, but we make it in time to prepare ourselves. Mare has to say goodbye to us first. Kilorn, Farley and I are staying in the plane. We get the first good byes. We unstrap ourselves and stand. Cal is the first to get out, and Shade follows. They don't want to watch this.

"So I guess this is good bye for now" Mare says, looking sad. She looks at me first, and I don't know what to say. "Cameron" she says and walks towards me and gives me a hug. I hug her back, squeezing hard. My eyes feel wet, but I dab my face on her shoulder, refusing to let anyone see me cry. I want to say that it will be ok, and that we will see her again, but I don't want to lie. I don't know what will happen to Mare. She pulls away, her hands on my shoulders and nods. "Take care of everyone for me" I nod. I don't know if anyone needs me but I will try. I will.

Mare then walks over to Farley and gives her a hug. Farley doesn't cry or say anything. The feeling is written all over her face. She is heartbroken. Bittersweet to know you are giving some ones life for your daughter. What can she say to Mare. This is Shades sister and she must feel guilty for not being there to protect Clara in the first place. I see the blame she places on herself. Mare pulls away and walks towards Kilorn.

"Please don't be angry with me" Mare says, and I can see the tears threatening to spill. This is her hardest goodbye between us three. Kilorn, her best friend. She tried to save him once, she would have married him once, in a life they weren't meant to live a long time ago. He doesn't respond, he just grabs her and hugs her hard, kissing the top of her head. He lets her go quickly, walking towards the pilot seat. Mare stands there and a tear escapes her eye. I can see she wants to say something but thinks better of it. She smiles at everyone one last time and leaves, following Cal and Shade.

Before we lose sight of them, Kilorn passes me, running towards the doors.

"I love you Mare!" he yells to them. I see Mare, Cal and Shade turn. "Don't let him win. Not again" he says. She smiles and mouths back to Kilorn. She says she loves him too. She says she will win this time. And just like that she disappears, and I don't know if I will ever see her again.