Sorry it has taken me so long to update! I am in a musical and we've been having shows every weekend, so I've been very busy. Thanks for all the wonderful feedback! Critiques and comments welcome and appreciated!

"Do you still love me?"

What? This must be a joke. Another trick to twist my mind.

But Maven looks at me straight in the eye, unwavering. I take him in; his bony shoulders visible underneath the grey shirt, the tear stains on his pale cheeks, the pain in his ice-cold eyes, his hands still shaking in his lap, his fingernails cutting into his palms, drawing drops of silver blood. I have never seen him so weak. So helpless. So alone. So much like the Maven I thought I knew.

What am I thinking! Why did I come in here? Cal's grandmother said that his words are his greatest weapon. And now he's twisting my mind, trying to get me to betray everything that I am, everything that I stand for, for him. Again.

But what is this strange ache in my heart as I watch him, patiently waiting for my answer. Is it pity? I know Maven better than I know most people, even myself. Seeing him like this naturally would cause me to feel some sympathy. And I was in this situation myself not too long ago. And it was his fault.

I don't know what to say. I cannot pity him, or he'll hold it over my head forever. My mind drifts to Cal and anger builds in me. How could he do this to me? Leave me so broken I'm contemplating whether or not I love Maven! The boy who killed thousands. Took away the rights of millions of Reds. The monster who kept me in a cell of Silent Stone; broke something in me that could never be fixed.

I don't know what makes me do it. My fury towards Cal? My pity for Maven? I tell myself I do it because I need the location of the tunnels, but it's more than that. Something more must be at play as I sit up on my knees and lean forward, pressing my lips to Maven's.

Maven's eyebrows rise in surprise. He doesn't respond for a moment, just taking it in. Then he kisses me back, his hands slipping around my back, warm despite the absence of his flamemaker bracelets. Mine rest at the nape of his neck. Everything feels wrong, but at the same time, so familiar. So calming. I feel myself relax in his arms, letting him pull me closer until I am surrounded by his warmth. I can feel his chest rising and falling. The Silent Stone melts away and suddenly we're back on the boat heading for Whitefire. The little lightning girl and the shadow of the flame.

I don't know how long we stay there like that, but it feels like days have passed when I finally, reluctantly, pull away. The weight of the Silent Stone returns. But the weight of reality hit me harder.

What have I done? The chill of the cell returns, sending shivers down my spine as my eyes fly to the door of the cell, half expecting to see someone ready to lock me up too. No one is there, but then I remind myself, there could be cameras. I try to sense them, but I can't because of the Silent Stone. I feel my face flush red, burning with shame. I've jeopardized everything the Guard has been working for years. If anyone saw me, I might put Farley, Kilorn, my family, everyone in danger. Anyone can betray anyone. The familiar words ring in my ears as I stand up quickly, moving towards the door.

Maven watches me, a smile dancing on his lips. "What should I make of your answer, Mare Barrow? Would you like to clarify, or should I just make an assumption?"

"I don't love you, Maven. I never could."

His smile falters, turning bitter. He looks hurt. But he masks it quickly, his eyes growing narrow. "So what was this?"

"This was goodbye."

Maven is silent for a moment. "Well, I suppose this is the end. No more whispers between Maven and Mare."

I shake my head.

"You choose my brother over me. Again. Why should I be surprised."

My heart aches to say it, but I know my response. "I choose neither of you, Maven. Cal betrayed me. So did you."

Maven frowns, his mind whirring to keep up with me. "So you will rise alone."

Jon. He was right. I never realized it until now.

"Yes. I will. I am."

Maven opens his mouth, then closes it again. Then he speaks.

"The best way into Whitefire is through the tunnels under the bridge. It's a little wet, but it's safe and silent, with the roaring water above. I'll take you there myself."

I stare startled.

"Oh, um, thank you."

"Anything for you." Maven murmurs, then leans back against the base of the bed, closing his eyes. His face looks calm, almost peaceful. I take this as my cue to leave. I hurry out of the cell to find the Command Generals, because I know how we will win this war.

The End

Thank you so much for reading! Hope you enjoyed! Comments are appreciated!