Octavia was sitting on the ground as I approached the small group of people, and quickly stood when I approached. She looked relieved, but also very angry.
"What happened this time? I thought that everything was great since the Bloods leader agreed to release Harper and Jasper. But of course you can't be satisfied with any-"
"I am actually very satisfied, Octavia. I just wanted to make sure she was going to be loyal to her word and that no harm would come to us on the way back to camp. I'm sure that it surprises you that I actually do care," I interrupted. Bellamy was about to defend his sister when he got between earshot and heard what I had said. His movements then slowed as he came up to us.
He didn't look too happy to still be in the Bloods' camp. Which I understood because I didn't want to wait til sundown before we actually got our people returned to us either.
"Did Lexa mention anything to you about when they would be returned? None of us want to be here longer than we have to be," Bellamy pointed out. I shook my head disappointingly in reply; wishing that I had more details.
We were all growing impatient when we finally saw movement from one of the other tents. Jasper exited out first, bruises all over his face. His features were more serious as he came over to us. He was right in front of me at this point, and spat blood on me.
"Took you long enough. I was hoping that you'd be a little quicker, but of course you only worry about yourself. They didn't care whether we lived or died. Especially the commander. I'm still shocked she agreed to let us go, but then I hear you being described. And it all made sense," Jasper stated. I wiped the blood off my face and didn't even try to say something in response. He needed to get that off his chest. I probably deserved it anyway.
Harper emerged moments later, with a slight limp. She was covered in her own dried blood, and had three scars on her face. Just seeing both of them horribly mistreated got my blood boiling. I could tell that Octavia felt the same way when she drew out her sword. Lincoln rushed over to try and calm her down before she did anything reckless, but nothing was stopping her movements.
Lexa hurried out of her tent to see what all the commotion was about. As soon as she saw Octavia coming at her, she moved so fast that no one could tell if she had gotten hit by the blade. They were both now looking at each other with pure darkness surrounding their eyes. I couldn't just let this alliance be over before it has even begun, so I stepped between the two of them.
"Octavia, step away right now. We have Jasper and Harper now, so let's go back. Lexa isn't worth it," I pleaded. At the mention of her name, Lexa then focused her attention on me. She looked very intense and ready to fight; kill even. But her look softened a bit as she realized that if she wanted to kill Octavia, she'd have to kill me first. And vice versa.
"Clarke, she tortured both Jasper and Harper. I don't even know why you're protecting her. But I'm not leaving until my blade is covered in her blood," Octavia said through clenched teeth. I took a deep breath and turned around to face her, seeing the tip of the sword right in front of my face. She was challenging me now, and I just wanted this to be a peaceful moment. We got both people back. That should be rejoyceful enough. I heard Lexa step forward and felt her breath against my neck.
"You're right, I did torture both of them. And you are blind, Octavia, if you think Clarke's protecting me. The only thing she cares about is having this alliance stand. Right now the zombies are the threat, afterwards, she might just kill me herself. Am I correct on that?" Lexa asked softly with a challenging tone; still high enough for Octavia to hear. I paused a moment, about to disagree with the commander, but then I realized if I objected Octavia would kill her right instead I turned towards Lexa with a stone cold expression and replied, "After the threat is over, so is this alliance. If anything else happens to my people because of you, your life will also be over." I didn't mean for it to sound that threatening, but the look on Lexa's face told me she had several reasons to never cross me. Octavia scoffed as she sheathed her sword and muttered something unpleasant as she walked past us. I was about to head back to my group so that we could leave when Lexa grabbed my arm.
"Be wary of Octavia, Clarke. I don't want this alliance to be over before it's even began. Your words had a.. particular tone that I wish I never have to hear again. You are something that I have not encountered in some time. Be careful of that, Clarke. I'd hate to see this world change how you are right now," she confessed. I was about to ask what she had meant by that, but she was already walking away. A deep sigh escaped me as I headed back over to the group, trying to get her words out of my head. I could worry about that warning later because right now; my people are what matters.