Raven POV
It had been several hours since that lunch disaster, and I had spent that time walking around our new camp, trying to wrap my head around it. There was no way what happened, happened. Harlee couldn't have broken that thick-ass table in half with just her fist. Nor could the air around her have turned frigid without the rest of the tent doing the same. It just wasn't humanly possible.
On the other hand, technologically speaking, both incidents were. For all we knew, Harlee could have a cybernetic prosthetic arm. But my fingers had felt her arms countless times, and while she did have scars, none of them felt like a seam. Her flesh and everything underneath felt natural, making it seem improbable that Harlee had any cybernetics on her body. Not unless their clan had managed to advance that far technologically and medically.
The chair could have done the frigid drop in temperature if it was equipped with a refrigerant or something similar. But the chair had looked like all the other chairs beside the throne. It didn't account for how quickly the temperature changed or how it appeared to follow Harlee as she moved. Nor how with every step she took, frost appeared in her wake. Unless whatever was the cause had been hidden on her person, but that didn't seem probable either.
None of it made sense, and it was driving me mad. Until I figured it out, I would be pretty damn useless. So, I headed back to Harlee's tent, hoping she was ready to talk.
It was weird walking through Harlee's camp during the day. Everyone I passed was doing something, sharpening weapons, cleaning armor, cleaning their tent, or doing some kind of camp maintenance. Whereas back in our camp, everyone was mostly lounging around or playing one game or another. Only a few had taken Harlee's training to heart and were still working at it. But with everything being provided by Harlee's people, it was like no one felt the need to do anything. Almost as if the past few weeks hadn't happened.
It made me inwardly cringe after this morning's meeting and learning how hardworking the clans were. The behavior in the camp made us seem lazy and entitled as if we expected to be given everything without showing appreciation or anything in return. It had been a huge shock to learn that Harlee had provided everything in our new camp.
It had really driven the point that Harlee had been helping us all along and was continuing to do so. Not out of duty or obligation but because she wanted to. I had a feeling that if it had been up to the Trikru leader or the Commander, we would have been given the bare minimum and probably still made to fend for ourselves.
Because Harlee was right, she didn't have to do all she did as she spied on us. Harlee could have just sat back and watched us slowly kill ourselves. Watched as Bellamy killed hundreds of people to save his own neck, killed more of us as he went after Octavia when she disappeared, and started a war if he had brought Lincoln back.
But Harlee hadn't stayed in the background. She had hunted for us and taught others. She helped and guided Clarke, Wells, and Octavia, becoming their friend and confidant. Harlee somehow managed to curb Murphy's asshole-ishness, which got his people to calm down. She protected the radio when I came down and helped stop the Council from culling three hundred people. Hell, she even fed us, sharing the food her people brought her. Harlee did so much for us, risked her life for us, and we hadn't even bothered to thank her. We just took it and gave nothing back as if that was how it was supposed to be. Did we thank anyone?
Instead of showing our gratitude, we let Octavia continually bait and berate Harlee. We let the petite brunette rip into her and target an innocent kid when the girl didn't get the reaction she wanted. One of our own. Someone who shouldn't even have been in Lockup.
Charlotte had been deeply traumatized after being forced to watch her parents floated for an unknown crime. And instead of getting help, she was arrested for grieving. Someone that, according to Clarke, had been largely ignored since coming to the ground. But Harlee saw the girl's pain before she knew her, took her in, got her help, and gave her a new life. And it was apparent that Charlotte was thriving under the care of Harlee's people.
Charlotte was someone who didn't deserve Octavia's ire because all she had done was truthfully answer our questions.
Yet, we let Octavia verbally attack the girl. Just like we let her attack Harlee. None of us stood up for either of them, and we should have. I should have, not because I didn't think Harlee couldn't handle herself, but because it was Harlee. The woman I cared about and had fallen for. The once stranger that had nearly died to protect me. The scary, badass bitch who had taken an arrow meant for Clarke. The supportive friend who had taken Octavia under her wing when her brother didn't. Well's wingwoman who had helped him get over Clarke and get laid.
God, we were shitty people. And maybe I was the shittiest of all for not backing the woman I'd been sharing a bed with. The woman I was beginning to accept that I loved. It made me wonder if this was how Abby felt after Jaha floated Jake.
"She is not here, strik sora," a deep male voice broke through my thoughts, making me belatedly realize I had arrived at Harlee's tent while I'd been lost in my head.
I blinked a few times to find Harlee's Second, Deke, just outside Harlee's tent. I felt heat color my cheeks at being caught unawares but shook it off, slightly frowning as I asked, "Do you know where I can find her? I hoped to talk with Harlee before we all met again."
Deke contemplatively looked at me for a moment before nodding, "Sha. I can take you to her."
Relieved, I appreciatively smiled up at him, "Thank you."
He nodded and gestured before starting to walk off. I quickly followed, my legs stretching to keep up with his long stride. It wasn't long before we came upon another tent. This one seemed to emit a fragrance of something earthy and plant-like. The smell became more potent as Deke held open the tent flap and a cool breeze blew past. I gave Deke a curious stare, but he only smiled and nodded towards the interior. Squaring my shoulders, I walked inside and abruptly came to a stop.
The inside of the tent looked like a cross between Ark Medical and what I envisioned an apothecary to look like. There were wooden cabinets and long drawers, tables lined with bowls, beakers and vials, scales, a centrifuge and other medical lab equipment, and an abundance of bundled plants hanging or in glass jars. This tent was like Clarke's wet dream of a perfect medical clinic.
A touch on my shoulder had me snapping out of my daze, and I looked up to see Deke giving me a bemused look.
"This way, strik sora," Deke said, gesturing toward a part in the tent.
I nodded and followed him, passing through the curtain and into an open space lined with cots with injured people on them.
Curiously I asked, "What happened to them?"
"Reaper attacks," Deke replied, making me blanch.
The injured had heavily bandaged arms and legs, some in splints. All of them were hooked up to IV bags but clearly showed signs of pain. None of them looked like they wouldn't be laid up for weeks.
"Reapers did this," I said, unbelieving.
"Sha," Deke grimly replied. "It is rare that anyone comes back without some injury. We have been lucky to have lost none to the Final Pyre."
"But you still lost people, right," I asked, looking over my shoulder at the hurt warriors.
"Sha. The Reapers have managed to take some of our people and Wocha Indra's."
"Fuck," I breathed out as reality hit me. "I'm sorry."
"Mochof, but your apology is unnecessary," Deke softly replied. "Fighting the Reapers and Mountain Men is our duty, Reivon. And we would rather it was us than villagers or those traveling."
"But…"
"This would have happened regardless of your arrival or not," Deke said, stopping my protests. "Only when the Maunon are stopped once and for all will such instances end."
I swallowed the lump in my throat, my heart going out to these warriors who constantly put themselves on the line and nodded in acceptance. But it didn't make me feel any less guilty. These warriors were lying injured because they were protecting us. More lost to the Mountain and not knowing if they'd be facing their people again as monsters.
It was eye-opening, and I couldn't help but wonder how Harlee dealt with it. How could she order these people, her people, to keep going out knowing that they would be hurt, killed, or kidnapped and turned into Reapers? How did she do it without breaking down? Did Harlee even care?
They came to another break in the tent walls, stopping as Deke called out, "Wocha, Reivon is here to speak with you."
"She can come in," Ben's voice answered instead.
Deke nodded and held the flap open for me. I ducked underneath, and my eyes instantly searched and rested on Harlee. My breath hitched, as it always seemed, seeing Harlee's chest bare except for cloth wrapping around her breasts. Her tawny brown flesh interspersed with scars deliciously stretched over defined muscles had my fingers twitching to feel them. Her muscled legs were clad in her earlier skintight black leather pants and knee-high black boots. I bit my lip at the sight, holding in a groan. It was downright sinful how breathtakingly beautiful Harlee was. And when I finally raised my eyes to her face, Harlee had that fucking smirk that told me she knew exactly what she did to me.
I glared at her, making Harlee snort and earn a glare from Ben.
"Stay still, Li," Ben reprimanded Harlee, and I noticed that he held something against her wounded shoulder.
Curious, I stepped closer to see Ben looking at a small screen to the side. "What's that," I asked.
"A portable MRI scanner," Ben answered. "When the arrow impacted Li's shoulder, she lost feeling in her arm. After lunch, she noticed a change."
"Sha," Harlee spoke up. "A deep ache as if my arm had been asleep for a long time and some sharp pain when I moved my joints. Ben is ensuring that I didn't cause further damage to the nerve or tissue."
"Luckily," Ben said, setting the scanner to the side, "it appears that there is only some slight inflammation in the tissue surrounding the nerve. Cold treatment and anti-inflammatory should take care of it. But I still want you to use the sling for a few more days, Li. Your shoulder still needs to heal."
"Fine," the dark-haired woman grumbled, pulling on her shirt and making me instantly bite back a disappointing whine. "But it comes off the moment I get word Heda's arrived. I don't give a damn how 'healed' it is at that point. Nami."
"Understood," Ben replied, rolling his eyes. "I'll drop the medication off later."
Harlee hopped off the table she had been sitting on and strapped back on her armor and weapons. Lastly, the sling went back on, and she settled her arm comfortably within its confines.
Stepping closer to me, Harlee curiously tilted her head, "You wanted to speak with me, Reivon?"
"I, uh, yeah," I blushed, nodding. "Is there somewhere we can talk in, ya know, private?"
Harlee looked off to the side for a moment before focusing back on me, nodding, "We can walk the perimeter of the camp. Or go back to my tent. Whichever you would prefer."
"I've been walking around ever since lunch," I said. "Are you sure we won't be disturbed in your tent?"
Harlee smiled, "Sha. My guards won't let us be disturbed unless necessary."
"Alright," I sighed. "I guess it's back to your tent then."
Harlee nodded, "Very well. Mochof, Ben."
"Pro, Li," Ben replied, smiling. "It was a pleasure seeing you again, Reivon."
I blinked in surprise, "Uh, you too, Ben."
He nodded, and we headed back out into the camp. The walk was silent except for people calling out to Harlee in greeting. I watched as she warmly smiled and returned their greetings. Seeing their interactions, I couldn't help but compare them to how it was on the Ark.
On the Ark, people barely looked at one another as they passed in the halls; conversations were quick and hushed in small alcoves with furtive, frightened glances, no laughter or easy smiles. The Councilors always had their noses turned up in the air and condescendingly spoke down to everyone, spouting lies and threats. The guards patrolling the halls were little more than extortionist bullies. On the Ark, we lived in constant fear of being floated.
But here, among Harlee's people, it was like night and day. Even while busy with work, there was loud conversation, laughter, and even singing. There was apparent discipline, but the atmosphere was relaxed. People weren't afraid to call out to Harlee but still treated her with respect. And Harlee did the same, seemingly knowing everyone we passed. But above all, there was no fear. It was like even knowing they may be hurt or killed on their patrols; they knew they were still safe and were content with that knowledge.
"How do you do it, Harlee," I asked once we entered her tent and after she had left orders not to be disturbed.
"How do I do what, Reivon," Harlee asked in return, pouring us something to drink before ushering me into her private quarters.
I settled in a comfortable-looking camp chair, taking the proffered cup, and looking at her, elaborated, "How is it that everyone around here likes you and has a lot of respect for you even though you're making them go on these dangerous patrols? How are you so damn calm with people lying hurt in Ben's tent?"
Harlee sat in another chair, drinking from her cup as she gathered her thoughts. With an understanding smile, she replied, "I have been taught from a very early age how to rule, my Valkyrie. How to lead a clan and an army. But before that, it was taught that Death was a part of our lives. War, sickness, famine, accidents, and so on would cause deaths. Until recently, when the Coalition steadied, losing villages, every season wasn't far-fetched. Being raised to lead, we're taught to accept that our decisions may cost lives but even so, it is still difficult.
"I suppose the respect you see comes from how I lead my people. They know that the last thing I want is to send them out where they may be injured or worse. I put much thought into my orders and plans, hoping to minimize the inevitable loss. I don't see my people as pieces on a board to carelessly move about as many leaders do. They also know that unless something prevents me, I am with them, fighting and protecting their backs or working in the fields to bring in the harvest. But above all, my people know that I always honor their sacrifices.
"And the calm you see is nothing more than a façade," Harlee continued, losing her smile as anger took over. "A mask. Seeing my men laid up like that, knowing that my men have been taken and that if I see them again, they'll be Ripas, angers me, my Valkyrie. I would like nothing more than to charge into that mountain and bring them the same pain they have inflicted on my people for centuries. I hate knowing that the Maunon are safe in their bunker while my people suffer out here. And it is beyond frustrating that I cannot do more than I have."
"God, no wonder you got so pissed off at Octavia," I realized, looking at her wide-eyed. "She dismissed your fight against the Mountain Men and belittled your losses."
"I care deeply for my people, my Valkyrie," Harlee quietly stated. "Their safety and happiness are all I want, and Maun-de threatens that. Okteivia's words were made out of ignorance and to hurt me. To a degree, I understand where she is coming from. She was forced to live a lie as she hid in her family quarters, and when that lie was unearthed, her mother was floated, and she was locked away. Bellamy refused to admit how he came to be on the dropship and hid his reasoning behind the ideals he pushed forward. The omission of truth is often as bad as lying. Then I come along and treat her like a person, listen to her, support her, teach and guide her. Things she wanted from Bellamy and others. She came to trust me, and it turned out that I lied about who I was. For Okteivia, I broke her trust just as her mother and Bellamy did."
"Yeah, but you had a reason to," I argued, huffing as I looked into my cup. "Besides what you were in our camp to do, if you had admitted that you were a Grounder, shit could've gone bad for you. Hell, it did, and all you were trying to do was help." I looked up at her. "If I could understand and forgive you for keeping your identity secret, why can't Octavia?"
Harlee shrugged, taking a drink, "That is a question only Okteivia can answer, my Valkyrie. One that I am not sure she knows the answer to."
I sighed, nodding, "Maybe. You know, I owe you an apology, Harlee." She inquisitively raised a brow. "Really, we all do. You went out of your way to help us and keep us safe when you didn't have to. And never once, I don't think, did we ever tell you, thank you. I don't even think I thanked you for keeping me safe when Bellamy came to the pod and nearly killed you." I sincerely looked at her. "I'm sorry that I never told you. Thank you, Harlee. Thank you for keeping me safe and fed. For listening to me and being there for me. Just…thank you for everything. But especially, thank you for loving me."
Harlee smiled wide, set her cup aside, and moved to kneel in front of me. She held out her hand, and after a moment, I took it. Reassuringly squeezing my hand, her thumb started to rub my knuckles as she warmly replied, "I accept your apology and your heartfelt thanks, Reivon Reyes kom Skaikru. But all I did was not for recognition. I did the things I did because I saw abandoned children struggling to survive and had the means to help them. That is simply my nature, but it goes deeper than that."
She dropped her head and took a few deep breaths, squeezing my hand tighter. When she looked up, Harlee's face was open and vulnerable. I could easily see her pain as she continued, "Before my predecessor, Maria, found me in Polis and took me in, giving me the love and support I desperately needed, I was at my lowest. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by the people who gave me life simply because I refused to accept their expectations. It didn't get much better once I was in Polis and under the care and tutelage of the Fleimkepa. If it hadn't been for her and Deke's patient support and love, the help I got from Artemis' Fos, and countless others, I would not be here today."
I reached down to cup her face, my heart aching at her words, "Harlee…."
Leaning into my touch, Harlee sadly smiled, "It is in the past, and though I have learned to live with it, there are days that I still struggle. It is why those closest to me are as protective of me as they are. But it is for that reason that when I Ascended, I endeavored to bring that same support, love, and care to those that have endured similar struggles. Among my people, we pridefully and lovingly refer to our clan as a Sanctuary of Lost Souls. It is why I took in Sharlot and helped your people when it wasn't necessary to my given task."
"And why it probably hurt a lot more than you'll admit when Octavia started accusing you of manipulating us into doing what you wanted," I realized. "I need to apologize for that, too. I knew what she was doing was wrong, but I let her attack you like that anyway. I didn't even stop her when she started in on Charlotte. I should have, and I regret that I didn't. I'm sorry for not standing up for either of you, Harlee."
"Thank you for saying that, but it wasn't your fight, my Valkyrie. I could have stopped Okteivia at any time, but I let her continue. I knew she needed to get what she was feeling out, or it would fester and lead to further problems. And while I don't believe that this is the end of it, I am hoping that come dawn, Okteivia will be thinking a little more clearly and listen to reason," Harlee explained.
"How are you so damn understanding, Cassanova," I asked in wonder, caressing her face.
Harlee chuckled, moving to kiss the palm that was holding her, "Years of learning how to live with my demons, my Valkyrie. And getting smacked upside my head when I've been a branwoda, an idiot."
"You are definitely something else, Lee," I said, leaning over as I drew her up to kiss her gently. When we settled back, I sighed and sadly looked at her, "I wish I weren't so torn up about us. I've missed you."
She squeezed my hand, "I've missed you, too. I don't sleep as well as I do when you're with me. But as much as I love you, I know it isn't enough, and that is why giving each other time apart is important right now. We need to decide if the challenges our relationship will bring are too much to stay together regardless of how we feel for one another. The last thing I want for us is for what we have to turn into resentment and hate. And I hope that you feel the same."
I nodded, "I do. As scary as it is, I've come to care for you greatly in such a short time, Harlee. And while I think I could learn to live with what it would mean to be with you, I don't know if I could handle the worry. I was freaking out when I couldn't find you, worried that you'd been hurt or worse. It only lessened a little when Deke said you were here, but I had to rely on my anger to get what I needed done. I don't know if I could deal with you putting your life in danger if that's how I'm always going to feel."
"I wholeheartedly wish I could say that it won't always be like that," Harlee regretfully sighed. "Unfortunately, until the Mountain comes down and Azgeda is brought to heel, and there is a solid foundation of Peace, I will be called away. That is my sworn duty as the Commander's Shadow. I deeply regret the worry and fear I caused you, my Valkyrie, and I am sorry for that. My only excuse is my lack of forethought to account for you and your feelings. Something I will endeavor to correct."
"I forgive you, Lee, and I believe you will try not to make the same mistake again," I smiled down at her. "But I won't hold you to it because of what you've just said. You have your duty to the Commander and your people; I won't hold that against you. I realize that it's part of who you are, and to ask you not to would be like asking you not to breathe. It would be unfair of me."
"Thank you for understanding, Reivon," she replied, then chuckled. "I bet you never thought that you'd fall to Earth and find yourself with one of the world's leaders, did you?"
I chuckled, shaking my head until her words caught up to me, "Wait. What? What do you mean, one of the world's leaders? I thought that this Commander was in charge of everything."
Giving one last squeeze of my hand, Harlee let go and stood up to retake her seat. Leaning forward on her elbow, she replied, "It has been that way since the war with the Maunon. But the truth is that the seat of power is divided between three Commanders. Heda, Trikova Heda, and Wanheda. After the war, it was decided that Trikova Heda would 'disappear' and become the Commander's Shadow, acting as the Commander's Sword to ensure justice and balance. Wanheda, on the other hand, only appears during times of great change and usually when many lives are in the balance. Heda is always here, serving as a guiding hand for the people. If it weren't for Maun-de, I would be ruling alongside Heda as Trikova Heda."
I frowned in thought, "Alright. Let me see if I get this. Heda means Commander in English. Trikova Heda means Shadow Commander. What does Wanheda mean? What are they the Commander of?"
"Wanheda means Commander of Death," Harlee explained. "As I said, they appear during times when lives are threatened. It is often a time of much death, and our stories and legends focus on that aspect. But really, their arrival is caused by great change. Before the war with the Maunon, they last appeared before, during, and right after Praimfaya. The Keryon that guides them is focused on restoring balance."
"The what now," I asked, blinking in confusion at the unfamiliar word.
Harlee smirked, "Keryon. Or Spirit in Gonasleng. But it's different than keryon, which refers to a person's soul or spirit."
I suspiciously narrowed my eyes, "Like God or something?"
Harlee tilted her head, slowly nodding, "In a way. I gather that it may be hard for you to fathom and accept, but the Keryons are very real and have been in existence even before this world existed. And believe it or not, we have documented evidence to back this up. It is back home in my clan's Archives, and I would be happy to show it to you once things have settled."
"That," I stumbled over my words, shaking my head as I tried to wrap my head around the idea of something like that being real. "That goes against everything we've been taught and believe."
"I understand," Harlee stated. "I won't get into much more because it is a lot to accept, but Heda and I are Vessels for two of the Keryons. Keryons kom Fleim en Trikova, respectively. It is why I could break the table in half, and the air around me turned freezing. When I'm properly in tune with the Keryon, I take on some of Their aspects. I'd break my hand if I tried to break such a thick piece of wood now."
I huffed a laugh, "As crazy as that sounds; your explanation is as plausible as what I had come up with. Though, in honesty, I was leaning toward technological advancements. You know, organic cybernetics and special effects like in movies."
"We may have been able to advance far since Praimfaya, but organic cybernetics is still in its infancy among my clan," Harlee divulged, leaning back and drinking from her cup. "Raw materials and other resources are hard to come by or make; thus, doing research and testing is tough. But we have used such tricks on missions, which is part of Danyel's job as my engineer. But what happened during lunch was all me."
I took a large swallow of my drink, chuckling in disbelief, "I swear, Lee, the longer I'm on Earth, the weirder this place gets. I could have easily handled knowing that people survived and preferred swords to guns. I expected mutated animals and plants and figured there'd be weird and possibly dangerous weather patterns. But to find out that there is a group of Old World descendants practicing chemical warfare and human experimentation? There is a secret clan hiding in a naval base using camouflaged tech and taking in outcasts? Those are a bit of a stretch, but I could see it happening. But now you're telling me that there are these mystical beings older than the creation of our planet, and you just so happen to be hosting one? Come on, Harlee?! How much weirder is this place going to get? Are you going to tell me dragons and unicorns exist now, too?"
Harlee laughed, "No, nothing like that. Even if seeing a dragon would be an extraordinary sight. One of my favorite book series growing up was the Dragonriders of Pern, and I always wondered what it would be like to fly on a dragon and share that kind of bond."
"That series survived after all this time," I leaned back in my chair in wonder.
"It did on a digital database," Harlee grinned. "But I have dedicated scribes transferring many of the more popular books and manuals to hard copies in Trigedasleng. Norfolk has the most extensive library, but Polis and Delfi have large libraries, too."
"Damn, you guys really aren't as inferior as the Council believes you to be," I shook my head, softly smiling.
"No, but that will be to our advantage when it is time to deal with them," Harlee stated.
"Speaking of," I said, looking at her. "If you were just supposed to spy on us, what will you do when the Commander gets here? I mean, you're job is pretty much done, right?"
"While negotiations are going on, my Riders will continue to watch over your people," Harlee replied. "If Klark agrees with my idea, we'll help your people find trades they're interested in and set up training. I will be the liaison between you and Heda, clarifying things so that both parties understand what is being said and asked for. After negotiations are agreed upon, I don't know what will happen."
I nodded, playing with the cup in my hands, "Between us, can I ask you something?" Harlee nodded. "I know you said that you're not getting anything out of this peace between my people and the Commander, but there's gotta be something you want. What is it?"
Harlee sighed, leaning forward in her seat, "Between us, I believe your people may be the key to ending the Mountain, Reivon. Your Chancellor sent you specifically to Maun-de, which means the Ark knows of it and possibly more. As I said this morning, all information regarding Maun-de is gone, and my people have looked for decades. Then there is your similarity to the Maunon. While small, there is a chance that if your people were to be taken by the Mountain, they would not suffer the same fate as mine."
"Either would provide you with information you didn't have before," I nodded in understanding. "And if we were to have an alliance with the Commander and were inside, we could work together to bring the Mountain down."
"Sha, but I cannot openly ask for such a condition," Harlee sighed, leaning back. "Nor can the Commander. Klark needs to offer Skaikru to help take the Mountain down voluntarily."
I huffed, "I can see her offering, but you know as well as I do that the problem will be everyone in camp. I don't see them agreeing to act as bait in the off chance they won't be killed if taken by the Mountain Men."
"I know," Harlee sighed, tiredly rubbing her face. When she looked at me, she had a crooked smile, "Are you ready to deal with Mary and Finn?"
"Fuck," I groaned, tossing back the last of my drink. "Do I have to?"
She stood up and stretched, my eyes automatically taking her in. Chuckling, she replied, "You don't have to do anything you don't want to, my Valkyrie. I can drop Mary in your camp and let Klark deal with whatever happens there, but Finn needs to be dealt with. He conspired to drug the expedition team and kidnap and hold Klark hostage until he 'made' her love him. As we all discussed, Finn's obsessive behavior makes him dangerous and threatens Klark's safety."
"Ugh," I whined, standing up and stretching too. "I hate that you're right. Even after all this time, I still have a hard time believing that the Finn I knew growing up turned out to be a womanizer and unhinged."
Harlee stepped closer and reached up to gently cup my face, making me lean into her touch and close my eyes. Quietly, she said, "Sometimes the closeness we share with someone blinds us to reality, my Valkyrie. And sometimes, being dropped into an unexpected and unwanted situation changes a person. Whatever the reasoning behind Finn's behavior, it does not excuse his actions. If he is allowed to stay, Finn could place you, Klark, and your people in danger. And unfortunately, I cannot hold him forever since he has done nothing against me and mine. Klark must render judgment on him."
I sighed, nodding and wrapping my arms around her, inviting her embrace, which she gave. "I get it," I mumbled. "I do. But it's hard."
I felt Harlee lean down, and her lips touch my head as she softly replied, "I know, my Valkyrie. It's heartwrenching to find out that the people we love and care about turn out to be the last thing we thought they'd ever be. But the worse thing we can do is allow their behavior to continue. Luckily, neither you nor Klark will need to face this alone. Wells and I will be there."
"Thank you for understanding," I sighed into her chest.
"You're welcome, Reivon."
I cleared my throat and stepped back, "I should probably go and get Clarke and Wells. Get this over with so we can get back to figuring out how to win the Commander over."
"I will be here," Harlee promised.
"I know you will be," I said, softly smiling before leaving the tent.
