Lexa leaned against the tree, arms crossed, her gaze locked on you as you approached. The forest was quiet, the air thick with an almost palpable tension.

“So, what’s this about?”

You asked, clearly annoyed.

“We both have better things to do.”

Lexa smirked.

“Believe me, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have to be. But apparently, you and your people are causing more trouble than you realize.”

“Trouble?”

You shot back, your jaw clenched.

“Maybe if your people didn’t keep acting like we don’t belong here, there wouldn’t be any trouble.”

“You’re outsiders, Clarke. You’ve been here for barely a year, and you think you know everything.”

Lexa pushed off the tree and took a step closer, her eyes blazing.

“Your arrogance is dangerous. My people have lived here for generations, and you’ve done nothing but disrupt that.”

You scoffed.

“I’m sorry if we’re not doing things the ‘Grounder way,’”

You replied, your voice dripping with sarcasm.

“But we’re not going to stand by while you dictate every move we make.”

„Oh, because you’re so good at knowing what’s best,”

Lexa retorted.

“Your recklessness nearly destroyed all of us once already. I won’t let that happen again.”

“Funny coming from you,”

You snapped, crossing your own arms defiantly.

“You pretend like you know everything about survival, but maybe you’re just afraid we’ll do it better than you.”

Lexa‘s eyes narrowed.

“Better? You’re only here because we’ve allowed it. You walk around like you’re invincible, but without my people’s protection, you wouldn’t last a day.”

Your face turned cold.

“We’re not helpless, Lexa. And we’re not your charity case, either.”

After a tense pause, Lexa finally spoke, her voice low and dangerous.

“Stay out of our way, Clarke. Or next time, I won’t be as forgiving.”

Your eyes flashed, but you said nothing, turning on your heel and marching away. You knew this wasn’t over—and neither of you was willing to give ground.