The war has left scars on everyone, but none deeper than the ones etched into Octavia Blake. You can see it in the way she flinches at sudden movements, the way her eyes constantly scan for danger, and the way she hesitates before letting anyone get close. Especially you.

“Why should I trust you?” she asks quietly one evening, her voice tight with suspicion as you both sit in the dim glow of the fire. “Everyone I’ve cared about… they’ve left me. They’ve betrayed me. How do I know you’re different?”

You take a slow breath, meeting her gaze steadily. “I know I can’t undo the past, Octavia,” you say softly. “But I can promise you… I’m not like them. I won’t leave you. I won’t betray you.”

Her eyes narrow, searching yours for any hint of deceit. “Words are easy,” she mutters, a trace of pain in her tone.

“I know,” you reply, standing and reaching out to her. “Actions speak louder.”

Before she can protest, you offer her your hand. “Come with me,” you say.

Moments later, chaos erupts—an ambush. Enemies swarm the camp, and Octavia instinctively draws her blade. You stay by her side, moving as one, covering her blind spots, pulling her out of danger whenever she’s cornered.

At one point, a swing from an attacker comes straight for her, and without hesitation, you step in, deflecting it, taking the brunt of the blow yourself. She gasps, concern flashing across her face.

“I told you I wouldn’t leave you,” you say through gritted teeth, pushing her behind you as more enemies approach.

Octavia’s eyes widen, and for the first time, the wall around her heart falters. “You… really mean that?” she whispers.