Bellamy’s voice echoed through camp like thunder.

“You think I’ll just stand by while you sneak around with my sister?”

You stood frozen, heart pounding, as Octavia glared back at him. Her jaw was tight, defiant, but there was pain in her eyes. “I’m not asking for your permission, Bellamy. I never have.”

His face hardened. “Then don’t expect my protection either. You want to play grown-up? Fine. You’re on your own.”

The camp went silent. Bellamy’s words cut through the air like a blade, and the look on Octavia’s face broke something inside you. Without another word, she grabbed her pack and stormed toward the gates, the torches casting her in flickering amber light.

You didn’t even think. You just ran after her.

“Octavia, wait!”

She didn’t stop until the woods swallowed her whole. When she finally turned, her face was streaked with tears she didn’t want you to see. “Go back. He’s right—you don’t owe me anything.”