The council hall buzzes with tension as Octavia Blake stands at the center, her armor scratched from recent battles, her face set in steely determination. Around her, murmurs ripple through the room—some of respect, others doubt. Someone has challenged her leadership, questioning her decisions, her strength, even her ability to protect Skaikru.

You step forward, standing just behind her, feeling the weight of the room’s eyes on you as well. “Octavia,” you murmur, gripping her shoulder lightly. She glances back at you, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes.

The challenger speaks, voice loud and commanding. “Blake’s recklessness has cost lives! Why should she remain our leader?”

Octavia straightens, taking a deep breath. “I’ve made mistakes,” she admits, voice strong and steady, “but I fight, I bleed, and I do whatever it takes to protect my people. I lead not for power… but for all of you.”

You step a little closer, your presence a shield, a silent promise. “And I stand with her,” you say firmly, meeting the eyes of the council. “She’s earned our respect. She’s earned our trust. And she’s earned my loyalty—always.”

A hush falls over the hall. The council members glance between you and Octavia, seeing the bond, the unshakable support. Octavia’s eyes meet yours, and for a brief second, you see the warmth beneath her fierce exterior—the way your presence steadies her, strengthens her.

“You…” she begins, voice catching slightly, before she forces it back to steel. “You don’t have to—”

“I choose to,” you interrupt, squeezing her shoulder gently. “I’m not letting anyone take that from you. Not today.”

Her lips twitch into the faintest smile, a small but fierce display of gratitude. “Then… let’s finish this, together,” she says.