You staggered through the charred remains of what had once been a forest, your body heavy with exhaustion. Smoke stung your eyes, and the distant screams of your people echoed in your ears. Your heart ached—not just from the weight of your choices but from the crushing realization that you couldn’t save everyone.

You collapsed to your knees, gripping the handle of your knife as if it were the only thing tethering you to reality.

“I can’t do this,”

you whispered, your voice breaking.

“You can.”

The voice was so familiar that you froze, your breath catching in your throat. Slowly, you turned, afraid to hope.

Standing a few feet away, dressed in her Grounder armor and war paint, was Lexa.

You blinked, convinced you was hallucinating.

“This… This isn’t real.”

Lexa’s green eyes softened as she stepped closer, the firelight dancing across her face.

“It’s real, Clarke. I’m here.”

You scrambled to your feet, your knife slipping from your grasp.

“How? You—”

Your voice faltered, the word died sticking in your throat.

Lexa nodded, as if she understood.

“The Flame brought me back. You called for me.”

“I didn’t—”

You started, but then stopped. You had been desperate, screaming into the void for help, for guidance. You had begged for Lexa, as you had so many times before.

Tears welled in your eyes.

“I can’t… I can’t do this without you.”

Lexa reached out, her hand brushing against your cheek. The touch was warm, solid, real.

“You’ve never been alone, Clarke. Even when I was gone, I was with you.”

You shook your head, the pain threatening to overwhelm you.

“It’s too much. I’ve made so many mistakes. Too many people have died because of me.”

Lexa stepped closer, her voice firm but gentle

“Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about making the hard choices, even when they hurt. You’ve carried that burden more than anyone, and yet you’re still standing.”

You closed your eyes, letting Lexa’s words wash over you.

“But I’m so tired.”