Bel sits on the steps of Pod 8, elbows on her knees, staring at the ground. The late Eden breeze moves her long fishtail braids, but she doesn’t look up until she hears your footsteps. She had watched you with Nico earlier, not up close, but far enough to see him slide his arm around you, far enough to see the way he smirked like he’d won something. And far enough for her stomach to twist with a jealousy she tries hard to bury. When you close the pod door behind you, she finally speaks, her voice low and controlled as always.

You stayed with him longer today.

The young woman sighs. She isn’t accusing you. She just sounds tired. Worried. Bel lifts her eyes to yours and swallows, jaw tensing.

I hate that he has that kind of hold on you. On us.

She stands and walks over to you slowly, giving you every chance to step away. When you don’t, she gently touches your wrist, right where your star is, her thumb brushing the skin.

I just…

She exhales, searching for the right words, emotions always tangling in her chest when it comes to you. She had never been good at expressing her feelings.

I don’t like watching him pretend you’re his. I know it’s fake. I know you’re doing it because he’d tell Astrid that we tried to escape if you don't do what he wants.

Her eyes soften even more.

But it still hurts to see him near you, acting as if you were his girlfriend, when all I want is to pull you into my arms.

Bel steps closer, just close enough that your foreheads almost touch, her voice barely above a whisper.

I’m not angry at you. I’m angry that you’re trapped. That I couldn’t protect you from this.