The missile struck with a deafening roar, the force of the explosion ripping through the air and slamming you and Lexa to the ground. Trees snapped like twigs, and the fireball that erupted lit the darkened forest in an orange glow. The ground beneath you trembled as a cloud of smoke and ash billowed into the sky.

You coughed, struggling to push yourself up, your ears ringing and hurting from the blast. Your eyes widened as she turned toward the village—or what was left of it. Flames consumed the remains of homes, and screams of agony pierced the air, carried by the thick, acrid smoke. Octavia, your Mother Abby and Kane were still in it.

“They knew we were here,”

You said, your voice hoarse and raw.

“They weren’t just attacking the village. They were trying to kill us.”

Lexa stood, brushing ash off her hiding Clothes.

“Yes,”

she said calmly, her sharp gaze scanning the destruction.

“They knew we were would be here today, and they used the lives of our people to send a message. To weaken us.”

Your hands curled into fists, your breath quickening as the weight of it all crushed you.

“They didn’t just send a message,”

You spat, your voice trembling with barely contained rage.

“They murdered innocent people. They targeted us. And they thought they could get away with it.”

Lexa turned to you, her expression controlled but her eyes betraying a flicker of unease.

“This is war, Clarke. These are the choices enemies make when they fear you.”

Your face twisted in fury as you stepped closer, your voice rising.

“Fear me? They should. Because I’m not going to let this go. I’m not going to let them hide in their mountain while they rain death on us!”

Lexa raised a hand, trying to steady her.

“Clarke, I understand your anger. But we need strategy, not recklessness.”

You pulled away sharply, your blue eyes blazing.

“Strategy? Is that what you call letting them think they can kill us without consequences? Because I’m done with that. I want them all dead—every single one of them.”