31. The new Heda

                                    

                                          
"Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices." - Alfred. A. Montapert

                          
Although Valery had some very unpleasant memories of Murphy, they talked normally to each other, like friends. He told Valery more about the chip and the A.I.. He told Valery more about the City of Light and the 13th station. Who the commander was, etc. 
                          
When they were done talking, they lied next to each other on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The night had already fallen, and Clarke had been on the balcony for several minutes. From outside, a kind of horn was blowing. 
                          
"The conclave must be starting." Clarke said suddenly. "Cool." Murphy said and he quickly got up. "A bunch of kids killing each other off, very cool." Valery mumbled sarcastically to herself as she stood up too. She joined Murphy and Clarke on the balcony. "Can you even see anything?" Valery asked. 
                          
"Would be cool to see a bunch of Grounders murder each other for an A. I. chip." Murphy said. 
                          
Clarke scoffed and shook her head as she walked back inside. Valery saw how Clarke looked at the bloodied bed and how she walked to the door to bang on it. Valery gave Murphy a look and walked up to Clarke. She turned Clarke around and hugged her tight as Clarke cried on her shoulder. 
                          
"I know she meant a lot to you Clarke... She was special." Valery whispered. "This has nothing to do with me. We need to make sure Aden wins." Clarke replied and glared to Murphy. "But you're right, thanks." She added quietly into Valery's ear. 
                          
The door suddenly swung open and Valery let go of Clarke. Titus walked in and the three immediately stood down, ready for anything. "So you came to finish the job?" Murphy asked airily. "No," Titus replied quietly, "i'm here to fulfill my vow to Lexa." 
                          
Titus handed out three big coats. "Put these on." He said. Valery and Murphy exchanged looks, but they did put them on. "Now you really look like a witch Val, you only miss the pointy hat." Murphy said. Valery looked at him but couldn't help but to smile. Maybe it was the nerves. 
                          
"Look, the door we were banging on for the last 24 hours is open, let's use it." Murphy said to Clarke. But instead, Clarke threw the coat back to Titus. "You killed your Commander!" Clarke yelled. "How are you still free?" She asked.
                          
"I'm the only Flamekeeper. Now please, if you go now you can slip in with the crowds arriving for tomorrow's conclave." Titus said. "You heard the man, let's go." Murphy said and he pulled Clarke's hand, but she yanked it back. "I need to see Aden first." 
                          
"That's out of the question. The Natblidas have begun the purification ritual." Titus replied. "That sounds pretty private Clarke." Murphy said. "Where?" Clarke asked. Titus hesitated for a bit, but eventually, he took Clarke, Murphy and Valery to the children. I repeat: children. 
                          
When Titis opened the door, they saw kids kneeled in front of a cloth-covered body. Valery felt very anxious looking at these kids. "Shit, they're just kids..." Murphy whispered. Valery nodded slowly. "It's barbaric." Valery replied. But when she said it, she thought about her own people, who had sent Valery and the others down to earth. 
                          
Clarke walked up to a boy, who must be Aden. "Would you like to see her?" Aden asked. Clarke shook her head. "No, I am here to see you." Clarke replied and took a deep breathe. "You made a promise to support my people." Clarke said hopefully. 
                          
"If Heda's spirit chooses me." Aden replied slowly. "Yes... will you still?" Clarke asked. Aden nodded. "We all will. Lexa made each of us vow it." Aden replied and the other kids stood up. They all gave Clarke a short nod. "We loved her." Aden said with a cracked voice. 
                          
The door suddenly flew open and Valery jumped when she saw who it was. "R-roan?" She stuttered. There was a woman with him who looked angrily to Clarke. "You..." She started and she ran towards Clarke. Aden jumped in front of her but she threw the little boy aside. She jumped on Clarke and started to punch her.