The sun rose blood-orange over Tondc, casting long shadows across the war camp. The rain had stopped sometime in the early hours, leaving behind the sharp scent of wet earth and pine. Smoke curled from cooking fires, and the sounds of morning drills echoed in rhythm like a heartbeat of the army.
Kira stood at the edge of the training grounds, her arms folded as she watched two young warriors spar. Indra was barking orders nearby, her voice as unforgiving as ever.
"Again! Keep your stance low! If you overextend, you die!"
Kira admired the way the young fighters absorbed every word, their focus intense. It reminded her of a different time—a time before battle was real, when she still believed wars had winners.
"You're awake early."
Lexa's voice reached her from behind.
Kira turned. "Couldn't sleep."
Lexa's hair was still damp, a braid half-finished over one shoulder. She looked less like a Commander and more like the girl beneath it. Kira felt her chest tighten at the sight.
"I was thinking," Lexa said, coming to stand beside her. "About the leak."
"Me too," Kira replied. "It's someone close. Someone trusted."
Lexa nodded. "Titus has been watching the council. But nothing suspicious yet."
Kira didn't like that. "If they're smart, they'll wait until the battle starts before making their move."
"We'll catch them before that."
"You sound sure."
Lexa glanced at her. "Because I trust you."
Kira swallowed. Trust. The word meant more coming from Lexa than from anyone else.
"Then we should talk to Roan," Kira said. "He's walking a tight line between survival and rebellion. He might know more than he's saying."
Lexa's jaw clenched. "I agreed to spare him for now. But if he hides anything—"
"I'll handle it."
Lexa turned sharply. "No. You've risked enough. If anything happens to you—"
Kira stepped closer. "You'd keep fighting. Just like always."
Lexa shook her head, voice low. "It's not just about the war anymore."
There it was again. That flicker of something more. Kira's heartbeat quickened, but she didn't push. Not yet.
"We leave tomorrow," Lexa said, voice returning to steel. "For Arkadia."
Kira raised an eyebrow. "The summit?"
"Yes. We're inviting Skaikru to our alliance. Formally."
Kira's thoughts raced. This was earlier than in her original timeline. Much earlier.
"Clarke will be there."
Lexa nodded. "I sent a rider ahead."
Kira hesitated. "Are you ready to see her again?"
Lexa didn't answer immediately. "I'll always care for her. But I can't lead from the past."
Kira studied her. "That sounds like something I would say."
Lexa smiled faintly. "You're not the only one who learns."
That night, the camp buzzed with preparation. Warriors packed their gear, polished their blades, and whispered rumors about what the summit would mean. Some feared betrayal. Others whispered about the strength of unity.
Kira sat at the edge of her tent, sharpening her dagger. The steel glinted in the firelight.
"Is that supposed to make me feel safe?" a voice teased.
She looked up to see Zo—one of the scouts assigned to Lexa's personal guard—grinning at her.
Kira smirked. "It's supposed to make me feel prepared."
Zo crouched beside her. "You think Skaikru will agree to peace?"
"I think Clarke will want to."
"But the rest?"
Kira sighed. "They'll follow her if they're smart. And if they're not…"
Zo whistled. "Then it's war again."
"War's coming either way," Kira said softly. "We just get to choose the battlefield."
Zo studied her. "You talk like a prophet sometimes."
Kira gave a crooked smile. "More like someone who's read the script already."
The next morning, they rode.
The sun climbed over the mountains as the caravan moved west, Lexa at its front, Indra to her right, and Kira just behind. The woods rustled around them, the world tense with anticipation.
By nightfall, they made camp on a ridge overlooking a wide valley. The lights of Arkadia blinked in the distance—so familiar it made Kira's chest ache.
Lexa stood at the edge of the ridge, watching the horizon. Kira joined her quietly.
"It looks different," Kira said.
Lexa nodded. "Cleaner than our villages. But colder."
They stood in silence. The wind tugged at their cloaks.
"She'll be waiting," Kira said softly.
Lexa didn't look at her. "Will that be a problem?"
Kira paused. "Not for me."
Lexa's shoulders shifted, like some invisible tension had lessened.
"She might hate me," Lexa said.
"She might. But she'll understand."
"Will you?"
Kira turned to her fully. "Lexa, I know what happened. I've lived it."
Lexa finally met her eyes.
"I won't stop you from grieving the love you had. I'm not afraid of ghosts."
Lexa stepped closer, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "And what if I'm not grieving anymore?"
Kira swallowed. "Then I'm here."
Their hands brushed—just slightly—but that touch was enough to set fire to the cold night air between them.
Lexa pulled away slowly. "Tomorrow, we speak of peace."
Kira nodded. "And if war comes?"
Lexa's eyes hardened. "Then I fight. And I make sure you survive."
Kira laughed softly. "I think you're underestimating me."
Lexa smirked. "Not even a little."
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