chapter 14: Hearts Vs Vines

Orion and Haze stood a distance away, engaged in a hushed conversation. Orion caught Sapphire's attention, "Pfff, sapphire."

She turned, "come here," he continued.

Sapphire rolled her eyes and walked over to them.

"Any problem?" She asked, her tone slightly irritated.

Haze nodded, "oh no, no…. We were just…umm…thinking."

Sapphire raised an eye brow, "and?"

Haze took a deep breath, "we think Thorne would be a great addition to the team."

Sapphire's expression turned incredulous, "what? No!"

Haze pressed on, "listen to me. We need someone with knowledge and experience. He knows enough about Clarion and has faced him before. He's seen the intensity of his power.

We need someone like that on our team. Plus, look at how the forest responds to him. He's potent, knowledgeable, and has experience. And you, of all people, should know that we need him more than anyone."

Orion added, "plus, with the added ability to heal injuries, he's an asset."

Sapphire exhaled deeply, weighing her options. She clearly wasn't convinced, but Haze's words had given her pause.

The idea of having Thorne on their team was still unsettling, but the benefits were undeniable.

She looked at Orion and Haze, her expression unreadable.

Sapphire questioned them, her voice laced with skepticism, "how do we know he won't lead us into a trap? Maybe all of this is a scheme."

Haze replied, uncertainty drawn on her face,

"We don't, not for certain. But what other choice do we have? We're walking blind through this world, and he's our best shot at navigating it."

Sapphire glanced back at Thorne, her eyes narrowed, weighing her options. She seemed to be calculating the risks and benefits of trusting him.

After a moment, she nodded, her expression firm, "fine…. Maybe you're right! But he will be under MY watchful eyes!"

The implication was clear: Thorne would be tolerated, but only as long as he proved useful and didn't betray their trust. Sapphire's gaze lingered on him, a silent warning that she would be monitoring his every move.

The team walked over to Thorne….

Orion: "Thorne, we've talked it over….and."

He glanced at sapphire who nodded reluctantly.

"Welcome to the team. We could use someone with your experience…and skills."

Haze: "look, we are not saying this lightly.

We still have our reservations, but we need all the help we can get if we're going to take down clarion."

Sapphire stepped forward, her arms crossed and her tone firm.

Sapphire: "just know this—you're part of the team now, but that doesnt mean I trust you. Oh no, no, no…you'll have to earn that.

And if you ever think of betraying us…. It will be my hearts against your vines. A battle I so will not lose!"

Sapphire stared him down…

Orion: "we are in this together now. Let us snuff out darkness, once and for all."

Thorne listened, absorbing their words. The team watched him closely, waiting for his response.

Haze: " so, what do you say? Are you in?"

Thorne smiled, his head shaking as he did.

Thorne: "why would I want to put myself in a suicide mission? Why would I want to kill myself by joining you?"

The team exchanged glances, each trying to find the right words. Finally, haze spoke up, her voice steady but urgent.

Haze: "because it's not just about us. It's about everyone who's been terrorized by Clarion.

You've seen what he's capable of—you know better than anyone what he'll do if he isn't stopped."

Orion: "you said it yourself, Thorne. You know how he operates, how he twists the world to suit his will.

Do you really think you can keep hiding in this forest forever?

Do you think he won't find you?

Sooner or later, he'll come for this place too, and when he does, you'll be all alone."

Sapphire stepped closer, her tone more direct.

Sapphire: "look, we're not asking you to do this for us. We're asking you to do this for yourself. You think staying out of it will keep you safe? News flash—it won't. We're giving you a chance to fight back, to hit him where it hurts, to make sure he doesn't keep spreading his terror."

Thorne remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he processed their words. Sapphire pressed on.

Sapphire: " Or you can keep hiding, hoping he doesn't notice you. But you and I both know that's not how this ends.

With him on the loose, nowhere is safe—not even your hidden trove.

It's only a matter of time before he finds it. And trust me, you won't be enough to stop him alone."

Haze: "So what's it going to be, Thorne? Are you going to wait until he comes for you, or are you going to join us and take the fight to him? Together, we stand a chance. Alone… you die."

Thorne took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the group before him.

"You know… It's been so long since I've gone on an adventure… so long since I've pushed my limits," he said, a spark of excitement flickering in his gaze. "I accept."

The team visibly relaxed, the tension easing as they welcomed him. Orion gave him a firm nod, while Haze offered a small but sincere smile. Thorne, feeling the warmth of the moment, extended his hand towards Sapphire.

"Team?"

Sapphire hesitated for a split second, her eyes narrowing slightly before she returned the smile. "Team," she said, clasping his hand.

But Thorne wasn't done. In one swift motion, he pulled her closer, their hands still locked. His voice dropped to a low murmur, just for her ears. "I can see you don't like me very much."

Sapphire arched an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, mama taught me to be wary of strangers. But yes," she added, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "I do not like you."

Thorne chuckled, a deep, almost amused sound. "Do you think we can cooperate in this team and actually live in peace?"

Sapphire's expression hardened as she stepped even closer, their faces just inches apart.

The air between them crackled with tension as she locked eyes with him, her voice a quiet, steely whisper.

"I am a goal directed person, Thorne . I know what I want , and I don't rest until I get it. But once I do…."

She lifted her hand and pressed a finger to his chest, right over his heart. "I'm coming straight for your heart."

Thorne's smile didn't falter; if anything, it deepened, a flash of something dangerous and intrigued in his eyes. "I look forward to it," he whispered back, his tone equally charged with challenge.

For a moment, they stayed like that, the rest of the team watching from a distance, sensing the electricity in the air.

Then, as if by mutual agreement, they stepped back, the tension between them unresolved but momentarily set aside.

&&&&

Immediately after the team settled in, a sense of unease settled over the sanctuary. The plants, once serene and peaceful, began to stir hysterically.

The flowers quickly closed their petals and hid in their buds, as if seeking refuge from an impending storm. The streams, once crystal clear, began to darken and churn, and the fish darted under the rocks, seeking safety.

The vines and tendrils, once gentle and curved, rose up with sharp edges, like snakes ready to strike.

The air was electric with tension, and the team exchanged nervous glances.

Thorne sprang up, his eyes scanning the surroundings, his senses on high alert.

"Someone's here," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

And then, everything went silent. The plants froze, the streams stilled, and the team held their breath, waiting for the unknown danger to reveal itself.

But nothing moved. Nothing stirred.

Until.…