THE EXGE OF BETRAYAL

Lena's POV I never would have dreamed it would come to this—standing on the brink of treachery, my allegiance split between the guy professing to be the key to our survival and the one person I have ever really loved. But now, in the middle of night, I could feel everything falling under me as the sound of our heavy breathing permeated the quiet and the lights of the city flickered far away. Are you sure we should trust him? Finn's voice pierres through my ideas. He had been pacing back and forth, irritation wrinkled over his brow. He is waiting for a response from which I am not sure. Jacob's offer still hangs about like poison. Certainly Beckett had created the trap, but Jacob had guided us into it. And yet here he was, asserting that if we followed his direction there was a path out. We might lose everything in this risk. I glance up at Finn, his worried face clear-lined Though his faith in me has always been unwavering, now? I can already see uncertainty slinking in. Though he is beginning to doubt me about Jacob, he does not want to consider that I may be mistaken. Finally, my voice just whispers, "I don't know." Though it pains to say it aloud, it is the truth. About whether we should trust Jacob, I'm not sure. Not any more. Finn pauses and turns to face me, his blue eyes looking for something—anything—that would provide the comfort he so much wants. "Lena, we have gone through too much to allow any half-baked proposal to split us now. We move away if you do not trust him. Actually, I used to trust Jacob. Back then, when Beckett was only a far-off menace and we were all attempting to live in a society gone upside down. But it was in the past. Before the deceit. Prior to the secrets. Before he came upon someone I identify with. "He's not the same man he used to be," I add, my voice firmer now, more certain. Still, that does not make him incorrect. Finn shakes his head, the aggravation spilling over. "What even means in that regard? Lena, you are circling about here. Not additional inquiries; we need a definite response. Knowing he is right, I swallow hard. I have been pulling everyone else down with me, so completely engrossed in my own uncertainty and shame. But this choice goes beyond me as well. That relates to all of us. And should I choose poorly, the results will be fatal. "I suppose..." I stop to collect my ideas and attempt to sort the anarchy inside my head. "I believe Jacob still feels he is acting in his best interests. We cannot, however, follow him mindlessly. Finn lets out a quick gasp, his shoulders falling in release. " What then is the strategy? Do we all go our own path? Not sure. My will hardened, I approached him a step closer. "We keep one step ahead even while we let him believe we are following this. Beckett cannot be confronted without some sort of benefit. We must ensure we are also playing Jacob, should he believe he is playing us. Though it just reaches Finn's eyes, a little smile pulls at his lips. "I knew I fell for you for a reason. Constantly the strategist. I have a feeble smile in response, but inwardly I feel everything but confidence. I'm walking a tightrope and I can't get rid of the sensation that one incorrect action may send me down. Later that evening, the scheme starts to come to pass. The crew has assembled in the poorly lit safehouse, their features tight with a mix of tiredness and mistrust. Not after tonight's ambush, none of them trust Jacob; yet, they turn to me for direction. Always have they have. And right now, more than ever, I feel the weight of obligation. Jacob shows there as promised, his attitude precisely neutral. Though I can tell from the way his jaw closes to indicate he senses the tension in the room, he does not quiver under the glares Finn and the others throw. "We move at dawn," Jacob replies, his voice short and free from preamble. "Although Beckett's soldiers are on great alert, we have a window before reinforcements come. If we act right now, we could pull him down before he disappears. Finn mumbles under his breath, "How convenient," but Jacob feigns not to hear. I say nothing while intently observing Jacob. Though he's never been easy to read, tonight he seems different. maybe a sense of urgency. Alternatively it can simply be desperation. Either way, I have to keep him near to see if he is guiding us toward success—or right into another trap. I say, "Let's do this," pushing power into my voice. For at least now, it is sufficient to quiet the uncertainties. Jacob meets my eyes and holds my look just too long twice. I let him know I'm still on his side even though I know he's attempting to find out where my allegiance lies. Right now, it is what he should be thinking. As we get ready for what may be our last encounter, the hours pass slowly as stress boils under the surface. Sitting by myself in the safehouse's corner, my mind is racing as I try to fit the broken jigsaw. Everything depends on this moment, on whether I have made the correct choice. I turn to see Finn approaching, his countenance softening as he knelt down next to me, and hear footfall behind me. Quietly, he says, "You okay?" his fingers lightly resting on my arm. I nod, not sure I believe it myself. Yeah. Just thinking. "About Jacob?" "Generally about everything." I close my eyes for a second and slant my head back against the wall. Finn, we are quite near. I am feeling it. Still, what if we are mistaken? Suppose Beckett's strategy calls for this as well? Finn says nothing for a bit before reaching out to grab my hand. "We have seen worse," he replies gently. We will also make it through this. Whatever happens, we will be facing it together. His comments offer some solace, and I hold his hand in return. Still, the questions linger under the surface. Dawn breaks with a terrible premonition. We slide silently and fast over the shadows toward Beckett's fortress. The city seems to be strangely still, as though it is breathing for what is to come. Leading the way, Jacob has unflinching confidence. I trail closely following, attentive in all senses. I keep my gun ready, my eyes looking everywhere, even every rooftop. Beckett will not go down without a struggle, as I know. Not once does he. We get outside without trouble, and I give Finn a quick look. This seems too peaceful, too easy. Something goes wrong. Jacob moves for us to proceed; that is when it happened. One shot breaks the quiet, then an explosive loud sound follows. Underfoot vibrations cause anarchy to break out. "Ambish!" Finn yells, dragging me down under cover as bullets pour down from above. I turn to Jacob, but he's already vanished, like a shadow into the tumult. As insight strikes, my heart falls. He modeled us. He played for me. "Lena!" Finn's voice pulls me back to the present among the noise. We have to relocate! I nod as my thoughts fly. This has not ended. Not by a long stretch. Although Jacob could have turned on us, Beckett remains the actual menace. And I won't stop till both of them have toppled. One idea keeps echoing in my ears as we negotiate the anarchy: This is only the start.