BENEATH THE ASHES

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camp's distant hum faded into the background, leaving only the symphony of crickets and the occasional hoot

glow through the canopy above, as she subconsciously ru

the distance. The silence stretched out, a palpable thi

felt a sudden pang of anxiety, wondering if Archie would ever break the silence.

above a whisper. "I'd better

Arch's gaze didn't waver, but Nessa sensed a subtle shift in

on unreadable. "What are you doing here, Nessa?" His voi

n. "You know why I'm here, Arch. You've always known." H

elled to fill the void, to justify her presence. "You know it's always been my drea

ive, his voice detached. "What's your plan, Nessa? How long do you think you can keep this up?

That I'm not capable? That I'm not strong enough?" Her voice rose, her words tumbling out in

hick with unspoken words. Arch's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched i

ds loud and clear, her senses on high alert. "They don't know, and it be

to hear all of this, Nessa. It's the world that needs to know. The people who think wom

lt a pang of hurt, of betrayal. "I know you're one of those men," she spat, her voice

ist with lightning speed. He pulled her back, slamming her against

st. His eyes blazed with intensity, his face inches from hers. "It has everything to do with me, and you'd b

d her composure. "You shouldn't flatter yourself, Arch. I'm not go

racing with fear. She knew Archie was ca

losed around her wrist once more. But this

ever leaving hers. "Fine," he said finally. "Y

tening to break free. "Of course," s

"I mean it, Vynessa. I

inky promise." She joked, trying to lighten the mood. "I gues

e, his eyes crinkling at the c

r smile still in

his time it was different. The atmosphere was cha

gaze burning with intensity. "I'm

adened as she nod

s never leaving hers. He swiftly took off hi

d on the expanse of his chest. She

he opportunity to pull her in close. His fingers c

s inches apart. Arch's eyes studied her

t her forehead as he took off the beret. "M

snapped back into focus. She felt a flush rise to

cause you're trying to be a hero. I still need my body guard." She kept rambling as she attempted a

's

trying to warm them up as the crisp autumn air stung his fingers. The trees nearby stoo almost bare, their branches etched against

The rap of his knuckles against the wood seemed loud in the stillness. Mal's

and a smattering of freckles across her cheeks stood before him, her bright green eyes widening in surprise. Her lips, a soft pink, p

crinkling at the corners. "Hey Betty, can I com