Duty Before Feelings

Sheidheda

Indra immediately enters the room after hearing my yelp of pain with a worried look on her face.

"Heda, what's wrong?" she asks, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Cancel the meeting. I need to find Titus," I order, not giving her a chance to reply.

I step into the hallway, ignoring the nods of respect from passing guards.

I descend two floors down and knock on Titus's door.

The door opens almost immediately and he emerges from the room, his face slightly surprised at my sudden visit.

"You should not have gone to Az-" he starts.

"Quiet, Titus. We need to talk."

Noticing my serious tone, he nods and gestures me to pass.

Once he closes the door, I decide to get straight to the point.

"Sheidheda is getting stronger," I blurt.

"What? I taught you how to control him!"

"Your teachings are not enough, Titus!"

"We both know why it's getting easier for Sheidheda to get into your head," he says, his tone more serious now.

I take a step closer to him, maintaining steady eye contact.

"Why, Titus? Say it."

"Clarke is putting you in danger. Your feelings for her have created a soft spot in your mind, a soft spot that Sheidheda is using to get inside your head."

My eyes fall to the floor as I realise he was right.

"Love is weakness," he says calmly, breaking the silence.

Before I can reply, my legs give out and I crash to the floor.

I try to get up, but my legs won't move.

"I can't feel my body," I whimper, my voice trembling.

Titus rushes to my aid, supporting my head.

"Sheidheda has gained access to your mind. He is blocking your brain from being able to give signals to the rest of your body," he explains.

"Titus, what happens if I don't get him out?"

"He gains full control over your body and mind. Sheidheda will return, only this time he will be in your physical appearance. We cannot let that happen."

"How do we get him out?"

"I'm not quite sure."

The realisation creeps up on me that I may die today knowing that I left Clarke again.

My eyes widen in desperation.

Clarke.

"Titus, get a scroll and a pen. You're going to copy my words down onto the paper. I'm going to ask Clarke to come."

"Heda-"

"I need to see her."

"We don't have time for this!"

"I gave you an order!" I shout, startling him.

He nods slowly and turns towards the door.

"And Titus?"

He immediately turns his gaze back to me.

"Do not let anyone other than Indra know about this."

He exits the room with a subtle nod.

A few moments later, he returns with a scroll and pen, as requested.