The Talisman

 

Despite her better instincts, Lexa couldn’t bring herself to disobey Clarke’s pleading face. She willingly followed Clarke out into the autumn night. They were no more than a hundred feet from the door when Lexa’s feet froze in place. Something wasn’t right. Something was pulling her back to the talisman.

 

“Lexa, come on. We should get out of here. Find help,” Clarke implored.

 

Lexa’s feet remained glued to the spot. She glanced over her shoulder at the closed door and back at Clarke. “I’m sorry,” she muttered before dropping Clarke’s hand and sprinting back towards the door.

 

Her hand was in her back pocket, pulling out the keycard when Clarke caught up to her. “What are you doing?” Lexa whisper shouted at her. “Get out of here!”

 

Clarke glowered at her for a moment before taking Lexa’s hand once again. “You really think I’m going anywhere without you right now?”

 

Lexa let out a heavy sigh of resignation. Arguing with Clarke would only take up precious seconds that they didn’t have. Lexa gave a curt nod and quickly explained, “There was something on the floor. It must have dropped it when you hit it with the chair. I think it will help.”

 

Clarke took a visibly slow swallow before giving her a determined nod and a reassuring squeeze. Lexa took a deep, steadying breath and carefully unlocked the door.