A young doctor unexpectedly finds herself forced to indoctrinate into a paramilitary organization, where a stoic hero silently falls in love. Slowly, he earns her trust. The love between them burns away the darkness of the past and acts as a beacon...
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The first day I spent hidden in my room, trying to come to grips with all that had happened and prepare myself for what was to come.
On the second day, I ventured outside the safety of my room.
First, I went to the procurement office to order more uniforms. I signed up for an appointment yesterday and arrived fifteen minutes early, but I still waited for hours despite being the only patron. I sat patiently and thanked him for his help before I left.
Then, I went to the hospital for my initial health assessment. The receptionist smiled shyly at me, and I smiled back, grateful for her kindness. Joy sparked in my heart at the thought of getting involved with the research team here. As I waited for Declan, the practitioner assigned to Echo Troop, I rehearsed how to ask inside my head.
"Ryn." the man spat impatiently. He didn't wait for me, and I had to hurry after him to see what room he slipped into.
Declan criticized my size and took liberties to explain the importance of not starving myself. I nodded despondently at the advice, not bothering to defend the reason behind my unhealthy weight.
I didn't ask about their research team.
Eager for fresh air and hopeful to meet a friend, I stepped outside, searching for the stables. After some aimless wandering, I found them. I spent more time there than I should have, hoping if I waited long enough, I would run into "the other guy" who had been indoctrinated. No such luck, though. It was just me and the horses.
Undeterred, I set out to find the public library. It was a work of art. I soaked in the space with awe but was quickly stopped by the woman at the front desk and denied entry because I didn't have a valid identification card.
Exhausted and hungry, I went to the chow hall for dinner. My stomach grumbled painfully with hunger, but the server refused to give me food. Apparently, I need to enroll in the building's meal system through the administration office. Disheartened, I trudged to the Admin office in the neighboring wing. The burly man behind the desk, Randal, informed me that meal cards could only be issued Monday - Friday. I refrained from rolling my eyes and signed up for Monday morning's earliest appointment. Hopefully, Solan will be okay with it.
Deflated, I headed towards my room for some cash. A small shop on post offers a small selection of produce and baked goods.
I walked with my head down, hoping the store was still open and they would accept my currency. I stopped as a sudden chill surged through my palm. I clenched my fist shut, speculating it was a side effect of whatever Solan did to heal the burn.
"Ryn!?" My name ripped through the air. I lifted my eyes and saw Aldric, Arthur, and Solan across the courtyard, heading my way.
I felt relieved to see the trio and met them halfway between their building and mine. When we linked, there was no greeting. We just stood there awkwardly.
