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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"Calvert, Levi, Elias, Thomas, and Ryn. Back in the water." Wes's voice boomed.
I furred my brows, glancing at Aldric, Arthur, and Solan, who looked as perplexed as I did. I stepped towards the water's edge along with the others that had been called.
"Start treading." Wes directed.
... okay...
I waded back into the freezing water until my feet could no longer reach. A small circle formed, and I glanced around it quickly. Everyone wore a different color armband. We were all from different troops. This was some sort of competition. We treaded in silence for only fifteen minutes before one of the guys started to struggle. I glanced nervously at Wes, who was observing. Wes did not move towards us, even as the man with the indigo band began to flounder.
The cold water, my aching body, pruned hands, and the sight of someone struggling to stay afloat struck a chord deep within me. I shut my eyes, trying to calm myself from a panic attack.
They won't let him drown. I promised myself. I'm safe. We are all safe. They won't let him drown. Right?
My palm cooled rapidly. Solan.
We are safe. I am safe.
Solan won't let anything bad happen.
Snap out of it.
I opened my eyes and glanced towards the shoreline, making immediate eye contact with Solan.
I am safe.
I inhaled deeply, turning back to the group.
"This shit is so fucking dumb." The man with the silver armband seethed.
The man in green nodded empathetically. I ignored him completely, keeping my focus on the man in indigo who was still struggling.
A thought dawned on me.
"The only rule Wes gave was to tread water. I bet we can take off some of these layers." I recommended it. They were making this task far more difficult than it needed to be.
The man in silver scoffed.
"You looking for some bullshit way to disqualify us? Cheating is the only way you'll win anything." He snapped.
Anger burned through me. Defiantly, I pulled my overcoat off, proving no ill intention.
The entire group turned toward Wes, who stood watching us passively. There was no indication that I violated a rule.
"So eager to take your clothes off." The man in silver smirked. "Take off more."
Blush bloomed across my cheeks, and I failed to form any response.
"Shy all of a sudden?" He questioned. "No one likes a tease." His voice rumbled in disapproval.
My heart hammered, uncomfortable, and I grasped for a response.
