INFERNAL WORLD » kyle GAZ garrick

48 - when in rome (amsterdam)

As Elena lay prone on the cold, damp ground, her breath misting in the frigid air, she peered through the scope of her sniper rifle, scanning the barren landscape before her. The outskirts of Amsterdam stretched out in front of her, a patchwork of empty fields and abandoned buildings.

A few days had passed since Elena's training of the recruits. Price had promised to take her on a sniper mission a while ago and the Captain had kept his word.

Beside her, Captain Price remained silent, his gaze fixed on their target in the distance.

''Two notches,'' Price stated and Elena drew her breath, steadying her aim.

Even after years of training and experience, which had toned her skills to perfection, she doubted her ability to carry out each shot fired from the sniper rifle.

''Take your time. He's still,'' Price muttered encouragingly and Elena felt embarrassed, sensing that he had caught her nervousness.

Releasing her breath, Elena drew it again and steadied her aim at the target. She knew why they were here. They had to collect important intel on a blooming terrorist gang. Everything had led them to this place, having tracked the mission for a few weeks.

Elena remained motionless, her finger poised lightly on the trigger.

''He's moving,'' Price informed and Elena saw the man's figure leave the centre of her scope. Walking back from the open view of the derelict building, the man leaned against the wall and pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips.

Elena's heart rate quickened, as she adjusted her aim, lining up the shot again. With a steady hand and a calmer resolve, she squeezed the trigger. Finally, Elena's patience and lack of rush were rewarded, as the target dropped to the ground, the lit cigarette falling next to his body.

As the dust settled and the echoes of gunfire faded away, Elena felt a surge of satisfaction wash over her. As they lay in their concealed position, Price adjusted the scope of his rifle, his gaze scanning the horizon for any signs of movement.

''You see that building over there?'' he asked.

''Copy,'' Elena replied, her voice low and focused.

''That's our final target. But we've got reports of enemy activity in that area, need to confirm their presence before we proceed,'' Price explained.

''Copy that,'' Elena responded, her eyes narrowing as she adjusted her aim.

''We should move closer. I'll cover you,'' Price instructed and Elena nodded, moving her body in a crouching position after a moment.

As Elena focused on the path toward the building, crouching and crawling against the white winter landscape, her thoughts drifted to Gaz. Glancing at her watch, she noted the date and silently cursed. It wasn't her Captain's fault for setting the mission on Valentine's Day. No one knew about them and they had made no plans. Yet, they were separated on the special day and she missed him immensely.

However, until her return, she needed to pour all her energy and focus into the mission, knowing that Gaz would await her return and they could do what they wanted under no suspicion.

As Elena crouched in position, her sniper rifle trained on the target, she couldn't shake the sense of longing for Gaz, who was miles away back in the UK. Despite the intensity of the mission and her determination to focus, she couldn't help but wish he was by her side.

''I'm in position,'' she informed Price.

''I'm on my way,'' the voice replied.

Deep down, she knew that what they had outgrew physical distance and no matter where they were, they would always be connected. With that comforting thought in mind, Elena steadied her aim and awaited her Captain.