HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 17

A Love to Hold On To

Moonlight softly illuminated the cave, filtering through the entrance and casting eerie shadows on the walls. The cool night air carried a faint scent of sea salt from outside. Ethan sat anxiously beside Lia, who lay on a makeshift bed of torn clothes and leaves. Worry etched his face as he observed her shallow, labored breathing, feeling the clamminess of her skin. He gently dabbed her forehead with a damp cloth, his heart heavy with concern.

Ethan remained steadfast by Lia's side, filled with love and purpose. He knew the challenges ahead, but he was prepared to face them for the woman he deeply loved.

"Lucas..." Lia whispered faintly.

"Shhh, Lia. I'm here," Ethan reassured, his voice trembling. "Rest."

Tears welled in her eyes as she gasped. Ethan held her hand tightly, his thumb gently caressing her skin. "Lia, you're burning up." He quickly placed his hand on her forehead and neck. "Damn, your fever is so high."

Desperation mounted as Ethan watched Lia's condition worsen. He couldn't imagine losing her after all they'd been through. Panic set in as he rummaged through their meager supplies, his hands shaking.

"There's no medicine here. What am I supposed to do?" Ethan muttered, frustration evident in his voice. He hurried to the cave's entrance, where the sound of crashing waves offered fleeting comfort, reminding him they were not alone.

FLASHBACK

Years ago, Ethan and his colleagues underwent intensive safety training in Benguet's harsh highlands. Among them was Lia, a driven woman determined to advance her career. He admired her strength, her steadfast energy, and the fierce determination in her gaze.

On one particularly grueling day, navigating the dense forest terrain, Lia struggled to keep pace—a rare sight. Concern etched on Ethan's face, he approached her.

"Sergeant Santos, are you okay?" he asked, worried.

She nodded weakly, but he wasn't convinced. "Sit down," he urged, guiding her to a nearby rock. Her forehead felt hot against his touch. "Sergeant Santos, you have a fever. You're burning up."

Despite her condition, Lia tried to dismiss it. "I can handle this, sir. We need to set up camp."

"No, Sergeant Santos. You need rest. I'll take care of the camp," he insisted firmly.

Gently, he guided her to sit down and encouraged her to drink some water. Quickly, he set up their shelter, making it as comfortable as possible, lighting a fire, and preparing soup from their provisions.

As night fell, he stayed by Lia's side, caring for her to the best of his abilities. He made cold compresses and checked her status, watching over her with a mix of worry and affection.

"Why did you train here, Sergeant Santos?" he asked softly, trying to keep her engaged and awake.

She managed a weak smile. "I wanted to prove something—that being a woman wouldn't stop me from being a soldier."

His heart skipped a beat. "You don't need to prove anything to anyone. You're one of the strongest people I know."

Lia's eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze. The mountain night was silent around them. "Thank you, sir," she whispered before drifting off to sleep.

Throughout the night, he remained vigilant, focused on keeping her safe. As dawn broke through the trees, relief washed over him as he felt her fever finally subsiding.