HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 18

Secrets and Lies

As Ethan and Lia emerged from the cave, the cool morning air wrapped around them, mingling with the acrid scent of gunpowder, heavy and foreboding. Their breaths came in heavy, ragged gasps as the first light of day broke through the dense foliage, illuminating the chaos surrounding them. Gunshots echoed relentlessly in their ears.

"Ethan, did you hear that?" Lia whispered, steadying herself against a nearby tree due to her injury.

"Yeah, I heard," Ethan replied, scanning their surroundings. "What do you think is happening?" His gaze met Lia's. "Let's find out."

They moved quickly and quietly, hand in hand, crouching behind a tree as approaching footsteps echoed nearby. Two familiar voices drifted toward them, the tension palpable in the air.

"I hope my friend is already here, sir," one voice said.

"I know, Doc Lui, but it's risky here," Major Ocampo replied authoritatively. "I told you to wait by the seaside, but you didn't listen. We have protocols."

"I recognize that voice!" Ethan said, exchanging a look with Lia. They spoke simultaneously, "Luigi!"

"Major Ocampo!" Ethan called out in unison, the surprise evident in their tones.

The two men turned in astonishment. Luigi quickly approached Ethan and pulled him into a tight embrace. "Dude! Thank God you're alive!"

Lia's heart sank at Luigi's presence; it stirred painful memories. "Luigi," she said, her voice trembling. "What are you doing here?"

Luigi took a deep breath before answering, "Lia, I didn't expect to see you here."

"You two know each other?" Lia inquired, suspicion creeping into her voice.

Luigi glanced at Ethan, seemingly seeking help, while Major Ocampo noticed the growing tension and intervened.

"Santos, Marsden!" Major Ocampo called out with concern. "Are you both alright?"

"Yes, we're fine," Ethan answered, furrowing his brow as he looked at Luigi, the unease simmering just beneath the surface.

"Why are you here, Luigi?" Lia pressed, her eyes fixed on him. "Do you know Ethan?" She glanced at Ethan before turning back to Luigi.

Lia realized there were things about Ethan and Luigi she didn't know. Their meeting on the island was no accident. Secrets hung in the air, threatening to unravel everything.

"I need answers, Luigi," Lia said, determination replacing her initial shock. "What's your connection with Ethan?"

Luigi looked away, visibly uneasy. "It's complicated, Lia. There are things I need to explain."

"Complicated? Explain what?" Lia exclaimed, her frustration growing. "We find ourselves stranded on this island, and unexpectedly, you and Major Ocampo appear, both familiar with Ethan. How?"

Ethan moved closer to Lia, protective yet cautious. "Lia, Luigi is a friend. He's helped me in the past."

"Helped you with what exactly, Ethan?" Lia asked, confusion clouding her thoughts as she tried to piece together the puzzle.

"Ethan," Luigi pleaded. "Perhaps we should discuss this somewhere safe."

Major Ocampo stepped in again, urgency sharpening his tone. "Listen, we need to move. There's danger nearby. We can fix everything later, but we must first get to safety."

Reluctantly, Lia nodded, her distrust palpable. "Fine, but this isn't over, Ethan," she said firmly, locking eyes with him. "I want the truth."

Ethan nodded solemnly. "I promise, Lia. We'll talk."