HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 19

Into the Unknown

Lia clutched the edge of the rocky outcrop, her eyes fixed on the approaching helicopter. The steady thump of the rotor blades sliced through the air, syncing with the rapid beat of her heart. She glanced at Ethan, who was tensely staring forward.

"What is it you're not telling me, Ethan?" The question tumbled from her lips, a mix of urgency and fear. Luigi's warnings echoed in her mind, hints of secrets Ethan had held close. It gnawed at her—a constant uncertainty that threatened their fragile trust.

She studied Ethan's tight movements and the worry etched across his face. She knew him well—the subtle shifts in his demeanor, the guarded look that settled in his eyes whenever certain subjects arose.

"I want to know, but why does it feel safer not to?" The inner conflict washed over her like a wave. She longed for the truth, yet dreaded its potential to shatter the delicate balance they had built. What if knowledge changed everything between them?

The helicopter descended, stirring up dust and debris. Lia shielded her eyes, blinking away the sting. Beside her, Ethan remained silent, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the landscape below.

As the blades whirred louder, she glanced back at him. His concern was evident, despite his attempt to appear composed. She gripped Luigi's arm tightly as the chopper lifted into the air, leaving behind the rocky island that had been their home and prison.

"What are you hiding, Ethan? Am I ready to face the truth?"

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. With one last look at Ethan, she silently vowed to navigate the uncertain path they were about to tread, hoping that whatever truths awaited would strengthen rather than break their bond.

"Here, drink this, Lia." Luigi handed her a bottle of water and some medicine, his expression serious.

She accepted them gratefully. "Your fever is quite high, and your wound seems infected," he explained. "After arriving in the city, we must go to the hospital."

Lia nodded silently, but when she glanced at Ethan, she was surprised to find him watching her with concern. She quickly looked away, focusing on the calming view of the sea.

A sudden crackle from the radio interrupted the moment, followed by an urgent call. The pilot responded immediately.

"What's happening?" Major Ocampo shouted, his voice barely audible over the chopper's noise.

The pilot glanced back, worry etched on his face. "There's a technical issue with one of the helicopters. They should have taken off together, but one remains grounded."

Lia's stomach knotted with apprehension as her eyes fell on Ethan, who frowned at the window.

"There's a delay with one of the helicopters," he replied, his voice low and tense.

As she listened to the pilot's muffled conversation with the control tower, fragments of technical jargon floated through the air. The unease among the rescue crew was palpable; their movements quickened, and their voices strained.

Anxiety filled the air, thick and unsettling.

"Is there a problem, Cap?" Luigi asked the pilot, a furrow forming on his brow.

"There's a technical issue with one of the helicopters. We'll wait for the go signal before we can leave," the pilot replied, uncertainty evident on his face.

Lia's mind raced through potential scenarios. The delicate balance of their rescue mission hung in uncertainty, clouding the once-hopeful atmosphere. She glanced again at Ethan, whose jaw clenched in silent apprehension.