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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"I... Well, I'm not sure I can." Ryn said in bewilderment.
I racked my brain for rational but came up short. "Well... why not?" I asked.
"Well, indoctrination." She said, splaying her arms wide.
Though it was only one word, it was a full explanation.
"...and Axel..." Ryn's voice started softly, then trailed, her brow pulled together even further as she fell back into thought. "...he still can't leave." She pointed out.
I took a deep breath, offering a one-arm shrug. "Axel chooses not to leave, but he could if he wanted," I said, choosing my words carefully.
"Really?" She questioned, with an unreadable expression.
I nodded. "He was granted citizenship after ten years of indentured service," I said softly.
I argued to grant his citizenship while I fought for Ryn's.
Axel made the argument an easy one to win. Everyone loves him. He's amiable and has served us all well; nothing but a picture-perfect image of a law-abiding citizen. I used him as the only example to showcase how outsiders could assimilate into our world.
Her eyes lit. "Really?" She asked a second time, but in a much different tone, a small smile tugged her lips.
I nodded.
"I didn't know that." She shifted on her feet, looking back across the town.
"Ten years is a long time to wait for that kind of freedom." I started, feeling like an ass for not thinking of his freedom until it interested me for selfish reasons.
Ryn nodded in silent agreement, blowing out her cheeks. "Well, I suppose indentured servitude is an improvement from enslavement," she said with a scoff, shrugging her shoulders forward and putting a smile back on her face.
"Indoctrination, not enslavement." I corrected her the same way I had in the cavern all those months ago. Only this time, instead of sharp, hateful eyes, I was met with a warm smile.
"Whatever you want to call it, it's not so bad," she said softly, easing her shoulders back.
I single-handedly adjusted the coat, slipping off her shoulders.
"Service to the Troop is automatic citizenship. You have the same responsibilities and privileges as the rest of us." I said, savoring the chance to give her good news after all the bad I've delivered to her since we've met. "I'm sure you had more freedom in Delta, but here, you have as much freedom as I do, and it's the most I could ever provide in these circumstances."
Her beautiful orbs danced across my face, burning like blue fire and my soul burned at her unknowing command.
She is my home now.
Home.
Isn't that what this is all about?
My heart ached for all that she had lost in her life. "Ryn, this is your home. Yours as much as mine. Alright?" I assured her softly.
