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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Christmas with Solan was more than I ever hoped it would be.
It ended far too quickly, and the real world and New Year rushed around us, and our upcoming assignments pulled us away from one another.
My temporary re-assignment to Bravo was in effect. My days were filled with preparations for my mission to the Barrons. I studied their maps, immersed in their language, and memorized the open reports related to our high-value target: Mitchell Heyes.
Solan worked longer hours than any of us. He kept me at arm's length, refusing my help and demanding I focus on Bravo Troop priorities. His adamancy had cut at first, but I settled into the idea that he was stressed and needed space.
And then there's Aldric.
He's having a tough time. The days have ticked into weeks, and Aldric did nothing but sit silently as the world happened around him. He looked distant and dazed—his attention never where it should be.
Solan was patient with him. He shouldered most of Aldric's workload without complaint and took responsibility for a series of mistakes Aldric made that caught Wes's severe criticism.
Solan took no offense to Aldric's continued silence and became more protective over him as the days passed.
Arthur took a great deal of offense and was less and less patient as the days went on.
"He needs to get the fuck over it," Arthur shouted at Solan, tossing a small ball angrily at the wall, catching it, and tossing it again in a repetitive motion.
"You need to lay off, Arthur." Solan snapped, shoving aside a pad of paper filled with the chaos of his illegible writing.
I stayed seated on the floor, a map of the Barrons in front of me.
Aldric is currently at the springs and has been the topic of conversation since he left.
"For fuck's sake Solan." Arthur paused, holding the ball loosely in one hand and spreading his arms wide. "It's not like she is his conduit. They're not soul mates. She is just a manipulative bitch. One we both warned him about!" Arthur returned, slamming the ball back at the wall, returning to the repetitive motion.
Solan ripped at his hair before turning to me, splaying his hands in a silent plea for help.
I splayed my hands, not knowing what to say. I have spent so much time alone over the last decade that my ability to mediate is lacking.
Solan turned back to Arthur, aggravated.
"Arthur. He loved her." Solan tried to reason.
Arthur scoffed.
"Don't talk about love like it means anything to you."
Solan fixed his eyes angrily on the ceiling, knotting his hands in his hair.
