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✲꘏ ꘏ ꘏ ꘏✲
I slowly opened my eyes and blinked several times.
Above me stretched a pink-tinted sky.
Then I realized I was being carried.
Strong soldier's arms held me securely. I couldn't see his face—only a chin covered in dark stubble and broad nostrils from which a few coarse black hairs protruded.
Exhausted, I let my head fall against the man's chest. He lowered his gaze to look at me, and I caught sight of wide green eyes, thick eyebrows, pronounced cheekbones, a broad nose, and a square, blunt jaw.
"Toby..." I whispered hoarsely, struggling to stay awake.
"He's not here," the soldier replied in German, still carrying me somewhere in his arms. Nearby I could hear at least two more pairs of boots marching alongside us, while somewhere behind and ahead engines idled softly.
"Where is he?" I managed to ask.
"I'd like to know where that fool disappeared to myself," he answered curtly.
"Who are you? Where are you taking me?"
"Calm down," he warned as I began struggling in his arms. "We're Tobias's associates. Refugees, just like you and him. We'll keep you safe until that idiot finally decides to show up at our hideout."
"And if he..."
"Drowned?" the man interrupted. "Please. Even the Devil himself wouldn't have him. Dying honorably without even trying to save himself? That's not Tobias. I'm certain he survived. Besides, he knows how to swim."
"How did you save me?" I asked.
"Fortunately, we were nearby when soldiers from our own unit found the ship the two of you were on and fired two rockets at it. The storm worked in their favor—the ship stopped moving and became an easy target."
"Your unit's soldiers?" I repeated in astonishment.
"Yes. Hitler ordered Tobias to kill you. He disobeyed and helped you escape. After that he kept disappearing before classified missions, and people started asking questions. He didn't even bother hiding the fact that he was planning to flee. Of course, we helped him, and now we're running from the war ourselves. It didn't take long for our comrades to figure it out. They uncovered that Tobias is Jewish and started hunting both of you. They believe you're dead now, but they'll keep chasing him."
"We have to protect Toby."
I struggled even harder until the green-eyed soldier finally sighed, stopped walking, and carefully set me back on my feet. Even then he kept both hands firmly around my waist, clearly noticing how unsteady I was.
"Calm down," he repeated, tightening his grip. "Our other companions are already looking for him. Our priority is finding shelter. Trust me—you don't want to witness German soldiers executing their own men."
