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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The darkness of the tunnel felt physical. It felt heavy and cold and suffocating.
No... it's the smoke that is suffocating.
I tried desperately to breathe, but I couldn't.
I clawed at the stone tunnels, trying to get out, to see light, to find air. I tried desperately to move, but I couldn't; the weight of the darkness rendered me immobile.
The stones ate my hands as I clawed until suddenly, I wasn't in the tunnels anymore. I was on the side of the cliff. But I had no hands. I couldn't climb, so instead, I fell, fast, through the air and towards -
I jerked wildly, letting out a scream, quickly covering my mouth when I realized I was awake and screaming audibly.
My skin was cold and clammy from the night terror.
A hand on my back caused me to jerk again, recoiling in fear.
Solan.
It's Solan.
I slumped into him, letting my head rest back against his chest. Solan wrapped his arms around me, making me feel safe despite the terror of my dream.
"What time is it?" I questioned.
"Almost four." He returned. "Are you okay?" He asked cautiously.
"I'm fine," I responded.
Solan sighed, inspiring me to sit up and face him fully.
"Really. I'm fine." I assured. "It was just a nightmare. I had them every night for years." I admitted. "It's been a while... but being back here..." I held his eyes, which were red with exhaustion. It looked like he hadn't slept at all.
I nervously twisted my fingers into the fabric of Solan's shirt, feeling awful for not thinking about him at all yesterday. We are here because of this work, which has been eating Solan alive.
Who knows what horrible news brought us this far north or if he was able to accomplish what he wanted. "Did you meet with your friend?" I asked, hoping for insight into his troubles.
"Yes. My business here is done." He said curtly. His tone told me he wasn't interested in discussing the topic further. "We will leave as soon as the brothers return." He assured.
"Did you sleep at all?" I asked worriedly.
He didn't respond. Instead, he just pulled me back to his body, holding me in a warm embrace.
"Coffee?" He asked.
I nodded, but his words made an idea start to build rapidly in my brain.
I had shown him the worst of this place. I think it's only fair that I share the best, and I know Solan will love this.
I want to see him smile.
I sat up quickly, shoving the comforters aside.
"Shower first," I said, wiping sweaty strands of my hair from my night terror. "Coffee second," I said, dropping out of bed myself. "Mini adventure, third," I added playfully, my excitement growing.
