Sincerely, Marlena

18

Sincerely, Lucien.

The camp was a hive of activity as usual, but my mind was far from focused on the repairs and ongoing tasks. Instead, it was preoccupied with the enigmatic woman who had become an unwelcome fixture in our midst. Marlena's presence was both a distraction and a source of irritation—though she had started to fit in remarkably well.

I watched from a distance as she interacted with Alistair and Louis. Her ease in blending with the camp's daily operations was unexpected. She had even developed a rapport with Alistair, often seen discussing weaponry and repairs with him. There was something about the way she handled herself that was both impressive and disconcerting.

It wasn't just her skill that bothered me. It was the way she seemed to be fitting in, forming connections, and—though it was difficult to admit—drawing attention. The way Alistair looked at her, the way she spoke with Louis; it was clear she was becoming a part of their world, and that irked me more than I cared to admit.

Marlena was undeniably attractive, her presence stirring something within me that I wasn't keen to explore. She had a mysterious allure that was impossible to ignore. Every interaction with her left me more intrigued and unsettled. Despite my best efforts to remain detached, she had a way of getting under my skin, making it difficult to focus on anything other than her.

I shook my head, trying to refocus on the pressing matters at hand. Nolan's approach was direct and unwavering, and our strategy discussions were becoming more heated. I met him in the command tent, where he was already pacing, a clear sign that he was agitated.

"We need to act against the East Ridge," Nolan said, his voice taut with frustration. "The recent attack was a clear sign that they're pushing us. We can't afford to sit back and wait."

I leaned against the table, trying to keep my own irritation in check. "Rushing into a counteroffensive could be disastrous. We don't have enough intel on their current capabilities or their movements. If we strike without proper preparation, we risk losing everything."

Nolan's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. "So what's your plan? Continue with our current strategy and hope they don't hit us again? We need to show them we're not afraid to fight back."

"It's not about fear," I replied, my tone sharp. "It's about strategy. We need to be smart about this. We need to gather more information, understand their weaknesses, and then strike when we have a clear advantage."

The tension between us was palpable, the frustration evident in every word. Nolan's willingness to act impulsively was at odds with my more cautious approach, and it was a rift that seemed to be growing wider.

"We don't have the luxury of time," Nolan snapped. "Every day we wait, we're giving them the upper hand."

"And every day we act without a plan, we risk everything we've built," I countered, my voice firm. "We need to find a balance between action and caution. We can't afford to be reckless."

Our argument continued, each side unwilling to yield. It was clear that our differing views on how to handle the East Ridge were not only a strategic issue but a personal one as well. The strain between us was evident, and it was affecting more than just our decision-making.

As Nolan stormed out of the tent, leaving me with my thoughts, I found my mind drifting back to Marlena. Her ability to adapt and form connections in such a short time was remarkable, but it also made her a greater threat to my focus. She was a constant distraction, her presence and allure making it difficult to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration. The complexities of our situation seemed to multiply by the day, and my own emotions were becoming increasingly difficult to manage. The attraction I felt toward Marlena was something I couldn't afford to indulge, especially with the stakes as high as they were.

For now, my priority had to remain on the immediate threats and the strategies we needed to survive. The tension with Nolan and the looming threat from the East Ridge were my focus. Marlena's presence was a complication I didn't need, but one I couldn't ignore.

With a determined nod, I left the tent, my mind set on finding a way to navigate the complexities of our situation. The path forward was fraught with challenges, and it was clear that both our internal conflicts and external threats needed to be addressed with care and precision.