Our War Zone

27

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Alexander stood at the edge of the bustling crowd, his sharp eyes cutting through the haze of bodies with an intensity that belied his inner turmoil. His gaze latched onto Eliza, his personal nurse, as she stood among the newly selected medics. Her face was a mask of disbelief, confusion etched into every delicate feature. But beneath the shock, there was also a tinge of excitement. She didn’t understand the full gravity of what she was about to face, and Alexander, gripped by both fury and concern, knew that under no circumstances could he allow this to happen.

The idea of Eliza—his Eliza—being sent off to the war front while he still drew breath was a thought he would never entertain. She was his responsibility, and more than that, he had invested too much in her, trained her too meticulously for her to become just another name on a casualty list.

"Ok medics," Commander June's voice rang out, slicing through the din of murmured conversations like a whip. Her tone was authoritative, imbued with pride. "Those of you that were picked by Captain Aaron, step forward and report yourselves. Congratulations—you are among the best of the best. You’ve proven your skills, and I have no doubt that each one of you will serve your nation with honor."

Alexander felt his jaw clench, his fists balling at his sides. He could hear Commander June’s words, but his mind was fixated on Eliza. The thought of her, a healer, heading into the violent maelstrom of war made his blood run cold. His pulse quickened, but he kept his expression neutral, though every fiber of his being screamed at him to act.

Commander June turned, her voice unwavering. “Prepare yourselves, medics. You will leave for the front in two days' time."

Two days. That was all. Alexander couldn’t believe it—two days to prepare these medics for the living hell they were about to face? He moved closer to Commander June, his towering presence demanding attention. Leaning in slightly, his voice low but sharp, he questioned, "Two days to prepare, Commander? Are you certain they’re ready for that?"

Commander June nodded, though there was a flicker of acknowledgment in her eyes. She knew, as did Alexander, that no amount of training could ever truly prepare anyone for what lay ahead. But war waited for no one. "They’ll manage," she said, though even she sounded less than convinced. “They’re our best shot.”

Alexander said nothing more, but his mind was already racing. He had two days to ensure that Eliza wouldn’t be part of that "best shot." Two days or even less to devise a way to keep her back.

“You are all dismissed,” Commander June said crisply. The selected medics—Eliza among them—began to move toward Captain Aaron to officially report, but Alexander’s eyes never left Eliza. He could see the hesitation in her steps, the way her gaze darted nervously toward the other medics. Jessica, her closest friend and fellow nurse, stepped toward her, worry written across her face.

"Eliza, do you want me to come with you?" Jessica’s voice was soft, filled with concern.

But Eliza, trying to muster courage, forced a smile. “No, Jess. I’ll handle it. I have to do this myself.”

Her words were strong, but her voice betrayed the uncertainty brewing within her. She patted Jessica’s arm, trying to be reassuring, though her hands trembled ever so slightly. Jessica reluctantly let go of Eliza’s sleeve, though the worry in her eyes deepened.

Eliza began walking on her own, her footsteps slow but determined. As she made her way across the field toward Captain Aaron and the others, she didn’t notice Alexander already closing the distance between them.

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Before Eliza could reach Aaron, Alexander stepped in front of her with a suddenness that made her jump. His tall, imposing frame seemed to cast a shadow over her as he appeared seemingly out of nowhere.