Where the Sun meets the Star

10. Testing the Waters

Chapter 10: Testing the Waters

Dr. Amara Velasco’s POV

The camp buzzed with the usual morning chaos, but today, I felt oddly detached from the tension and exhaustion around me. It was a strange feeling, a warmth I couldn’t shake off, no matter how hard I tried to keep a professional distance. My colleagues had noticed too, casting curious glances my way, probably wondering what had me so...giddy.

Dr. Ferrara, who rarely pried into anyone’s personal life, narrowed his eyes at me over a stack of charts as we prepped for the day’s rounds. “You’re unusually chipper this morning, Amara. Should I be worried?”

I stifled a laugh, feigning innocence. “I’m just in a good mood, Dr. Ferrara. That’s all.”

Nurse Marsha, who had been my confidante since day one, raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Good mood, huh? Could it have something to do with a certain Captain Santiago?”

I felt my cheeks flush. Marsha had been the only one I’d confided in about Kalix, unable to keep my thoughts to myself after everything that had happened. But as much as I tried to maintain a professional front, it was impossible to hide my feelings entirely.

“Well, he is around quite a lot these days…” I admitted, shrugging nonchalantly.

Marsha’s smile grew wider. “That’s one way to put it. I think you’re smitten, Amara.”

Before I could respond, Nurse Janine leaned over. “You know,” she whispered conspiratorially, “Dr. Ferrara caught him sneaking into the medical tent last night.”

Dr. Ferrara cleared his throat, trying to look disinterested but clearly curious. “I didn’t say anything because I’m not one to meddle in personal matters. But be careful, Amara. Attachments can be...distracting.”

I nodded, understanding his caution even as I struggled to suppress a smile. “I appreciate the advice, Dr. Ferrara. But for now, I think I’ll take the risk.”

The thought of Kalix brought a warmth to my chest, even amid the seriousness of our work. He had this way of grounding me, of making everything else seem bearable. But as I moved through the day, tending to patients, I could feel an underlying anxiety building. The scent of pine and salt from the nearby ocean mingled with the sterile smell of antiseptic, a stark reminder of the reality we were living in. Kalix’s work was unpredictable, and I couldn’t ignore the reality that he could be called away at any moment.

Captain Kalix Santiago’s POV

“Hey, lover boy!” Lemuel called out, slapping me on the back as I walked into the barracks. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t keep a grin from spreading across my face.

Since the night Amara and I had acknowledged our feelings, my team hadn’t let me live it down. They’d caught me sneaking glances at her in the camp or spotted us talking quietly in the evenings. And as tough as they were in the field, they had all the maturity of teenagers when it came to teasing.

Argus, who had been my friend since training days, walked up and gave me a mocking salute. “Permission to speak freely, Captain?”

“Denied,” I replied with a smirk, already knowing where he was headed.

“Come on, Kalix, admit it. You’ve gone soft,” he teased. “Next thing we know, you’ll be trading your rifle for a bouquet of flowers.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help chuckling. “Focus on your own love life, Argus. Or has Dr. Zandra forgotten you exist?”

He smirked, shrugging off my jab but giving me a knowing look. “I won’t deny I’m envious. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you this happy. Just…stay sharp out there. For her and for yourself.”