Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 15

In the early morning, the first rays of dawn shone through the dense foliage, a thin mist covered the area of the camp, creating an unusually peaceful scene. Charlotte stirred gently in Engfa's arms, feeling the warmth spreading around her.

She lightly touched Engfa's nose, causing her to chuckle in her sleep. Engfa seemed to be sleeping soundly, perhaps because there were no battles taking place today or because having Charlotte by her side made her feel safer and more at peace.

Charlotte whispered, "Engfa, wake up," but without much urgency.

Looking at Engfa lying beside her, Charlotte smiled, her heart brimming with happiness as she observed the tranquility and peace on her face. Engfa slowly opened her eyes, her gaze initially a bit hazy but quickly realizing that Charlotte was nestled in her arms. She smiled gently and softly kissed Charlotte's forehead:

"Good morning, Char... Perhaps this is the most beautiful dream I've ever had, and I want it to last forever."

"Already sweet-talking this early?" - Charlotte playfully punched her shoulder.

Charlotte felt her heart melt at those sweet words and giggled softly, "If this is a dream, then let's keep dreaming and not wake up, Engfa."

The two quickly freshened up and changed into their uniforms to start a new day. Engfa still maintained her usual dignified demeanor in her neatly fitted military uniform, but today, happiness radiated from her face. Charlotte looked at Engfa and could clearly see the difference in her every gesture.

They walked together to the breakfast area, where it was a special day as supplies had just arrived, allowing the soldiers to have a more substantial meal. The atmosphere grew lively, with cheerful conversations and laughter echoing everywhere.

"Hey, you know, yesterday I thought I was about to run out of energy!" - a cheerful soldier said, patting his friend on the back.

"Right? Thankfully, the supplies arrived just in time. I swear that if there was one more meal like that, I would have had to eat grass out there!" - another chimed in, laughter erupting.

As Engfa and Charlotte approached, all eyes turned towards them. Engfa walked ahead, keeping her usual serious expression, but today, a look of happiness was clearly visible on her face. Charlotte followed, her expression gentle yet determined. The soldiers whispered among themselves:

• "Who is that girl? Why is she so beautiful?"

• "I've never seen her here before."

• "She's with Officer Engfa; she must be someone special."

• "They make a lovely couple."

Engfa heard the whispers, but she didn't mind; she simply smiled softly at Charlotte. They both sat down next to each other, having breakfast with everyone. The surrounding atmosphere felt lighter, with the soldiers eagerly chatting after the tense days.

However, from a distant corner, a cold gaze was watching them. Those eyes contained mystery, observing Engfa and Charlotte's every move intently. No one noticed this silent presence, but it was clear that their presence was anything but ordinary. Could it be that a spy had appeared? Or was it merely a ghost from the past?

Engfa, while busy talking to Charlotte, sensed that something was off. She subtly glanced towards the distance, her expression suddenly serious, as if she was scanning for something in the air. The warrior instinct within her had been awakened.

"Charlotte, do you feel anything strange?" - Engfa quietly asked, her gaze fixed on that distant corner of the camp.

Charlotte looked in the direction Engfa was observing but saw nothing except for the shadows of the trees. She shook her head gently, "I don't see anything; is something wrong, sister?"

Engfa didn't respond immediately. She tightened her grip on Charlotte's hand, as if preparing for something only she could sense.

As night fell, the atmosphere in the command tent became quieter, with only the rustling of the wind and the occasional footsteps of the guards. Engfa sat at the table, the dim light from the oil lamp illuminating the strategic map laid out before her. The attack orders were clear, but her heart felt uneasy. A vague feeling crept into her mind, as if something wasn't right, as if everything was going too smoothly.

Meanwhile, Charlotte hurried back to the command tent after sending a secret message to the Japanese forces. She had intentionally set the time three hours ahead of the actual plan of the Thai forces. Charlotte's aim was to protect Engfa and the entire military area by making it impossible for the Japanese to respond in time. But deep down, she felt a heavy anxiety: would anyone discover her actions?

As Charlotte entered the tent, Engfa was still focused on the map, her sharp eyes scanning every line, remembering every detail. Charlotte walked softly beside her, but Engfa didn't immediately notice her presence. She only jumped slightly when she felt the warmth of Charlotte's hand on her shoulder.

"Are you still working?" - Charlotte gently asked, her voice soft but filled with worry.

Engfa looked up at her, her deep eyes meeting Charlotte's, then smiled lightly, "Yes, I need to ensure everything goes smoothly for this attack."

Charlotte gazed into those eyes, her heart growing more troubled. She knew that Engfa completely trusted this order and strategy, but she couldn't tell Engfa the truth about the secret message she had just sent.

"I believe you can do it, as always," - Charlotte tried to smile, but her smile felt somewhat forced.

Engfa looked deep into Charlotte's eyes, sensing a change in her, but unable to pinpoint it. She stood up and walked closer to Charlotte, her strong yet gentle hands resting on her shoulders.

"You seem worried. Is something wrong, Char?"

Charlotte shook her head gently, trying to keep her voice calm, "No, I'm just... worried about you. This attack is too dangerous."

Engfa smiled softly, pulling Charlotte into her embrace and kissing her forehead lightly, "I know, but I won't let anything happen to you. I will protect this place, and I will protect you."

Those words made Charlotte's heart ache. She was hiding the truth from Engfa, and even though she knew everything she was doing was for her, the feeling of guilt tormented her. Charlotte wanted to believe she had made the right choice, but the line between duty and feelings was gradually fading.

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Sweet or tragic?