Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 16

The next night, the sky remained pitch black as Engfa led her troops into position. The rhythmic footsteps of the soldiers echoed across the dirt path, enveloping the atmosphere in tension. From a distance, Charlotte stood, her hands clenched tightly together. She knew that time was running out, and this attack would be the decisive turning point.

An unease grew within her, a fear that her entire plan might collapse and that Engfa could be in danger if anything went wrong. But Charlotte stayed silent, only praying that everything would go as planned.

The battle was imminent, and both women, though on different sides of the conflict, were drawn into an inescapable spiral.

As Engfa’s troops prepared to advance, Charlotte’s eyes stayed on her. But something unusual caught her attention when she glanced toward the weapons depot. It was a familiar figure lurking there - Suz, a double agent for the Japanese army and once a comrade who trained alongside Charlotte. He shouldn't have been here at this moment, especially while trying to avoid everyone's eyes.

Charlotte’s heart raced. She tried to stay calm, but her mind filled with chaotic thoughts. What was Suz doing here? Had he discovered her plan? And more importantly, did he know that she had sent a misleading message to the Japanese forces?

Charlotte quickly left the area, trying to act as if she hadn’t noticed Suz. But her mind was now split between completing her organization’s mission and protecting Engfa and the entire squad. She realized that if Suz was here, her plan might have been compromised.

What should she do? Warning Engfa about Suz would expose her own role as a spy. But if she did nothing, Suz could ruin everything and put Engfa in grave danger.

While Engfa focused on the map and the latest intelligence updates, Charlotte approached, trying to keep her expression calm, though her heart was filled with worry. Thoughts swirled in her mind: If Suz had discovered her message, would her plan fall apart? Would Engfa be safe?

Engfa sensed the unease in Charlotte’s gaze, though she didn’t know the reason. When Charlotte came closer, Engfa gently pulled her into a hug, as if to reassure them both.

• “Char, everything will be fine. I’ll protect this place, and I’ll protect you.”

Charlotte listened to those words, and her heart twisted with pain. She wanted to tell her everything, but she couldn’t. Today would be decisive, and all she could do was hope that Suz wouldn’t act before Engfa’s attack.

Calculations began forming in Charlotte’s mind. Could she turn the situation around without being discovered? Or would she have to face betrayal from both sides?

An intense silence hung between Charlotte and Engfa, broken only by the sound of their hearts beating in unison. Charlotte looked deep into Engfa’s eyes, where worry and love were intertwined. The faint light of dawn cast a glow on their faces, adding a sacred touch to the moment of parting.

Engfa placed her hand on Charlotte’s cheek, her fingers gently tracing her soft skin. She wanted to remember, to etch every detail of Charlotte’s face into her memory, knowing this could be their last time together. Charlotte’s tears flowed like early morning dew, each drop landing on Engfa’s hand, capturing these precious moments.

• “No matter what happens, I promise you I’ll keep these hands intact,” Engfa said, her voice hoarse with emotion.

Charlotte’s brows knitted together, her lips trembling as she asked:

• “Fa, why?”

Engfa smiled, a tender but determined smile.

• “Because these hands have shaped you, Char.”

The words felt like an oath, etched deep within Charlotte’s heart, overwhelming her with emotion. She couldn’t stop the torrent of feelings within. They held each other tightly, their hearts ready to burst in this final moment. Engfa tightened her embrace, her voice low but meaningful as she whispered in Charlotte’s ear:

• “Promise me, if anything happens... you’ll live happily, for the both of us.”

Charlotte choked up, her words breaking within her throat.

• “But... how can I live happily without you, Fa?”

Engfa gently kissed Charlotte’s forehead, her breath soft as a whisper.

• “My happiness… is loving you.”

The words resonated, engraving themselves into Charlotte’s soul like an unbreakable seal. She knew that the coming battle would be brutal, yet their love would endure, always present, even in the darkest moments.

In the warm embrace, they seemed to forget the passage of time. Only the stillness of dawn and the dim light of sunrise bore witness to this cherished moment. Engfa held Charlotte a bit closer, her heart heavy with worry, yet reluctant to let go.

• “Charlotte, you must promise me,” Engfa murmured, her voice low and laced with urgency.

• “When I’m not here, you have to protect yourself. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Do you understand?”

Charlotte nodded slightly, her eyes filling with tears.

• “I’ll be careful, but you must do the same. Promise me you won’t push yourself too far. I can’t bear to lose you, Engfa.”

Engfa lowered her gaze, looking directly into her eyes.

• “I promise I won’t do anything reckless. But you have to promise me that, no matter what, you’ll live, and you’ll come back safely.”

Charlotte shook her head, tears streaming down her face.

• “I don’t know if I can... without you here, how will I live?”

Engfa cupped Charlotte’s face, her gaze filled with determination and love.

• “You have to live, Char, for me, for our love. Even if we’re apart, this love will always be your strength. I need you to be happy, even if I’m not there.”

Charlotte choked on her words, Engfa’s promise branding her heart with every syllable.

• “I don’t want to be without you, but if I must… I promise, I’ll live, and carry this love in every breath.”

Engfa nodded, smiling softly, though her eyes couldn’t hide the pain.

• “That’s all I need, Char. As long as you’re alive, I’ll always be with you, wherever you are.”

They looked at each other one last time before parting, the looming separation causing their hearts to beat faster. Engfa whispered her final words:

• “I love you, Char. Live for me, for us.”

Charlotte held Engfa tightly, her trembling lips finally responding:

• “I love you, Fa. Promise me we’ll see each other again.”

Engfa didn’t reply, only bent down to place a soft kiss on Charlotte’s forehead, like a sacred vow.

---

Hy.