Chapter 358: His Eyes Wide with Disbelief

"Captain! This..." Hank Miller stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief. The medic hadn't even slapped him—something was definitely off.

The hilltop was eerily silent.

Only then did Elena Ward and Adrian Stone notice every soldier holding their breath, watching them with burning intensity.

"This is my fiancée, Elena Ward," Adrian declared firmly.

His words shattered the frozen atmosphere.

The soldiers' faces broke into knowing smiles. Amidst the smoke-choked battlefield, such warmth was a rare comfort.

"Captain, we're running out of time," Hank forced out. He'd give anything to buy them more moments, but this was war—not a place for romance.

Adrian's fingers dug into Elena's shoulders. She suppressed a wince and whispered, "We'll meet again."

Suddenly she threw herself against his chest, her healing force humming to life. She'd expend every ounce of power to keep him safe.

Hank rubbed his stinging eyes roughly.

Elena pushed away from Adrian and turned toward the stretcher team.

"Safe journey," Adrian saluted crisply.

Every soldier snapped to attention, returning the salute. The transport unit bore the heaviest sacrifices—they deserved nothing less than full honors.

"Move out!"

Twelve figures vanished into the night.

Adrian stood rooted to the spot. What dangers lurked on that treacherous mountain path? How he longed to escort her personally—but duty forbade it.

Her warmth still lingered in his arms, her unique fragrance clinging to his senses. Yet he'd watched her leave without even a proper goodbye.

"Captain, so Dr. Ward's your fiancée?" A few grizzled veterans sidled over with grins. They knew their leader tolerated jokes—within regulations.

"Kept that quiet! If she were mine, I'd never let such a beauty near the frontline."

"Fool! The Captain's putting duty first. Did you see Dr. Ward's skills earlier? That's real talent."

Adrian ignored them, his obsidian gaze fixed on the darkness where she'd disappeared.