Chapter 350

Luna White dug her nails into her palm. The sharp pain snapped her back to focus. You're a medic, she reminded herself. Following orders is your duty.

The air inside the transport vehicle was thick with tension. Rapid breaths of her teammates filled the silence. Some rubbed their hands incessantly; others gripped the seat edges until their knuckles turned white. Fear was etched on every face.

"Look there!" someone hissed.

Outside the window, a massive warning sign stood stark against the sunset. Crimson letters screamed: ARTILLERY ZONE AHEAD—NO ENTRY.

Luna's stomach twisted. Her fingers brushed the cold metal clasp of her medical kit, its familiar weight offering scant comfort.

"They say a medical team last month—" Lily Collins began before being cut off.

"Shut up!" Penny Wang covered her ears. "My daughter's only two..."

The vehicle plunged into silence, broken only by tires crunching over gravel—a grim reminder of the danger ahead.

Luna exhaled slowly. "We're the last line of defense. If we retreat, who'll treat the wounded at the front?"

The convoy jerked to a halt. Bodies lurched forward.

"What's happening?"

"Why are we stopping?"

Panic spread like wildfire.

The doors flew open. A soldier streaked with soot stood silhouetted against twilight. "All out! Night march—now!"

Luna was first on her feet. Though her legs trembled, her voice held steady. "Check your gear. Medical supplies stay with you."

Outside, darkness swallowed everything. The moonless night pressed down like a suffocating blanket.

"Remember discipline!" The squad leader's bark cut through the black. "No talking! No lights! Single file!"

Fingers clutched Luna's sleeve—Lily's. The girl's teeth chattered audibly.

"Stay close," Luna whispered, squeezing the icy hand.

The column moved. Only rustling footsteps and labored breathing marked their progress. Luna counted steps, forcing concentration.

Then—a distant thump. The line froze.

They knew that sound all too well.

Artillery fire.