Chapter 419

At last, the sky cleared.

In the early morning, Luna White pushed aside the waterproof tarp covering the cave entrance. The damp air carried the earthy scent of soil. The rain had thinned to a fine mist, and the distant mountains loomed faintly through the haze.

"Finally! No more wading through water," Ethan Lewis said, leaning on his crutch as he approached, his face bright with relief.

Luna nodded, her fingers lightly brushing over the silver needles in her medical kit. After treating the last injured soldier the night before, she had sensed a subtle shift in her supernatural ability.

The change left her both exhilarated and uneasy.

Ever since she had saved Andrew Smith, her power seemed revitalized. The bone-chilling cold that once followed each use of her ability had softened into something gentler—like an autumn breeze grazing her skin.

"Dr. White, ready to go?" Andrew's voice came from behind her.

Luna's pulse jumped. Even without turning, she could feel his presence—warm, like sunlight. Whenever he was near, the lingering cold inside her dissipated effortlessly.

"Almost," she murmured, keeping her head down as she adjusted the medical kit, hiding the flush in her cheeks.

Andrew stood behind her, his gaze lingering on the delicate curve of her neck. Since his near-death experience, he had uncovered her secret. Every time she healed someone, he could sense the cold radiating from her.

"We're heading down the mountain tonight," he said casually, stepping closer. His fingers grazed her shoulder. "Be careful on the way."

A shiver ran through her. That warmth—it instantly melted the chill in her veins. She looked up sharply, meeting his knowing gaze.

"You—" she started.

"I know," he murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. "See you tonight."

Luna watched him walk away, her heart pounding. Who was this man? How had he unraveled her secret so effortlessly?

"Dr. White!" Jack, one of the transport team members, jogged over. "The injured are ready. When do we leave?"

Luna took a steadying breath. "At nightfall."

As darkness settled, sparse starlight dotted the sky. Luna walked in the middle of the group, glancing back occasionally at Andrew, who brought up the rear. Despite carrying the heaviest load, his steps remained sure and steady.

"Careful!" Andrew suddenly lunged forward, catching her wrist.

Only then did Luna notice the hidden mud pit at her feet. His palm was warm and dry, that familiar heat flooding through her again.

"Thanks," she whispered, making no move to pull away.

Andrew chuckled, his thumb brushing lightly over her pulse point. "Don't mention it, my... antidote."

Luna's eyes widened. He knew.

Their figures gradually disappeared into the mountain path under the cover of night. Neither noticed the pair of cold, calculating eyes watching them from the distant thicket.