Chapter 421

Andrew's grip tightened around Luna's wrist, freezing her in place. She looked up, her gaze magnetically locked with his.

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

Andrew's eyes traced her features before lingering on her slightly parted lips.

"Rest," he murmured, his voice low.

Luna's mind buzzed. Andrew stretched in the cramped trench, his shoulder pressing against hers as they leaned against the muddy wall. His breath warmed her ear.

Though others surrounded them, the world seemed to shrink until only the two of them remained. This secret intimacy sent tingles through her fingertips.

She caught the scent of gunpowder and sweat clinging to him, felt the heat radiating from his chest.

"Don't be afraid." His finger brushed her forehead. "Close your eyes."

Warmth enveloped her.

When Luna opened her eyes again, she found herself curled in Andrew's arms, her fingers clutching his sleeve like a lifeline.

Andrew's eyes snapped open, alert. When their gazes met, the corner of his mouth lifted. That smile burned brighter than anything in the darkness, making her pulse stutter.

"Time to move." He checked his watch.

The squad assembled quickly. The slippery mountain path made stretchers impractical, so the wounded were carried by their comrades.

Andrew hoisted Ethan onto his back with ease. No one knew the severely injured man's wounds had mostly healed.

Luna was placed in the center of the formation. She glanced at the sky, grateful for the absence of scorching sun. Though moonless, her eyes had adjusted to the dark.

The riverbank drew near.

The roar of rapids crashing against rocks grew louder. The three-meter drop gentled to the east, where transport soldiers carved footholds with their knives.

Luna kept her eyes fixed on the blurred silhouette ahead. Even without seeing his face, she knew exactly who it was.