Chapter 3 Forget
469 Words
Rebecca's shout tore from her throat before she could stop it. "Go ahead—I dare anyone to try!"
For every comrade who risked his life out here, she had to hold this line.
Samuel's pistol was back in his hand, the muzzle aimed squarely at her chest.
Rebecca stared at that familiar barrel, feeling as if a blunt knife were slowly twisting inside her.
This wasn't the first time. It was always because of Natalie.
A numb ache spread through her.
Samuel's voice was cold steel. "Rebecca, I won't ask again. Step aside. Is it truly worth indulging your own recklessness, when all Natalie asks for is this one small wish?"
A bitter laugh escaped her.
So in his eyes, all she ever did was act recklessly.
He'd forgotten. Years ago, an intruder had breached the restricted perimeter—coordinates were leaked.
A dozen of his brothers-in-arms were captured and subjected to brutal torture by the enemy. They were tortured to death, their bodies so severely mutilated that not a single one could be brought back whole.
It was Samuel himself who had drafted the standing order: Anyone trespassing beyond the perimeter marker was to be engaged with lethal force. No exceptions.
Eyes burning, he had sworn over their graves, "I won't let their sacrifice be in vain."
Now, for Natalie's wish to "see the meteor shower," he was ready to tear that very order apart.
Rebecca's voice trembled. "Samuel. Have you forgotten the brothers who died for nothing? The oath you swore at their graves?"
He stiffened, his words failing him.
Behind him, Natalie gently tugged his sleeve, her lips pressed. "Sam... let's just forget it. Please don't make this harder for Rebecca. I only heard that wishing on meteors brings luck... I just wanted to wish for your safety."
Her eyes grew teary. "I never meant to come between you."
The anger melted from Samuel's face, replaced by a softness Rebecca knew wasn't meant for her. He holstered his gun and signaled his team to fall back.
Turning to Rebecca, he said, his tone patient, almost dismissive, "We're done here. Don't make a scene. I'll take Natalie back first. You wait—"
Suddenly, a frantic cry cut through the frozen air. "Avalanche! Run!"
Every pair of eyes widened in horror.
With a deafening roar, a wall of white descended the mountainside, swallowing everything in its path.
Rebecca stood rooted to the spot.
Then came Samuel's raw, desperate shout. "Look out!!"
He moved in a blur—lunging sideways, covering Natalie's body with his own.
Rebecca stood less than an arm's length away, but he didn't glance back.
Before the darkness took her, the last thing she saw was blinding white—and the silhouette of the man she loved, shielding another woman in his arms.
- Writer
