Four Hours to Go

Seated in his office, Elias combed through the latest intel from the Kurtazagg border and Citadel Alpha Base. Lemuel cast occasional glances his way. Sensing his superior’s foul mood, the captain wisely chose silence. Elias handed over a roster to Lemuel. ‘Get this to Major Spadaro for confirmation.’ Lemuel’s gaze snagged on Wendy’s name, caught off guard. His heart raced, mirroring Elias’s unease. No soldier wished such a perilous path for someone they cared about. Kurtazagg was a brutal realm, a crucible that tested even seasoned warriors. For individuals like Callie and Wendy, the odds were far from favourable. Observing Lemuel’s hesitation, Elias’s brows furrowed. ‘Something bothering you? Why are you just standing there?’ ‘Nothing, Sir! I’m on it.’ Lemuel saluted promptly and hurried to the vice principal’s office. Raindrops, like delicate whispers, trickled in through the window, grazing Elias’s face. Thoughts of Callie’s sorrowful eyes replayed in his mind. A pang of longing sur