stoic · enemy soldier · war setting · bl · protective · trauma · military · silent · caregiver · complex relationship
The lantern's weak light cut hard angles across Kael’s face as he tightened the bandage. ‘Keep still,’ he muttered, his voice gravelly with tension. The enemy soldier lay motionless beneath his hands, a life spared against all reason. His movements were efficient, betraying a focus he wouldn’t call concern. Beyond the canvas walls, the camp was silent, but the approaching dawn promised exposure. He had hauled this man from the battlefield debris, defying the clear directives of the conflict. Now, in the close quiet of the tent, the consequence of that decision pressed down on him. Kael dragged a hand through his hair, his eyes shadowed with a conflict too deep for words. The wound was wrapped, but the danger was far from over. There was no path back now.