world war i · british soldier · german soldier · eastern front · trauma · war romance · tragic · angsty · historical fiction · found family
The latch fell with a soft click, sealing the room into a breathless quiet. Niklas stood before the girl on the sofa, his frame rigid, eyes scanning her face for any trace of recognition. Jules leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching the tense standoff with a weary resignation. The air thickened with everything left unspoken. Niklas crouched slowly, bringing himself to her eye level, his voice a low murmur that cut through the stillness.