Chapter 22

The battle suddenly escalated with brutal intensity. The moment they heard the frontlines were short on medics, Natalie and Wesley both raised their hands at the same time. They exchanged a quick, knowing smile. They studied medicine because of this sole reason—to save lives. But this time, the frontline wasn't at the residential area that got struck accidentally, nor the rear-field hospital. They were heading straight into the thick of combat. The makeshift aid station had been set up in a ruined bunker. Natalie crouched low, waiting for the current barrage to pass. Shells shook the ground, dust falling in showers, while the rattle of gunfire and explosions echoed all around. Medics darted through the choking smoke and bent their backs under the weight of their gear, moving frantically to help the wounded. Out of the corner of her eye, Natalie caught sight of someone who absolutely shouldn't be here. Nelson wore an ill-fitting bulletproof vest, his face smeared with grime. He s