The Colonel

Elena found herself in a military ward that defied her expectations. Instead of sombre rows of beds occupied by heavily injured soldiers, the air was filled with the clean scent of disinfectant.

Subtle rhythmic beeps and gentle hums permeated the space, evidence of the resilience of the bedridden soldiers yearning to return home.

The war had ended, leaving behind the aftermath of a long and bloody battle. The scene momentarily made Elena forget about Theo, but the staccato beat of boots echoed down the hallway, snapping her back to reality.

They stood before an office room filled with medical supplies, labelled Colonel Horatio on its door, and Elena's anticipation surged as she awaited his arrival.

The officer halted, standing tall as Theo approached, raising his hand sharply to his forehead in a salute. "Sir, Ms. Elena is here," he reported.

"Thank you, Captain Faith," Theo replied, acknowledging the information with a nod.

Theo was here again.

Elena remained astounded by the unpredictable miracles, Theo seemed to effortlessly appear whenever and wherever he pleased.

With his steady demeanour and unwavering gaze on Elena, he closed the door behind them, and the world seemed to fade away.

Their hearts raced in unison, their bodies irresistibly drawn together. When their lips touched, a passionate love that was both warm and pure flared up.

Their breathing quickened, tongues intertwined in a thrilling, enthralling rhythm of pure, unfiltered desire. Their gentle embrace expressed unspoken desires, offering comfort with every touch.

They understood love demanded effort and sacrifice, and they were both willing to go the extra mile for the happiness and togetherness they craved.

Their lips parted softly as their embrace settled into a steady cadence. Elena gazed into his eyes, conveying a depth of unsaid passion.

"I miss you," he whispered, a finger brushing across her face, his touch delicate and reverent.

Elena murmured, "Don't go," refusing to be torn apart again. "Stay this time. Stay where we can be together."

Theo drew her back into his arms again, this time with strong arms enveloping her protectively. "I won't," he promised. "I'll never let you leave me again. This time, I'll follow wherever you go."

Elena pulled back, scanning his face for confirmation. "How, though? How did you gain access to military training?"

Taking her hands in his, Theo spoke with unwavering conviction. "I know this may sound absurd, but I must confess. Until your mission here is finished, I'm just a temporary replacement for the real Colonel who arrives in two weeks' time."

Elena's eyes widened, a mix of panic and curiosity swirling within them. "Theo," her voice barely a whisper, "what are you up to now? What happened? How did you manage to hijack the real Colonel?"

With a reassuring smile, Theo calmed her worries. "Have no fear, my love. I also have the ability to heal. I am well-equipped to fulfil the role of a medical officer in this mortal world. I usually refrain from interfering in human matters of life and death, but for you, I'm willing to make an exception."

Elena couldn't shake off her disbelief, her gaze fixed upon him. "This all sounds crazy. Ever since I met you, nothing about my life has been ordinary," she acknowledged with a soft laugh.

"Elena, you'll be loved, cherished, and protected with me. With all sincerity, I promise," Theo declared.

Elena reacted with a playful smile, saying, "You better be, Theo. You can't go back in time. You'd have to kill me to erase your existence from my memories."

"Everything will be fine. You can rely on me. I will schedule my time with you as soon as your fieldwork is over. Isn't that amazing? To be able to be with you every now and then." Theo assured her.

Elena's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Absolutely perfect!" she exclaimed. "You've become quite the devoted boyfriend, haven't you?"

His voice, filled with a depth of conviction that surprised even him, sent a shiver of excitement down Elena's spine. "Elena, you've become irreplaceable. You've awakened something in me I never thought possible."

Tears welled up in Elena's eyes, shimmering with a mix of joy and disbelief. "Thank you, Theo," she confessed, her voice thick with emotion. "This all feels surreal, like a beautiful dream I never want to wake up from."

Theo pulled her closer, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. The weight of his secret pressed down on him, a constant reminder of the complexities of his existence. Yet, for now, he pushed these thoughts aside, focusing on the woman in his arms. "Consider this my vow," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear, "to ensure your safety, even in this dreamlike reality."

The musky scent of his cologne was a familiar comfort, a grounding presence in the whirlwind of emotions she was experiencing. "I've always dreamt of experiencing something like this with someone I love," she admitted shyly, her voice barely a whisper.

A flicker of sadness crossed Theo's face, a fleeting echo of a past he was desperate to leave behind. The memory of his betrothal to Princess Ramona Ares was a painful reminder of a life he had never truly wanted. Yet, in Elena, he had found a love that transcended the boundaries of his world.

"Tell me more about it, my love," Theo prompted, his gaze filled with adoration for Elena.

A mischievous glint sparkled in Elena's eyes as she formulated a plan. "In just a few days, there's a grand festival celebrating the end of the Xuhetti war. I've been picturing it as our first official date. A night we won't soon forget, I promise."

Theo's smile faltered slightly, a hint of guilt crossing his features. "My first date too, in a way," he replied, the words tasting like ash on his tongue. The weight of his secret pressed down on him, a constant reminder of the complexities of their relationship. Yet, in Elena's eyes, he saw a future he longed for, a life free from the burdens of his past. "I'm honoured to share this experience with you, to create something real, something genuine," he added, his voice filled with sincerity.

Tears welled up in Elena's eyes as their gazes met. The memory of Tony's betrayal faded into insignificance, replaced by the intoxicating warmth of Theo's love. "I love you, Theo," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you for bringing so much love and joy into my life."

Nestled in Theo's arms, Elena found a haven where her heart soared freely, that she felt truly alive.

Yet, beneath the surface of their idyllic happiness, a darkness lurked – the weight of his hidden world pressed down on him, a constant reminder of the sacrifices he would have to make to protect Elena.