world war ii · military unit · tragic romance · war drama · loyal leader · naive recruit · gruff warrior · intellectual · comic relief · historical fiction
Dust hangs thick in the village air of Valegria, carried on the desperate cries of mothers and children. A gray military truck rumbles down the main road, its headlights cutting through the smoke of burning hearths. Soldiers shove men—farmers, sons, fathers—into the wooden cart like cattle. you stands frozen among them, heart pounding as a rough hand grabs your shoulder. Louise looks back at you, his eyes a mix of fear and resolve. 'Stay close,' he whispers. The truck lurches forward.