The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 406

But as he remembered everything that had happened lately, a flicker of sorrow crossed his eyes.

If anyone else had asked, he might have tried to keep it together. But with Citrine standing in front of him, he felt an inexplicable urge to open up.

"One of my teammates was killed recently. The whole squad's been in a bad place. We completely fell apart during the last drill."

Citrine flinched at the word "killed," a shadow of grief passing through her gaze as well.

In the military, there's nothing more painful-or more terrifying-than losing a comrade.

She pressed her lips together and said earnestly, "The first lesson any real soldier learns is to accept death. Losing a teammate is devastating, but what's worse is not being able to face that reality."

"If you stay trapped in your grief, refusing to accept it, all that's waiting for you are more defeats and more fallen friends."

sensed a composure in her that felt almost

accept it, but I just can't,"

regarded him in silence for a moment before speaking, her tone deliberate. "Losing a teammate shakes you, makes you doubt yourself. That's when you have to ask: can you conquer

dislike Hastings, but she couldn't deny his talent. With the right guidance, he could become an exceptional officer-someone who'd

Citrine was always

for the nation

clarity. She'd cut right to the heart of the matter. "You're right. After we lost him, morale plummeted. Everyone's been drowning in

we need to face our fears

think I know what I need to do now," he said, his

that he understood, Citrine allowed herself a small smile. Maybe all her effort to talk sense into him

what it takes to be a great leader one day. Don't let setbacks like this

momentarily stunned. Citrine smiled often, but he'd never seen her smile like this genuine, radiant, happiness shining from

himself a little lost