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."

frighteningly calm, and for the first time, Hastings sensed a composure in her that felt

but I just can't," Hastings admitted, biting his

teammate shakes you, makes you doubt yourself. That's when you have to ask: can you conquer your

couldn't deny his talent. With the right guidance,

Citrine was always

to separate her feelings for the nation

was startled by her words, but then his eyes lit up with sudden clarity. She'd cut right to the heart of the matter. "You're right.

we need to face our fears

he said, his voice trembling with excitement, as if a weight

herself a small smile. Maybe all her effort to talk sense into him hadn't been wasted after

soldier, and you've got what it takes to be a great leader one day. Don't let setbacks like this drag

never seen

found himself a little lost