The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 616

When Nathalie woke up again, it was broad daylight. Bugs were crawling across her face, and she swiped at them groggily before looking around.

Nicol was sitting a short distance away, showing zero signs of fatigue, his eyes sharp and vigilant as he surveyed the perimeter.

"Nicol."

Nathalie called out softly.

Nicol turned to her. "You're awake? Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

Nathalie frowned in confusion. "How long was I out?"

"Only half an hour," Nicol said. "Look, the sun isn't even fully up yet."

He pointed toward the pale sky.

Nathalie rubbed her stiff neck. "I couldn't sleep well, but thirty minutes is enough. Do you want to rest for a bit?"

"No, we'll rest together when this is all over." Nicol shook his head, then added, "I scouted the area. We can cross the river if we head that way, but we can't keep pushing deeper. We're still on the edge, so it's relatively safe. The deeper we go, the more unknown variables we'll face. You need to think carefully about our next move."

Nathalie grabbed another bottle of water and tossed it to him before taking a large swig from her own. Wiping her mouth, she said, "Then let's ambush them right here. They've been hunting us this whole time. Now it's our turn to deal with them."

Nicol flashed a wide, teeth-baring grin. "Not bad. You've got guts. But you better mentally prepare yourself, this is going to be incredibly dangerous."

Nathalie offered a faint smile. "I prepared myself a long time ago."

Nicol nodded approvingly. "I figured as much. While you were sleeping, I put together a couple of makeshift ghillie suits. Throw this on, lay flat in the thickest brush, keep your breathing shallow, and don't stare directly at anyone for too long. They won't spot you easily."

Almost the exact second they settled into their spots, several figures emerged from the tree line where the morning light pierced the canopy.

They all carried rifles, advancing cautiously toward the river, their postures tight and deadly serious.

Seeing this, Nathalie held her breath. Remembering Nicol's advice, she kept her eyes moving, refusing to lock her gaze on any single target for too long.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Nicol made his move. Three precise shots rang out, and the three men at the front dropped instantly.

His marksmanship was flawless, but it instantly alerted the rest of the squad. The men lagging behind scrambled for cover and unleashed a hail of suppressive fire in his direction.