Chapter 1: Introduction

Liz starred out to sea, her eyes riveted to the horizon where the sky met the water. The waves rolled in a slow, hypnotic rhythm, each one crashing against the shore with a gentle hiss.

She had seen many landscapes during her time in the Special Operations Group, but the beach somehow held a unique allure. Maybe it was the simplicity of the scene, the lack of constant vigilance and the ever-present danger. Or maybe it was simply the peace that washed over her whenever she was near the ocean.

Liz leaned against the wooden pier’s railing starring out into the water , her mind drifting. The salty breeze ruffled her long black hair, which she had let loose for the day. The wind picked up, howling playfully, and to her surprise, her sun hat went tumbling off her head.

"Shit!" she cursed, lunging after it, but the gust was too strong. The hat took flight, soaring toward the water.

Jager, who was a few paces behind her, sprang into action. He dashed forward, extending a long arm to snatch the hat mid-air.

“gotcha” he called out, a smirk playing on his lips as he handed the hat back to Liz.

"Thanks, Jager," she said, relief in her voice as she took the hat from him. She ruffled his short black hair in return. “Dummy” she said playfully.