#Chapter 23: A Bleeding Friend

Aldrich

The hours between battle were usually too somber to talk about life. Soldiers normally liked to bond with the brothers they battled with, but it was often too emotionally difficult to formulate words. There was too much blood spilled and lives lost to talk like it wasn't happening.

It was also hard to talk about life outside of war in case you didn't get home to continue it.

But it was different this time. Last time, I didn’t know Cathy. Now, she filled the spaces of silence from my lips perpetually, each drop of silence dried by her name.

“You seem to really love this girl,” Agar chuckled, sharpening his dagger with his claws.

Agar had to hear most of my ramblings. He was my second in command warrior, replacing Alan’s spot for this war. I only told him about Cathy because he was my most trusted and worthy warrior. He was the only one who accompanied me in my general chambers tent, wide awake while everyone rested.

“And she has