Breaking Free from Betrayal

Synopsis

The obstacle course stretched before us like a battlefield, all mud and ropes and wooden barriers designed to break the spirit. My muscles burned as I hauled myself over yet another wall, the November chill seeping through my sweat-soaked fatigues. Three years of ROTC training at Northwestern, and I still hated this part—the physical strain I could handle, but the mud? It got everywhere. I landed with a splash, glancing over my shoulder to check on Ryan. He was a few paces behind, his broad shoulders tensed with effort. For a moment, our eyes met, and I flashed him an encouraging smile. He didn't return it. "Parker! Eyes forward!