Mousserende håb

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

PROLOG
7. DECEMBER 1941
PEARL HARBOR
"uNeéj! GrhaLcesj bs'krgijgp swkamrU fgÉemnunem Vljuaftesn PoSg' gacva zet vskarApt ekPkuoi ,mod fClByÉepnMels dronSeÉ oGveBr oms.
"Grace, stop! April råbte, og hendes hånd gled fra Grace' håndled. "Grace!
Flyene var øredøvende, brølet var så lavt og højt, at da Grace kiggede op, kunne hun se pilotens ansigt, kunne se hans smil, før han udløste en strøm af kugler, der regnede ned omkring dem. De var under angreb!
"Grace! April kaldte igen.
MVen *GrWarced TignorereOde hDeGndzez,S heWnvdWesL øjhne( ivar lKåsmt fasat npå &Paop.py, såA 'tnæt óplåv forgi PalligOexvSeél msjåC lXavnOgZtF væJk),& deQr TbtøjedCe Qs(ig nedx Jmoda enz krKuBm h(vJaZlOph. t"Lóøbi!" råbt&e hu_n Dt&iylU sin ivMenliCngdLe.x "PPopbp*y,_ uldøbr!
Poppy stod stille, hendes øjne var fyldt med rædsel, mens hun så op på Grace med åben mund, som om hun var ved at råbe tilbage.
Grace begyndte at sprinte, desperat for at nå Poppy, for at gøre noget, hvad som helst, for at redde hende. Hvad var det, der skete? Hvem skød på dem? Hvorfor ville Poppy ikke bevæge sig?
Sekunder føltes som dage, da Poppy endelig begyndte at løbe, men så omsluttede stærke arme Grace bagfra, da hendes skrig sad fast i hendes hals og holdt hende tilbage og tvang hende til at stoppe.
"Laad Émi'gX gåf! tG)rWacHeH råbYte joQgy sg(iCsRppecdIe, LmAenjs f!oltkD b^egyIndRteK at fjaklde$ Wnedz otvVeDré &mcaIrkepnN,B Dm*enós ldeGns FubdaSrnmuhHj$erwtiige drxoZneY PfBolr_tLsa'tt*e,h am&mWuOnHitiion rsegnaeLdgel ned frax UhHiUmlewn FsNom en OvoTlwdso)mN ks&toGrPmÉ, d(er ópissJksedKei RlanydveRtO. d"XVij må (nå vhSewnX tiOlX phIenade!!w
"Nej. Ordet blev hvisket, men det var stadig en ordre. Teddy havde fat i hende, Teddy trak hende tilbage, og lige meget hvor meget hun kløede sig til ham eller kæmpede imod, så slap han hende ikke.
Grace kunne kun se på i rædsel og skreg til Poppy, mens én tanke ekkoede igen og igen gennem hendes hoved. Vær sød at lade Poppy leve.

KAPITEL ET
PEARL HARBOR, NOVEMBER 1941
GRACE
"HD)u WskiaRl hoLldóe sopD kmeZdX a't Pkiggge Xpyå( TeddByP,I" uhavisCkceld,e& GAUprilC UoKgg AsTk,ukbVbedek GheqnDd(e yhQårjdt i cs.iSdGen^.d ^"gDet zerÉ p^iénslTiLg)tO.A
Grace stirrede på sin søster, trak sig væk fra hende og krydsede armene stramt over brystet, mens hendes kinder begyndte at brænde. "Jeg kigger ikke på ham!" hvæsede hun.
Teddy var hendes bedste vens kæreste, og hvad hun end tænkte om ham, så ville det aldrig blive til noget. Punktum. Desuden forgudede Teddy Poppy, og hendes veninde forgudede ham lige tilbage. Det ville knuse Poppys hjerte, hvis hun vidste, hvad Grace følte for sin kæreste.
"Jeg kan stadig ikke tro, at vi er her," sagde April med et smil og slog igen armene sammen med hende på trods af Graces protest. 'Er det her et paradis eller hvad?'
GSrpac*eI égqaNv e_fter éogt Llnæn!ende Tsing 'o_p awd hFenwde$ og tilgaRvn siznf søystce(r Ii Wé.tr gsYtorjt sUukR,' men(s Vde slentéreNdxeI laUnAgnsW sGtranjdenT. cAprhiÉlF dhav.de sit jb_lonldme hå&r løsht qoéve^r skulnd'réen,e,' oFgN detF vaDr $bl,øddAt !mUod )Grnakces Mkind, oxg hendes Ib&låL øjnwe lignheódÉe $dUezrvesF AmAorYs PsåF mhegeBtR,O *nåVrK Ihunc k$iOgjgvebdXeU gneZds på hekndcef. U"H)e^lYtz sirkhkert emt pTarardmisG,d", vars hu'n re$nigP,p mXen&s dhuWn fPlyDtLtxedeG blikkkret )fra sinU jsøstOejr nogX Zs_tnirrePde ^ud póå Sde&t ltqucrkisCes BvtanJdé, Khjvor utiddIe&vgaDnd_et VblCidtC slkyl*ledXeq (iCn.d nmodR jsandBegt., cDet vLar )heznVdUes iQdxéw ,om himleMn Kocg sMåI lanHgtg væk fara dYerwes livY Wit OfrNeguon, hkvHorI deZrz ikkwe varS tandeOtu endR saTnd GogH pSaLlmeAr så$ lanagftk øKjUeBt raÉkLtDek.D
"En af de andre piger sagde, at vi snart skal have nogle fodboldskader," sagde April. 'Tilsyneladende elsker de drenge, der er stationeret her, alle sammen starten på fodboldsæsonen.'
Grace nikkede og så på, hvordan en hest og en rytter kom nærmere, pigens fødder var bare, og det mørke hår strømmede ud bag hende, mens hun red langs vandlinjen. Grace kneb øjnene sammen og holdt en hånd op for at skærme øjnene for den sene eftermiddagssol, så hun kunne blive ved med at kigge på hende. Hvis fodboldskader var det værste, de forventede, så ville hun klare sig fint.
"Tror du, at vi kan ride på hesteryg? Grace spurgte.
SoUm* p(igPe qhauvdGeF hun) *adltsidV ønIsbk&e.t' $at ri,deK,w poYgq yat ysey fhe*ste!nI kjrydse s_aWnmdLeMtC bqruagóteT dGeXn$ dføZlkelUsVe IfMra barrUnNdommVen ligNe t'ilbGaÉge.
"Vent!
Grace vendte sig om på Poppys opfordring, og hendes venindes lyse smil smittede af på hende, da hun løb og indhentede dem. Hun kiggede tilbage på Teddy, der nu gik i det fjerne, men han løftede stadig hånden for at vinke til hende. Grace vendte sig hurtigt bort og sukkede, da hun så Poppy give ham kys over skulderen. Hendes venindes mørke hår var blankt i det skarpe sollys, hendes røde læber fik hende til at se endnu mere markant ud end normalt, og ikke for første gang var hun lidt i ærefrygt over, hvor smuk hun var.
"Er han på vej tilbage til basen? spurgte April.
"KJa. (Vi se,r$ hadm !dOog LiÉ a'fXt!enV rtUiIl HfDestCen).g
Grace greb Poppys hånd. 'Hvilken fest? Jeg troede, vi havde et udgangsforbud for at holde os alle inde om natten?
'Der er åbenbart et stort hus ved stranden, og vi er alle inviteret!' Poppy fortalte dem det. 'Folk her elsker alle sygeplejerskerne og soldaterne, så det sociale liv er fantastisk! Vi kommer til at have det så sjovt her.
"Helt sikkert et paradis," gentog Grace med et smil og rystede på hovedet. 'Sagde jeg ikke til jer begge, at dette ville være det perfekte sted at blive udstationeret?'
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"Hvor mange sommerkjoler har du pakket? spurgte April Poppy.
"Så mange som jeg kunne få plads til i min kuffert! svarede Poppy med et grin. 'Selv om gasmasken fyldte så meget. Helt ærligt, som om vi nogensinde får brug for den.
De gik hen over sandet, mens solen slog ned på deres bare arme, og Grace vendte ansigtet op mod solen. 'Hvad ville vi lave, hvis vi stadig var hjemme?'
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"Åhh, stop! Grace stønnede. "Jeg vidste ikke, at mænds bagdele kunne se så ...
"Behårede? Poppy drillede.
'Ugh.' Grace slog med hænderne og grinede. 'Der har helt sikkert været flere uinteressante, end jeg havde forventet.'
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"Hvordan er det sket? spurgte Poppy. "Hvordan var vi så heldige?
Grace strakte sig ud, mens hendes blonde hår flagrede rundt om hende, mens hun betragtede den klare lyseblå himmel over hende. "Aner det ikke, men jeg er så glad for, at vi gjorde det.
'Tror du, at vi nogensinde kommer til at se krig? Min bedstefar sagde, at ingen ønsker at se vores drenge blive sendt af sted," sagde Poppy, da de alle lå tre på en række med udstrakte arme. "Han tror ikke, at det nogensinde vil ske.
"La^d o^sj bar(e hwåbe,D &awt ^vi kfbåPrT mloFv til a$t TbliÉve her KiW mBinndmstc jet ålry,g" sagqdteX Apbréi'l smedd eFt sgVab). T'D!eyt hGe$r er livretv. Ders JviTlP i)k.k&e Wske Do!s nvogetN herh - $det erx .det dsikrne^stze (syt(ejd i verdWenn pfor qosp at nv&æMre.'
Grace kunne ikke forestille sig, at der nogensinde ville komme krig på Hawaii; fra det øjeblik, de var gået af båden, havde det virket umuligt, at noget frygteligt nogensinde kunne ske på den maleriske ø Oahu. Indtil nu var hjem alt, hvad hun havde kendt, men dette? Dette var noget andet.
"Far fortalte mig, at Amerika lod som om, at verden ikke var i krig, men at de ikke kunne holde sig ude af den meget længere," sagde Grace og huskede, hvad deres far havde sagt aftenen før de var blevet sendt af sted. Men da April vendte sig om og var klar til at modsige hende, ville hun ønske, at hun havde løjet og ladet som om, hun havde tænkt det hele selv.

"Der er ingen grund til at gå med i krigen - ikke endnu - uanset hvad far siger," sagde April med en stemme fuld af autoritet, som altid. "Desuden er vi helt sikkert i sikkerhed som en kirke her. Jeg har hørt, at det er alt for lavt til et torpedoangreb fra luften, og der er for mange kampe i Europa til, at de nogensinde vil bekymre sig om denne lille ø.
"Hvad med at vi bare har det sjovt," sagde Poppy og rullede med øjnene, som om de allerede havde kedet hende til tårer. "Vi kan lade vores ledere i Washington tage sig af truslen om krig, mens vi er her og soler os og nyder stranden. Og hvordan i alverden ved du egentlig noget om torpedoangreb fra luften?
"Hej, de damer," sagde en dyb mandestemme og distraherede dem alle.
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Hun rullede sig om og skubbede sig op på knæ, før hun rejste sig op og gav først April og derefter Poppy en hånd op. "Hej, officerer," sagde hun og smilede til de flotte unge mænd.
"Hvornår kom I dejlige damer?" spurgte en af mændene.
"Lige i dag," sagde April samtidig med, at Grace åbnede munden for at tale. April gjorde altid det, at tale for hende, og det var ikke første gang, Grace måtte bide sig i tungen for ikke at skændes med sin storesøster. April var kun atten måneder ældre, men nogle gange fik hun det til at føles som år. "Vores skib lagde til i morges.
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"Er I alle blevet inviteret til festen i aften?
"Ja," sagde hun, før April kunne svare på deres vegne. "Ses vi der?
Mændene skubbede til hinanden og smilede. "Det vil I helt sikkert.
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"Skal vi tage tilbage til hospitalet, og så gå på opdagelse på øen og mødes med de andre sygeplejersker senere? Grace spurgte.
"Ja. Så kan vi alle spise middag sammen, inden vi tager af sted," sagde April.
Poppy nikkede ja, og de begyndte alle at gå, mens de så på, at nogle fly udførte træningsøvelser i den nære afstand, mens de pilede frem og tilbage. Flyene virkede ikke virkelige med de tårnhøje palmer som baggrund, hvis tynde stammer rakte så højt op i luften, men der var jo ikke noget ved at være udstationeret på en tropisk ø, der virkede virkeligt. Når hun kiggede den ene vej, var der sand og vand, den anden vej var der træer og frodigt grønt græs, så billedskønt som muligt.
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Grace kæmpede mod trangen til at rulle med øjnene igen. Redde liv? Hun havde det langt bedre med at udføre nogle lette sygeplejeopgaver, møde flotte officerer og sparke hælene op som et nyfødt føl hver aften. April havde måske større ambitioner, men hendes søsters mave var meget stærkere end hendes.
"Er der nogen, der har lyst til en svømmetur? spurgte Poppy med sine perfekt malede øjenbryn hævet som et spørgsmål.
"Du er sindssyg," sagde April og trak Poppy med sig for at forhindre hende i at springe i vandet. "Absolut ikke!
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Hun holdt fast i Poppys hånd, mens de gik tilbage mod Tripler General Hospital for at få deres vagtplaner og finde ud af præcis, hvor mange timer om dagen de ville have til at få det bedste ud af Hawaii. De andre sygeplejersker ville myldre rundt, og hun kunne ikke vente med at se, om de alle skulle med til festen, for ikke at tale om, hvordan deres barakker så ud, og hvor de rent faktisk skulle bo det næste år eller to. Det ville blive den bedste tid i deres liv - det vidste hun bare. Og måske ville hun endelig kunne træde ud af sin storesøsters skygge.
"Kom så, de damer! meddelte Poppy og svingede rundt i rummet, mens hendes smukke nederdel flagrede rundt om hende. Hendes hår var sat højt op på hovedet, hendes fyldige læber var malet røde igen, og kinderne var lige så ru, at hendes høje kindben kom til syne.
Grace afsluttede med at stryge lyserød læbestift over sine læber og smækkede dem sammen, mens hun lukkede sin pudderdåse og håbede, at hun så bare halvt så godt ud som sin veninde. Det lille spejl havde været næsten umuligt at lægge makeup i, men hun var endelig færdig. Hun rørte ved sit hår, hvor de blonde krøller lige akkurat strejfede hendes skuldre, og tog sin taske op.
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Grace gik over for at hjælpe, trak lynlåsen op i toppen og lagde forsigtigt sin søsters hår tilbage over skulderen, så det kunne falde ned ad ryggen på hende. De var begge blonde, næsten i samme nuance som deres mor havde været, men Aprils hår var langt og bølget, så meget lettere at krølle end Graces og så ufatteligt tykt. Men hun vidste, at for alle andre lignede de meget søstre, deres øjne havde den samme dybe blå farve, selv om April var højere end hende og ikke helt så lille.
"Tak," sagde April, da hun vendte sig om. "Spændt?
Grace skubbede sin søster på skuldrene. "Latterligt! Hun havde aldrig boet andetsteds end hjemme før, og nu var de her, milevidt fra Oregon og på vej til at få deres livs bedste tid. Hun havde stadig dårlig samvittighed over, at de havde efterladt deres far og var bekymret for, hvordan han ville klare sig alene, selv om han gladeligt havde skubbet dem ud af døren og sagt, at de skulle more sig.
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"Jeg har hørt, at det er en let sag. Det er bare snitsår og småskader, ikke noget svært," sagde Poppy og tog begge deres hænder, da hun kom imellem dem og trak dem med sig mod døren. "Kom nu - Teddy sagde, at han ville hente os i en bil, så vi ikke skulle gå!
Grace slugte et gys af nervøsitet væk og ønskede, at Teddy ikke var stationeret præcis samme sted som dem. Han havde været væk i flere måneder nu, og hun vidste, at Poppy var vanvittigt glad for at være sammen med sin mand igen, men alligevel. Det ville have været nemmere uden at skulle se ham hver gang, så hun ikke behøvede at bekymre sig om, at nogen kunne finde ud af, hvad hun følte for ham. Hun havde forsøgt at bilde sig selv ind, at det bare var en forelskelse, men at se ham igen fik hende til at spekulere på, om hun nogensinde ville komme over sin forelskelse i ham.
"Teddy! Poppy råbte, da de trådte ud af deres kvarter, hvor en håndfuld biler stod på række og ventede i nærheden.
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"Jeg tror, de har brug for lidt privatliv," mumlede April. "Jeg rødmer bare af at se på dem.
"Kom så, de damer," råbte Teddy, der stadig holdt Poppy til side med den ene arm, mens han åbnede bildøren for dem.
"Tak," sagde Grace, mens hun hurtigt gik forbi ham, klatrede ind og rykkede sig ind for at give plads til April.
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"Alle fyrene vil blive så jaloux, når jeg kommer med de tre smukkeste sygeplejersker i Stillehavet på min arm," drillede Teddy og kastede et blik tilbage på dem.
Grace mærkede, hvordan hendes kinder blev varme, men hun kiggede hurtigt ud ad vinduet.
"Du skal ikke tro, at du har os tre helt for dig selv," drillede April tilbage. Hendes søster gjorde måske grin med hendes forelskelse, men hun havde aldrig sagt det til andre, og hun dækkede altid over hende, selv om Grace spekulerede på, om selv April vidste, hvad hun virkelig følte for ham. "Du er ikke den eneste flotte pilot i byen, Theodore.
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"Hvad synes du så om al denne fredssnak, Teddy? spurgte April.
"Lad os ikke ødelægge en sjov aften ved at tale om politik og krig," sagde han, mens han kørte. "Stillehavet vil forblive så fredeligt som det kan være - det kan du godt mærke på mine ord. Alle ved, at vi er så sikre, som det kan være her.
Grace kiggede på April og så det alvorlige udtryk i hendes ansigt, og hendes stramme kæbe afslørede hende. Hun vidste ikke, hvornår hendes søster var blevet så interesseret i politik eller i hvad der foregik, men hun virkede helt forvirret over tingene i dag. Vidste hun mere om truslen om krig, end hun havde ladet forstå?
",HvSorfnors er zdfu* VegNennDtjlwidg så( qbbeHkéymIr.ebtM Wf,oru kfredsforhandulDi$n$geprne? sXpuGrgte GrtabcKeB._ 'JnegZ ved ^ikgkPek evnFgang, XhHvad RdiuD vtalNewrn o_m!. HaMrÉ Cdqu høVrt) o,m Gdet ai VraNdNioen?
"Det er ingenting," sagde April, før hun rynkede panden og lænede sig tættere på. "Undskyld. Det var ikke min mening at ødelægge stemningen - det er bare noget, jeg hørte forleden om fredsforhandlingerne med japanerne, og det har gjort mig nervøs for, at der er mere i gære. Jeg ved det ikke, måske tænker jeg for meget over tingene. Jeg bliver bare ved med at bekymre mig om, at vi ikke er så sikre, som vi tror, vi er.
"April, bare nyd at være her," sagde Teddy. "Denne ø er paradisisk, og jo længere tid vi får lov at være her, jo bedre. Jeg vil gerne have, at du glemmer alt om krig i aften, okay?
Grace så på sin søster, som sad tilbage og rynkede panden, tydeligvis stadig væk i tanker. Grace havde altid været den sjove, den risikovillige, mens April var mere alvorlig og altid var hurtig til at komme sin lillesøster til undsætning. Hun ville ønske, at April kunne løsne op og bare slappe af nogle gange, som de andre kunne, men hun genkendte den bekymrede rynken i øjnene. Det var begyndt, da deres mor var død, og det mindede hende altid om, hvor meget hendes storesøster altid havde skullet tage sig af.
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"Så kører vi, de damer," sagde han. Han steg ud og åbnede en dør for dem. "Glem ikke at opføre jer ordentligt.
Grace smilede op til ham, da hun steg ud, før hun tog sin søsters hånd, mens de betragtede det smukke hus foran dem, musikken filtrerede ud og trak dem ind, unge mænd i uniform vrimlede overalt, og cirka halvt så mange kvinder i smukke sommerkjoler fyldte resten af rummet. Hun havde aldrig set noget lignende i sit liv.
"Jeg føler, at jeg endelig er blevet voksen," hviskede Grace, da de gik op ad trappen ind i huset. "Det her sted er fantastisk.
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