Alexander hastily settled into the driver's seat, and Mason quickly took his place in the passenger seat of the car. The vehicle had six seats, providing everyone with comfortable seating arrangements. Finn and Jennie sat together in the back seat, while Gabrial, Coral and Aria sat side by side.
An air of fear enveloped the group as the sky darkened, the wind intensified, and the atmosphere turned cold and foreboding, causing everyone to shiver.
"I just want to go home," Aria whimpered, trembling with fear. Coral glanced at her and gently wrapped her arms around her, offering comfort.
"Don't worry, big sis. Everything will be alright. I'll make sure to protect you," Coral reassured her in a soothing voice.
Though Coral felt afraid herself, she had encountered tsunamis, typhoons, and earthquakes in the open ocean before. She knew how to handle such situations.
The car raced along the road at its maximum speed, as it was situated very close to the ocean. The sound of splashing water and the clash of waves could be heard from outside the windows.
"Drive faster, Alexander!" Mason exclaimed, his eyes wide with alarm as he peered outside the window. He feared that the powerful typhoon might trigger a tsunami.
***
Moonlight Manor
"I'm getting bored, James! Let's watch some TV," Sofia suggested, reaching for the remote on the coffee table and snuggling up in James's arms.
She switched on the television, and a random news channel appeared on the screen.
In a serious tone, Reporter 1 announced, "Breaking news! For the first time in twelve years, the eastern side of Country M, particularly D Wing, is facing a perilous typhoon!"
"We have obtained satellite footage displaying the magnitude of the hurricane and its eye. It's truly a sobering sight," added Reporter 2, showcasing satellite images and videos.
"This typhoon's strength is unprecedented in this region. Citizens must take immediate precautions and remain indoors until further notice," advised an expert meteorologist.
"It is fortunate that the ocean in question is private property and has been uninhabited for years. However, rescue teams are on standby, ready to assist anyone who may be found near the coastline."
"Oh my goodness, James! This typhoon looks so scary," Sofia exclaimed, her eyes widening in fear. However, when she looked up at James, she saw him staring blankly at the TV.
"James," she said, trying to shake him, but he seemed lost in his thoughts. Finally, he snapped back to reality.
"Alex," James's voice quivered as he continued to stare at the TV.
"James, tell me what happened," Sofia pleaded, alarm bells ringing in her mind, and she started feeling increasingly anxious.
"Don't tell me Alex, Coral, and their friends went there..." Sofia's fingers trembled as she spoke.
James looked at her blankly, nodding his head in confirmation before snapping back to his senses. He gently pushed Sofia away from his arms, still fixated on the TV.
He finally took out his phone and called Alexander.
First ring.
Second ring.
Finally, someone answered the phone.
"H-hello," James said, trying to catch his breath.
"I can't hear you, Dad! But if you can hear me, I'm stuck here. I'm driving my car to leave the place. Please send an emergency helicopter for our quick rescue! H-hello? Hello?" Alexander spoke rapidly, his words tumbling out.
Beep.
Beep.
James looked at his phone and quickly called his team.
"Quickly arrange our private helicopter," he said, giving instructions as he paced around anxiously. "And prepare our medical team in the plane for a quick rescue."
Sofia was quietly crying. She didn't want to disturb James, who was focused on rescuing Alexander, Coral, and the other children.
After ending the call, James walked towards Sofia and embraced her. "Don't worry, love, everything will be alright. I've made all the necessary arrangements. Alex is smart; he'll handle the situation," James comforted her, patting her back and kissing her forehead.
"Love, I need to leave to rescue them. Please wait for us, alright?" he said softly. Sofia nodded her head as James grabbed his coat and car keys, heading outside.
As Sofia watched James leave, she cried out, hugging her knees tightly. She continued to watch the news on TV intently. She knew she couldn't help in this situation; if she tried, she would only become a burden.
"Ma'am, here's some water," the maid said, handing Sofia a glass. Sofia gulped it down in one go, trying to calm her anxiety as she kept her eyes glued to the TV.