When the smoke cleared, a chaotic scene emerged. The sharp smell of explosives filled the air, and shards of glass sparkled on the floor like scattered stars. Avery's heart raced as she tried to understand what had happened. The explosion echoed in her ears.
"Dad!" she shouted, struggling against Lucas and Damien's hold. "Where's my dad?"
Lucas squeezed her hand tightly. "We really have to move, Avery. None of this is safe here."
Damien looked around the room, checking for dangers. "He's right. We need to leave now."
Avery fought back tears as they dragged her away from the ruined safe house. She thought about her father's last words, "I'm sorry, Avery." What was he sorry for? What was he going to tell her about her mother?
