The earth-shattering explosion boomed through the sky like a grand, gut-wrenching wail of grief.
Cassian froze dead in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat entirely.
The roaring flames billowing skyward and the churning black smoke twisted into a blood-red demonic shadow, its distorted, menacing form burning clearly in the depths of his dark pupils.
'No... Vespera was still inside!'
His feet moved forward on their own before he even registered the action.
Before his boot could hit the ground, his executive aide spotted what he was about to do, grabbed his arm with both hands, and yanked him back with all his might.
"Mr. Thorne! It is too late! There is no time, I swear!"
'What do you mean too late?'
Cassian could not feel the grip on his arm, nor could he make out who was
