CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The earth shudders beneath my feet, a low growl that rises from the bowels of the earth like a beast waking from a deep slumber. My heart races, the ground pitching and rolling as if the solid forest floor has turned to waves on a tumultuous sea. Trees sway violently, their roots clawing at the soil for purchase.
I stumble forward, my black hair whipping across my face as I try to keep my balance. Around me, the village descends into chaos. The quaint homes, once standing proud among the wilderness, groan and c***k, succumbing to the earthquake's wrath. Wooden beams snap, and thatched roofs collapse, sending plumes of dust into the air.
"Grace!" Lucas' voice cuts through the cacophony. He's there, strong and unyielding amidst the destruction, his hand reaching out for
