"MOVE!"
Theo's voice ripped through the cargo hold like a gunshot.
Lucian reacted instantly.
One arm locked around Allison's waist while he threw both of them backward out of the container.
The world detonated.
The explosion slammed through the ship hard enough to shake steel walls and crack lights overhead. Heat burst through the narrow corridor in a violent wave while metal screamed around them.
Allison hit the ground hard beneath Lucian's body shielding hers completely.
The blast roared through the cargo hold.
Then—
Darkness.
Smoke.
Ringing ears.
For one terrifying second, Allison couldn't hear anything except the high-pitched whine filling her skull.
Lucian's hand gripped the back of her head tightly.
Protective.
Instinctive.
"Allison."
His voice sounded distant.
Muffled.
Then sharper.
"Allison."
She blinked hard.
"I'm okay."
The second the words left her mouth, Lucian exhaled.
Not dramatic.
Not obvious.
But enough for her to feel it.
