Chapter 29 - The Collapse
The anti-materiel round tore through the reinforced concrete pillar with a deafening roar that shook the entire estate. Dust, concrete shrapnel, and splintered oak exploded into the air as the ceiling above began to groan and fracture.
The Directorate operatives scattered in panic, their synchronized formation breaking as massive chunks of the vaulted ceiling crashed down around them. Two operatives were pinned instantly beneath a fallen steel beam, while the others scrambled backward toward the shattered balcony.
Arthur scrambled to his feet, coughing violently in the thick gray dust, his tailored suit ruined, his silver hair matted with plaster. He turned and bolted toward the exterior exit.
"Marcus, cover the bunker!" Damian shouted through the roaring thunder of the collapsing structure.
He didn't pursue Arthur. He sprinted back toward the sub-basement access panel, tearing open the heavy steel blast doors just as the primary hallway caved in entirely, sealing the upper levels in a tomb of fire and rubble.
Inside the panic room, Clara was holding Lily tightly against her chest, while Elena stood near the control console, monitoring the perimeter feeds.
"The upper structure is gone," Elena reported, her voice taut. "Is everyone out?"
"Marcus is securing the perimeter," Damian said, catching his breath as he slammed the emergency shutdown sequence to seal the bunker from surface gas or fire infiltration.
Lily looked up from her mother’s arms, her eyes wide and calm. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a fresh sheet of paper, and handed it to Damian.
May you like
He unfolded it.
There was no storm. There was no monster. There was only a bright yellow sun, a sturdy green house with an open door, and four stick figures standing together under a clear sky.
