"My hair!" Max grunted, clutching his head where Alina had yanked him out by his long hair. His head throbbed as he sat up slowly, blinking in confusion. "What... the hell... was that?"
Beside him, Alina was doubled over, panting, her breaths ragged. "It's good we got out in time…" she whispered, eyes fixed on the door they'd just escaped through. It had slammed shut on its own, probably triggered by Solador's protective enchantments reacting to the explosion.
Ray stepped in, offering Max a hand and pulling him to his feet. "You alright?"
"I think so…" Max groaned, rubbing his scalp. But as he steadied himself, a jolt of panic hit him. His eyes darted around. "Wait… where's Jack?"
Both Alina and Ray froze.
For a second, they'd forgotten about him.
"He's still inside," Ray said, his voice tense.
Alina's face drained of color. Her fists clenched.
