When the gang finally gathered their breath, the anxiety in the night air was palpable. Isabella's heart was still racing from what had happened only a few hours before. The unrelenting flooding that Victor's troops unleashed destroyed the underground sanctuary that had served as their safe haven. However, a fresh sensation of hope arose in them as they stood amid the thick jungle on the edge of the tiny African settlement. For now, at least, they were free.
Although Isabella was relieved that they were safe, she couldn't help but think of her father. In the confusion, Brad had been left behind. The idea twisted like a knife in her stomach. It was a miracle that any of them had survived the intense water that tore through the underground compound. Beside her were Xander, Solomon, and Christine, their faces sombre, their clothes filthy and wet. They were also struggling to answer the question that no one wanted to voice aloud: Had Brad lived?
"Isabella," Xander said in a soft yet autho
