The helicopters lifted off from the crumbling island as the final explosions ripped through its core, sending plumes of fire and smoke into the night sky. The once-lush paradise was reduced to a burning wreck, its beaches littered with debris, its buildings collapsing into the sea with thunderous crashes. Cedric watched from the window of the lead helicopter, his face pressed against the cold glass, Lily on one side and Mia on the other. Their small bodies leaned into him, seeking comfort in the chaos. Elena sat across from them, her face haunted, pale and drawn under the harsh red emergency lights of the cabin. Gianni piloted the helicopter, his jaw tight, hands steady on the controls despite the blood on his knuckles and the exhaustion in his eyes. Anna was in the second helicopter, coordinating the evacuation of the rescued children, her voice crackling over the radio with grim efficiency.The body count was high, thirty-seven of their people dead, twice that wounded and broken. Th
Read more