While they entangled with each other. Their was a sudden jolt. And then—-
Boooommm!
The aircraft jolted violently—like the wrath of some unseen god had cracked through the clouds and ripped the very air apart. Panels tore from the walls. Sparks sprayed like golden blood. Screams were drowned under the deafening roar of fire and ruptured steel.
The Empress slammed into the wall as the floor shifted beneath her, her arm instinctively reaching—but finding only empty air. In the sudden chaos, she was flung from Atlas, her shoulder bruising against a steel beam. Her breath was knocked out of her lungs.
He, too, was thrown across the corridor, and for a heartbeat, neither moved. The world spun.
"ATLAS!" Eli screamed, forcing herself up through the tilt of the deck.
He groaned. "I'm fine." But even that lie trembled on his tongue.
