Chapter 43

"Astrid!!"

The sound cut through the chaos, slicing into me like a knife.

I turned so fast my head almost snapped.

And there, on the other side of the flames, stood my mother and Chloe.

My heart nearly stopped.

They were alive. Alive!

And unharmed.

I stumbled forward, barely able to process it. My body moved before my mind could catch up. They were supposed to be dead. I had seen it—I had felt the agony of losing them—

But they were here.

My mother's voice cracked as she called out to me. "Astrid, baby, please tell me you're alright!"

I choked on a sob, wiping at my tear-streaked face. My body was still trembling, my hands unsteady. "I—I'm fine!" I shouted back, voice hoarse from screaming.

I glanced at the burning wreckage again, my mind racing. The car… it had exploded with them inside. I had seen it.