Seraphine's fingers trembled slightly as she tightened her grip around Kana's wrist, pulling her out of the dimly lit hallway.
The air was heavy with the stench of burning wood and chemicals, and the sound of distant crackling grew louder with each step.
They pushed open the final door, stumbling out into the night air—just in time for the building behind them to erupt into a roar of flames.
The blast sent a hot wave rushing past them, forcing Kana to shield her face with her arms.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Seraphine placed a hand over her chest, breathing heavily, trying to process the fact that they had made it out alive.
Kana glanced at her, equally shaken, and muttered.
"That was… too close."
Seraphine nodded faintly, finally releasing the breath she'd been holding. Relief began to wash over her—at least, until she heard hurried footsteps approaching from behind.
