When Lexie opened her eyes again, she found herself buried beneath a heavy mound of soil mixed with hot ash.
Every tiny movement felt agonizing. The world spun wildly around her the instant she regained consciousness, and a steady stream of blood dripped continuously from her nose, pooling across her face. Her small body was pinned beneath fallen timber and earth, completely trapped.
Her very first thought was not of her own injuries, but of her family.
Despite the blinding dizziness and intense pain, she clawed at the debris with relentless determination. The final blast had landed directly over their retreat, leaving her disoriented, furious, and utterly terrified for their safety.
She fought through the weight of the dirt, freeing her limbs until she finally managed to crawl out into the open air.
The scene waiting for her was worse than the aftermath of the triple full moons.
