Chapter 5: Destruction of the Thunder Clan
The sharp crack of the explosion froze Alex, his mind racing to process the sudden eruption of sound. It felt like the world itself had stilled—just long enough for panic to set in, for a moment. Then came the screams.
The chandelier above the grand hall swayed precariously, casting fractured light over the panicked crowd. Guests surged toward the exits, a tide of fear and confusion that Alex knew could turn dangerous instantly.
"Stay calm!" someone shouted, but the chaos drowned their voices.
Alex’s instincts took over. His eyes swept the room, assessing. The Thunder Castle. It was his first thought, sharp and immediate. The blast hadn’t come from the party—it was farther off. But close enough.
"Move to the side!" Alex barked, his voice cutting through the din like a blade. He moved through the crowd with purpose, weaving past clusters of people as they scrambled toward the ornate double doors at the far end of the hall.
"Alex!" Scott’s voice rang out from somewhere behind him.
He turned to see his friend waving frantically, Mia clutching his arm. Lauren and her friends stood nearby, eyes wide with alarm but not yet lost to panic. Alex pushed through the throng, reaching them in moments.
"Are you all okay?" he asked, his voice steady despite the pounding in his chest.
Scott nodded quickly. "We’re fine. What the hell was that?"
"Explosion," Alex said bluntly. "It’s from the Estate. The Thunder Estate."
Lauren’s sharp intake of breath drew his attention. Her usual cool demeanor was cracked, her hands gripping the edges of her gown tightly. "Are you sure?" she asked.