The first explosion sounded distant.

The second hit close enough to shake the ground beneath Loris's boots. Screams erupted. Scaffolding collapsed. Smoke and dust swallowed the street. Loris moved without hesitation, pulling civilians to safety and shielding others with his own body. His shield remained strapped to his back. There wasn't time.

He was the shield.

Ash drifted through the air as he hauled a dazed man upright and shoved him toward safety.

"North route's clear!" he barked. "Move!"

Another blast rocked the street. Brick and debris rained down around him.

This wasn't an accident.

Someone wanted the district wiped clean. Ignoring the ache in his body, Loris pushed forward through the smoke, eyes searching desperately for survivors.

For someone he could still save.