The explosion ripped through the air, shaking the ground beneath John’s boots. Dust and debris rained down like ash, the world collapsing into chaos. Kai was already moving, his scream lost in the deafening roar as he lunged toward the burning building.

John saw it all in a blur—Kai’s brother crumpling to the ground, blood pooling fast, and Kai’s reckless sprint toward the flames. Without thinking, John surged forward, his hand closing around Kai’s arm mid-air.

“Stop!” John’s voice was a bark, rough and commanding, as he yanked Kai back with all his strength. The force sent them both tumbling into the dirt, heat from the blast searing their skin.

Kai thrashed, wild and desperate, but John didn’t let go. He gritted his teeth, digging his knees into the ground to anchor them both. “You go in there, you die too!” he growled, his voice raw and unyielding.

The fire raged on behind them, and John’s grip didn’t falter, even as Kai fought to break free.