Ash drifted through the air like gray snow as the last tongues of fire died across the street. The ground that had burned moments ago now cracked quietly, heat fading into dull warmth.
The thick orange mist still lingered between buildings but it thinned with every passing second and dissolving into the air.
Myles climbed out of the crater first. Victor followed, then Kade, Clara, George, and Daniel. They regrouped near the edge of the ruined road where Michael's team waited.
"It's done," Myles said. Relief showed clearly in his voice and in the way his shoulders lowered.
"Yes. It's done." Michael's reply came stiff. His eyes swept once over Myles' group before returning to neutral. The difference between their teams lingered in his mind, sharp and uncomfortable, but he forced the thought aside for now.
"Everybody okay?" Myles asked. His gaze shifted past Michael toward Rafe, Selene, and Darius. They stood upright without visible injuries.
