A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 791

"Watch out!"

Cyprian, ever on edge, sensed something amiss behind them and in a split second, lunged forward with Matilda in his arms, just as a scream tore through the air—

"Ah!!!"

Suddenly, a cloud of black smoke billowed up from the street as a car exploded into a shower of parts, the blast sending shockwaves through the ground. Matilda felt the earth tremble beneath her, and the screams of nearby residents filled the air, including those of a local diner's staff. It was chaos, with the risk of a serious stampede brewing!

"Stay calm!"

Cyprian bellowed, his voice raw with urgency. "Robert, get over there and control the crowd! Baxter, start evacuating the pedestrians. Send a message to headquarters for backup!"

A child nearby burst into tears, overwhelmed. Amidst the cries of panic and the haze of smoke, Matilda caught a glimpse of Chloe being held safe in Godfrey's arms, seemingly unharmed. As for herself...

Cyprian shielded her, and upon standing, swiftly pulled Matilda to her feet with a soldier's brisk efficiency. Frowning, he quickly regained his focus, pouring all his energy into the situation as his pager beeped incessantly.

"Cyprian, I'm okay, you can go..." Matilda began, but he abruptly scooped her up and carried her through the crowd to where his unit was stationed before setting her down. "Stay put right here, don't move. I need to handle the explosion."

Matilda was stunned by his commanding presence, his eyes alight with vigilance. "You weren't hurt in the blast, were you?"

"No, thank you, Cyprian."

"Mhm."

With that, Cyprian turned and walked away. In moments of crisis, people like him charged towards the danger, the first responders in the face of disaster.

The soldier earnestly opened the water for her. "Ma'am, you stay here. We're going to Mr. Layton's side, please don't come over!"

After the soldier ran off towards the billowing smoke and the area was quickly cordoned off, the blare of sirens filled the sky, and people huddled together, weeping.

When the bomber's mangled remains were dragged out, bystanders turned away, sickened by the sight of what was left.

With tears in her eyes, Matilda absorbed the scene, her thoughts racing. Where were Eugene and Logan?

Just as she was about to ask for help, a voice called out. Turning, she saw Criss, his face caked with dust, running towards her. "Matilda, have you seen my brother? He was with Logan!"

Eugene and Logan together?