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CHAPTER- 50 In the Shadow of Loss

Hey everyone, I'm really sorry for the long delay! My laptop had some serious issues, but it's finally fixed now. I'll be updating regularly and finishing the story soon. Thanks for your patience!

NOW ENJOY THE STORY AND PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT YOUR FEEDBACK

AUTHOR'S POV

Alaric looked up as the loud cracking sound echoed through the hall. A large piece of the terrace above them was about to fall. Without thinking, he pulled Estella into his arms, shielding her from the falling debris. The terrace crashed down on both of them, sending dust and pieces of the building flying everywhere.

Estella felt the impact but was safe under Alaric's protective embrace. She was scared, but she knew Alaric was doing everything he could to keep her safe. "Alaric!" she whispered, her voice trembling, but there was no response. He had taken the brunt of the fall.

Outside the building, Ian and Charlotte were anxiously waiting. They could see the terrace collapsing, and Charlotte's heart sank. Her eyes filled with tears as she cried, " ESTELLA...No, no, no! It's all my fault! I shouldn't have let go of Estella's hand! It's all my fault!" She was weeping, blaming herself for what had happened.

Ian was trying to comfort her, but he was worried too. He hugged Charlotte, holding her tightly as she cried. He tried to stay strong for her, but deep down, he was just as scared. ""Charlotte, it's not your fault. We'll find them. The rescuers are doing their best, Alaric and Estella will be okay," he whispered, though he wasn't sure himself. 

His voice was shaky, and his mind was filled with fear. He couldn't stop thinking about Alaric and Estella. Where were they? Were they hurt? God please protect them.

The scene outside the building was chaotic. The police, media, and ambulances were everywhere. The rescue teams were working as fast as they could, clearing debris and looking for people trapped inside. The media were covering everything, broadcasting the scene live, while the rescuers worked diligently, trying to save as many lives as possible.

As more time passed, Ian and Charlotte became even more worried. The rescuers had already found 45 bodies, and the reality of the disaster was sinking in. "I can't take this anymore," Charlotte whispered, tears streaming down her face. "What if... what if they don't make it?" Ian didn't have an answer. He felt disheartened too, fearing the worst for Alaric and Estella.

Suddenly, one of the rescuers shouted, "Sir, we found some movement!" Ian and Charlotte's hearts leaped in their chests. They rushed over to the area where the rescuers were working.

After moving some of the debris, the rescuers uncovered a man and a woman. The woman was moving slightly, though she had injuries on her hands. The man, however, was unconscious, his arms wrapped protectively around the woman. His head was bleeding.

"That's them!" Ian shouted, recognizing Estella and Alaric.

The rescuers worked quickly to free them. Estella was still in shock, her face pale and her hands trembling. Ian and Charlotte ran toward her, shouting her name.

"Estella!" Ian cried, his voice filled with relief. They reached her and hugged her tightly. Estella, still dazed, hugged Charlotte back and began to cry.

"Alaric... Alaric," she whispered through her tears, pointing in the direction where the rescuers were carrying him toward the ambulance. Ian followed her gaze and saw Alaric being taken away, his head still bleeding, and his body limp. "They're taking him to the ambulance," Ian said, his voice shaking. "Come on, we'll follow them," Ian said urgently.