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Khalani realized just how much he’d held back in their fights. Compared to this, Takeshi treated her as if she were made of glass.

Brock regained his footing and snatched Takeshi’s elbow, throwing him over his shoulder. In the same moment, Takeshi grabbed his neck, bringing Brock to the ground with him.

They grappled fiercely until Brock gained the upper hand and landed a solid punch across his cheekbone. Her whole body tensed, but Takeshismiledand struck Brock in the throat. Brock heaved out, and that’s when Takeshi muscled his way on top and threw another punch.

But Brock somehow managed to block it and smashed his forehead against Takeshi’s.

Takeshi gnashed his teeth and maneuvered himself under Brock, locking him in a chokehold.

“Stop!” Derek suddenly yelled.

Without hesitation, Takeshi released Brock, and they all spun to Derek, confused.

“What the hell is that?” Derek pointed to the right.

They turned in unison.

Far off in the distance, a massive wall of sand advanced toward them. It had no end in sight and stretched to the heavens.

They all sucked in a collective breath as a stronger wind whipped sand across Khalani’s cheeks.

The storm surged closer, racing toward them with a speed she hadn’t thought was possible.

Brock rose to his feet, and for the first time, true fear reflected in his eyes.

“Run!”

5

They lived together and died the same way.

Khalani’s feet drove into the ground with all her might as her worn black sneakers kicked up sand behind her.

They raced across the desert like death itself nipped at their heels.

The sandstorm followed, inching closer.

Beside her, Winnie huffed in pain. Her lips twisted as her injured shoulder was repeatedly jostled, but they couldn’t afford to stop.

Any pause meant death.

Khalani stole a glance behind them, and the approaching storm seemed to swallow the entire landscape whole, covering miles in seconds.

“Quick!” Brock’s booming voice yelled. “Into that building!” He pointed to a structure a few stories high, at least half a mile away.

“C’mon, Winnie,” Khalani urged, tugging her harder as the wind whipped around their clothing, stinging their eyes, hitting them like a barrage.

“I can’t, Khalani,” Winnie moaned, her steps faltering.

“Yes, you can.” Khalani’s forearms burned as she wrapped an arm around Winnie, straining to support her weight.

Suddenly, Winnie yelped and collapsed onto the sand, hermouth falling open as she clutched her ankle. Khalani frantically slid her arms under Winnie’s armpits, exerting every ounce of strength to lift her.

“Get up, Winnie!”

A shadowy haze fell over them as the rising sand blocked out the sun. She dared to look behind her, and her heart stopped. The colossal storm inched closer with every passing second.

Khalani’s arms shook as she struggled to lift Winnie to her feet, but her own legs buckled beneath her.