She wasn’t sure for how long she wandered aimlessly through the devastated platform, but her legs grew tired.
“Effie!”
She sobbed when Jane came out of nowhere and hugged her.
“You’re safe.” Jane wrapped her arms around her shoulders, shivering. She was covered in dust. Her gown was ripped in places, and her hair was thoroughly dishevelled. Aside from that, she seemed unhurt. “We need to leave.” Her voice sounded incredibly low and shaky.
Effie shook her head, running her tongue over her parched lips. “Tristan and Rowan.”
“Please.”
Effie searched the devastated platform as the dust started to settle. People were lying on the ground in different positions, limbs at impossible angles or missing altogether. A wave of nausea caught her at the thought that one of those people could be Tristan or Rowan.
“I can’t leave them here.”
Jane closed her hand firmly around her arm. “We’ll only be a hindrance, and Effie, I can’t stay here a minute longer. Please.”
Police officers and the fire brigade rushed to the platform. Those standing were shoved and jostled. A pair of firm hands grabbed her shoulders. She screamed.
“Madam,” an officer shouted, “you must leave. Now!” He pushed her towards the exit none too gently.
Tears blurred her sight as she let Jane drag her onwards, but the smoke was not the cause of them.
