Chapter 306

All transportation to the Aldenria border had been shut down. Renting a car was Evelyn and Rosalind’s only option.

They took turns driving through the night, exhaustion creeping in with every passing mile.

Evelyn kept dialing Liam’s number, her fingers trembling with each failed attempt. By dawn, they finally reached the checkpoint.

The scene before them was devastating. Emergency vehicles rushed past, sirens wailing. The sky was choked with a sickly violet haze, forcing everyone to wear protective masks.

A soldier stepped forward, his voice firm. "This area is restricted. Only authorized personnel are permitted beyond this point."

Evelyn’s breath hitched. "Where exactly was the explosion? Is the military base intact? Where’s General Blackwood? Is he alive?"

"I can’t disclose that information, ma’am. You need to leave."

Tears blurred her vision as she stared at the ominous sky. Her gaze fixed on the distant silhouette of the base.

Rosalind squeezed her hand. "Evelyn, he’s strong. Let’s find a place to stay nearby."

Evelyn shook her head, pointing at the toxic haze. "The contamination is severe. The water’s unsafe. People need medical help—those who inhaled the fumes, the injured—I can’t just walk away."

She turned back to the soldier, desperation lacing her voice. "Please. I’m a chemical researcher. I know how to handle this. You need me."

The soldier hesitated. "ID?"

Evelyn’s shoulders slumped. She had nothing. Rosalind gently pulled her back toward the car.

As Evelyn sank into the seat, she closed her eyes, the weight of helplessness crushing her.

"Do you think it was the hydronium?" Rosalind asked quietly.

Evelyn’s voice was barely a whisper. "Liam had two vials of it."

"But you said it was stable. How could it explode?"

"Only supersonic missiles can trigger it. The process is—"

Rosalind suddenly gasped, cutting her off. "Evelyn, look! Those are military vehicles!"

Evelyn bolted upright. A convoy had stopped at the checkpoint. Her heart pounded as she spotted a familiar face. "Ryan!"

Ryan Sullivan, behind the wheel, turned in surprise. "Evelyn?"

Then the rear window lowered.

And there he was.

Liam Blackwood, alive.

The world seemed to pause. Evelyn stood frozen by the roadside, her slender frame stark against the desolate landscape.

She wore a simple white shirt, jeans, and sneakers, her hair tied back. Only her eyes were visible above the mask—eyes that locked onto Liam’s.

Relief flooded her so violently her knees nearly buckled. She clenched her fists, fighting back tears.

He was alive.

And just like that, so was she.