Several blocks away from the main hospital entrance, behind the collapsed emergency wing near the underground loading docks—
A metal exit door burst open violently.
Gavin stumbled out through the smoke coughing hard, ash covering nearly every inch of him.
His shoulder slammed against the wall as he struggled to keep himself upright.
But he wasn't alone.
A woman hung limply in his arms.
Unconscious.
Her body looked horrifyingly small against him as he carried her through the smoke-filled alleyway behind the hospital.
Gavin's breathing came rough and uneven.
Blood ran down the side of his forehead while burns darkened parts of his sleeve, but he barely seemed aware of his own injuries.
His focus remained entirely on the woman.
"Hey!!"
The sharp yell cut through the chaos just as Gavin staggered out further into the alleyway.
Several medics immediately turned toward him.
"Another patient incoming!"
