18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 433

The massive drone, after colliding with the underwater vessel, tore away from the ocean's whirlpool, bobbing up and down amid the thunderous waves, emitting a deafening wail that echoed through the air. The abyss on the ocean floor expanded wildly, as if eager to

swallow everything in its path.

...

With considerable effort, Stella managed to bring the full-speed submarine into the haven of Arcadia. Thank goodness it wasn't moving too fast; a speeding helicopter might have turned Arcadia into a pile of shrapnel. Of course, that was just her guess-Stella wouldn't risk testing it unless absolutely necessary.

Once the submarine was securely docked inside Arcadia, Jasper quickly reached out to steady Stella as she swayed with exhaustion. "Stella, you okay?"

"I'm fine," she insisted, slumping into a chair.

Jasper unwrapped a chocolate bar and popped it into her mouth. "Here, get some sugar in you." Feeling dizzy, Stella leaned her head on his shoulder. "Wonder if Iran got sucked into the vortex?" "Even if they didn't, they're in for a world of hurt."

Once they had both caught their breath, they hurried to check on Rosie and Cooper. "You guys okay?"

Stella couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt thinking about Iran's fate. Cooper was fine, wagging his tail non-stop. Rosie, however, felt a bit queasy and dizzy. After a thorough check, Stella was relieved to find no serious injuries.

Chasing Iran for an entire day and night had pushed them all to their limits, both mentally and physically. After securing the scattered items inside the submarine, Stella and Jasper laid out a feast on the dining table, inviting their furry companions to join them. In the grand scheme of things, a good meal trumped all.

Meatloaf, surf and turf, crab cakes, braised beef, and fresh veggies. The portions were generous, and the three humans and one dog ended up stuffed to the brim. After a short rest and a clean-up, it was time to sleep.

Resting her head on Jasper's arm, Stella thought deeply. "We should tell Rosie about Arcadia."

Rosie was smart, and Jasper had raised her well. She was so well-behaved she rarely asked questions. But that didn't mean she knew nothing. Growing up in an orphanage and surviving the calamities of two lifetimes had made Stella wary and distrustful. Without repeated life-and-death bonding, she found it hard to trust unconditionally. Rosie was practically raised by her, after all.

figure to her. Rosie, having survived nine years of disaster, didn't resent but rather appreciated Stella's presence, even when faced

Rosie was not only smart but also grateful. She

decision took Jasper by surprise.

that I don't trust Rosie," Stella explained, nestling closer. "It's the uncertainty of the future I worry about. But we can't predict tomorrow, and Rosie's smart enough to see through any

As for the future, they'd deal with that when the time came. Who knew if there would even be

her tight.

Through thick and thin.

their bodies and hearts as close as could

the collision with Iran, there wasn't even

room to check on the systems while Jasper sat on the deck,

from her cabin, her face a mix of shock and familiarity at the sight of The Garden's lush vegetation, the rows of trucks, and the familiar

many times

sipped her juice. "Many

is Arcadia, a chance Stella got from the

tried to understand. "What is

"Imagine a magic pouch that can store and retrieve

took his time explaining Stella's Arcadia to

fortune amassed by Stella's ancestors.

you also amassed good fortune, which is why you

was the good deeds of

the rules. She shares it with us because she loves us. But no matter how close we are, we can't take it for granted." Rosie nodded

afford to become complacent or greedy just because it shelters us. Our true strength will always come from within, not from

hair. "Do you like

without hesitation.

not be here. Will you respect and take care of