Allison's POV
I whirled around so fast I nearly gave myself whiplash, my heart leaping into my throat.
Hope can be such a cruel thing. The bigger it grows, the harder it crashes when reality hits. The voice calling my name wasn't Lucian's—just a guy I knew from college, wearing the same red volunteer vest as me.
"You're here too?" He squeezed through the crowd, studying my red-rimmed eyes. "Do you have family in the Northern Territory?"
I nodded, not trusting my voice. The lump in my throat felt like it might choke me.
He sighed, his eyes reflecting the same worry I felt. "Lots of volunteers have loved ones here. Still haven't found them?"
I shook my head. "No."
"Just hang in there. They're working on fixing communications. It's been almost two days—should be up soon
