Suddenly, the elevator doors slid open with a loud mechanical groan. Elias stood there, his presence a stark contrast to the chaos inside. "Hurry, come out now!" His voice was urgent, his gaze scanning the two women within.
"Elias!" Vera cried out, her voice thick with grievance and fear.
Elias held a wet towel in his hand, his hesitation palpable. He seemed torn, unsure of who to offer it to. The tension in the air was suffocating.
After a beat, he spoke again, his voice low and strained. "Mira... Vera is very weak. If she inhales too much smoke, something bad might happen." His gaze shifted to Mira. "I taught you—take a deep breath, hold it, and I’ll get you out of here."
Without waiting for a response, Elias handed the wet towel to Vera. "Cover your mouth and nose," he instructed her, his hands already reaching for Mira and Vera, pulling them toward the evacuation passage.
The fire’s smoke grew thicker, its presence almost suffocating. Mira coughed violently, her chest feeling as though it would explode with each wheeze. Her vision blurred, the dizziness threatening to overwhelm her.