The glass wall exploded inward with a deafening, terrifying roar.
A giant wall of dark cold water rushed straight into the room.
Tables and heavy wooden chairs were knocked over like light toys.
Guests screamed frantically as they scrambled toward the high double doors.
In the extreme confusion, people pushed each other out of the way.
Richard Sterling ran toward the main hallway without looking behind him.
Clara stumbled on her high heels and dropped her expensive designer bag.
She screamed in horror as the water reached up to her knees.
The sudden flood pushed furniture violently across the giant ballroom floor.
Lily and Tim were trapped near a tall structural pillar.
The dark water surged toward them with incredible speed and force.
Elena fought hard against the strong incoming current to reach them.
Cold water soaked through her maid uniform instantly, making it heavy.
She grabbed a heavy brass railing to keep herself firmly anchored.
Elena: Hold on to the pillar, I am almost there!
Lily: Mommy! Daddy!
Tim: Help us Elena!
The children cried out as water splashed over their small shoulders.
Elena reached out her arms and pulled both children toward her body.
She held them tightly against her chest, shielding them from floating debris.
A heavy wooden chair floated fast right toward the young boy.
Elena blocked the hard chair with her own bare arm and shoulder.
Pain shot through her wing, but she did not let go.
She looked around frantically for a safe high spot in the hall.
The main exit doors were completely jammed with screaming, rushing adults.
Near the center of the room stood a massive oak dining table.
It was built from thick solid wood that anchored firmly to the ground.
Elena: We have to get under that table right now!
Lily: I am too cold!
Elena: Keep your head down and stay close to me!
Elena carried both heavy children through the swirling cold floodwater.