Chapter Eleven

Red and orange demons flickered between the trees, leaving glowing fingerprints on everything they touched. Impish embers soared into the sky, raining down on the unsuspecting tinder below. The fire crackled with laughter as it danced among the trees and branches, twirling along the forest floor with devastating footprints.

***

"I'm pretty sure you cheated," I called out through my window as I pulled into the driveway next to Andrew.

"If anything, you cheated. You know those big red octagons? They're called stop signs. Most people recommend actually stopping at them," he teased as I got out of my car.

"The ones with white borders around them are optional. I'm surprised you didn't know that," I said, bumping my shoulder against him as I moved to unlock the door. I could sense him behind me. I fumbled with my keys in the lock, his presence flustering me. He leaned his hand against the door frame, his body barely touching mine, but so close that I could feel his warmth. I wanted to kiss