HAYDEN The smell of smoke wakes me. It's thick and acrid, burning my throat. My eyes snap open in the dark. The bedroom is too hot. I sit up fast, a cough rattling in my chest. The space beside me is empty, the sheets cold. Fear seeps into my veins. "Eden!" I'm on my feet in an instant, stumbling towards the door. The hallway is a nightmare. Flames lick up the walls, devouring the family photos, the paintings, everything we built. The heat makes it difficult to breathe. "Eden! Baby, answer me!" Her voice comes then, faint and laced with terror, from three doors ahead. "Hayden!" I sprint. My bare feet burn on the scorching floor. The flames are closer now, reaching for me. I slam my shoulder into the door, and pain shoots through my arm. It's locked. Shit. "Eden!" I throw my weight against it. Pain shoots through my body, but the door doesn't budge. The fire is behind me now, licking at my heels, the heat unbearable. Sweat pours into my eyes. I'm coughing, choki
Last Updated : 2026-05-31 Read more