Chapter 44

Christiana’s POV.

but

I jolted awake to a deafening explosion, the kind that makes your heart stop dead in your chest. My mind was slow to catch up..

my body was already moving, filled by a primal fear I hadn’t felt in years. The house shook violently, and a moment later, the smell of smoke hit me like a slap in the face.

“Oh God, no,” I gasped, throwing the covers off. I barely made it out of bed before the shrill sound of alarms filled the air.

I ran toward the door, but as soon as I stepped into the hallway, I was met with chaos. Flames were already licking up the walls, putting a hellish glow that made everything look like a scene from a nightmare. The heat was unbearable, the air thick with smoke that made it nearly impossible to breathe.

“Mommy!” Ethan’s scream cut through the noise like a knife. I sprinted towards the sound, ignoring the searing pain as I Twisted my ankle on the debris scattered across the floor. My heart pounded in my chest as I reached the kids‘ room, practically kicking the door open.

The sight of them standing there, wide–eyed and terrified, broke me. Emma was clutching her brother’s hand so tightly her knuckles were white. The room was filling with smoke fast, and I knew we didn’t have much time.

“Mommy, what’s happening? Emma cried, tears streaming down her face.

“I’m here, babies. I’m here,” I managed to say, forcing calm into my voice despite the sheer terror clawing at my throat. I grabbed their hands, pulling them towards me. “We have to get out of here. Now

But the hallway was already a blazing inferno. The fire had spread throughout the house with terrifying speed, like something out of a nightmare. The heat was so intense that it felt like my skin was burning, and every breath was a struggle against the thick, acrid smoke that clawed at my lungs. I could barely think, but I knew I had to get the kids out of here, no matter what

to keep my voice steady. My mind was racing, desperately searching for a way out. The main staircase was out of the question–engulfed in flames.

scared.” Ethan whimpered, his small

sweetheart. But I need you to be brave for me, okay? We’re going to

my injured ankle screaming in protest with every step. The kids clung to me, their faces pale and tear–streaked. I could feel their fear, their confusion, and it broke my heart that I

happening?” Emma asked, her voice

we’re going to be okay. I promise,” I lied, because the truth was, I had no idea if we would make

practically shoved them ahead of me. “Go,

move faster, ignoring the searing pain in my ankle. The sounds of the house collapsing around us were deafening, but I couldn’t let it distract me. The kids were my

door to the outside was just ahead, but flames were licking at its edges. I hesitated for just a moment, then tightened my grip on

of us, blocking our path. The kids

his face smeared with ash and blood. He grabbed the kids from me, lifting them up into his

like it was moving on autopilot. The guard led us to a small

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Chapter 44

dull throb. And a guard had fear

I lied, wincing as the pain in my ankle intensified. I couldn’t afford

his arm around my waist to support me. Together, we limped out into the open air. The moment we stepped outside, I felt

but so frightened, nearly broke me. I wanted to rush over and hold them, to tell them everything

Ethan cried, breaking away from the guard to run to me. Emma followed, tears streaming

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