The Love From Vengeance

40 GONE

ARIEL’S POV

I walked behind Mason as we both got close to the gigantic fire. Well, he got close. I was a little bit far from him, slowing down my pace. Yeah I knew he was a psychopath, but I had not idea he was this crazy.

Getting really close to a fire huge like that? No one in his right senses would do that? But this scumbag right here was actually surprising me.

And I kept on watching him inch closer to the roaring inferno. I couldn’t help but question his sanity. I would keep on doing that over and over.

I mean, who willingly gets up close and personal with a fire that could roast a Christmas turkey in 3 seconds flat? It was like he had a secret death wish or something. And if he did, I would be really glad. At least it would reduce the number of scumbags in the earth.

Meanwhile, I continued to do my best to maintain a safe distance, like the responsible, self- preserving human being that I am.

“What are you even doing?” I aksed, still walking slowly.

“You ask too many questions,” he replied, not glancing at me.

“This is crazy, you know. Like, are going to walk in that fire?”

Mason turned to give me a quick look. “Maybe.”

“This is absolutely insane. But it won’t be surprising, cause you’re insane yourself.”

“You can shut up, and just follow me, okay.”

“You’re like six inches away from that fire. And you want me to keep on following you. Okay, what are you planning to do now, huh. Perform a miracle?”

back. He squatted,

next? Oh boy, when that fire started crackling and growling like an angry beast, I swear I let out a scream that could rival a banshee! I mean, who wouldn’t? It was like being

of me. While I was busy channeling my inner Olympic sprinter, this guy was just chilling there, completely unfazed. I mean, seriously, who stares at a raging fire like it’s the latest episode

admire his unshakeable calmness. It was like he had a secret pact with the flames,

knows? All I can say is that while I was two steps away from dialing the fire department, Mason was still sitting on his heels, probably contemplating the meaning

completely bonkers. Maybe a bit of both. But everyone has their quirks,

it’s a

maniac, and Mason casually enjoying his front–row seat to the hottest show in town. But this needed to stop. I wasn’t going to spend

LUKE’S POV

news have you come to give me?”

name was Peter, a middle–aged man. And I kind of loved him for his

hesitation to give me a reply, had a million thoughts rolling in my head at the moment. I just hoped nothing bad had happened to my grandfather. Of course, the man was old, but I

him.

waited for his response. His hesitant silence only fueled my worry, and my mind raced with a whirlwind of worst–case scenarios. What if my grandfather had left the earth? What if his sickness had finally prevailed over him? The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I struggled to keep

smile, his wise words, and the warmth of his embrace. Well, sometimes he

been a pillar of strength for our family, and the mere thought of losing him sent waves of fear crashing through me. This was the realization that life was fragile and unpredictable. Struck me with a heavy

the last conversation I had with him in my mind. Did I tell him how much he meant to me? Was there anything left unsaid? Regret washed over me like a tidal

needed to pull myself together. All these were just thoughts. Maybe that wasn’t the

now!” I yelled at Peter,

He’s…

“What did you just say?” I

sorry sir, but

also shattered. But his pain was nothing compared to mine. This was really intense. My grandfather, dead? No this couldn’t be. I