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, and I just crossed

what happened 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 in the front

channeling my inner Olympic sprinter, this guy was just chilling there,

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

away from dialing the fire department, Mason was still sitting on his heels, probably contemplating the meaning

whether to call him brave or completely bonkers. Maybe a bit of both.

it’s a

this needed to stop. I wasn’t going to spend the whole

LUKE’S POV

the problem? What terrible news have you come

driver. His name was Peter, a middle–aged man. And I

was fixed downwards, and 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,

him.

chest as I 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

his gentle smile, his wise words, and the warmth of

our family, and the mere thought of losing him sent waves of fear crashing through me. This was

by, I couldn’t help but replay the last conversation I had with him in my mind. Did I tell him how much he meant to me? Was there

thoughts.

Peter, tears popping up in my

Reynold. He’s… he’s…

seized Peter’s shirt. Riley held me immediately. “What did you just say?” I yelled again, not

but he’s

me in the eyes. He was also shattered. But his pain was nothing compared to mine. This was really intense. My grandfather, dead? No