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?”

the fire his attention back. He squatted, and I just crossed

swear I let out a scream that could rival a

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

calmness. It was like he had a secret pact with the flames, or maybe he was just auditioning for the role of the Fire

away from dialing the fire department,

moment, I couldn’t decide whether to call him brave or completely bonkers. Maybe a bit of both. But

fiery monsters like it’s a walk in the

his front–row seat to the hottest show in town. But this needed to stop. I wasn’t going to spend the whole night staring at some

LUKE’S POV

you come to give

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 still loved him, and didn’t want to lose him yet. “Why are you being silent now? Tell me what the problem is?” I

him.

worry, and my mind raced with a whirlwind of worst–case scenarios. What if my grandfather had left the earth?

my mind his gentle smile, his wise words, and the warmth of his embrace. Well, sometimes he was a

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.

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 wave, intensifying my worry and fueling a

to pull myself together. All these were just thoughts. Maybe that wasn’t the news Peter had come to

me now!” I yelled at Peter, tears popping up

Reynold. He’s… he’s… he’s

“What did you just say?”

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 this couldn’t