Chapter 16

The moment Stanley stepped into the fire, searing heat and thick smoke engulfed him instantly. The flames crackled and snapped, consuming everything. The smoke stung his eyes, making it impossible to see or breathe. Every inhale felt like swallowing molten blades, slicing through his trachea and lungs. "Tess… wait for me! Wait for me!" He screamed her name in his mind, relying on memory and instinct as he stumbled blindly toward the villa's depths, toward that remodeled room. The heat warped the air, blurring his vision. Burning beams and collapsing furniture crashed around him, blocking his path. Sparks and falling debris seared his arms and back, sending waves of pain through his skin, but he felt nothing. Finally, he reached the familiar door. The wood was red-hot and warped, black smoke pouring from the cracks. "Tess!" he rasped, summoning every ounce of strength before kicking the door with all his might. The door burst open, and an even greater surge of heat and flames slam