#Chapter 41: Into the Flames

Liam’s POV I stood outside the office building, my heart hammering in my chest as thick plumes of smoke billowed into the sky. Sirens screamed from all directions, adding to the dizzying chorus of voices and alarms. But none of those faces belonged to Aria. Frantically, I scanned the crowd, searching for her, but my pulse quickened with each passing second. Panic gripped my chest tighter. I moved from person to person, grabbing sleeves, asking the same question over and over: “Have you seen Aria? Where’s Aria?” Most just shook their heads, too stunned or scared to give any clear answers. The dread weighed heavier now. I pushed further into the crowd, nearly colliding with a firefighter when someone called out behind me. “She went back in!” a woman shouted. My stomach dropped. “She was calling for you, I think. I tried to stop her, but—” I didn’t hear the rest. My feet were moving before I even processed it. I bolted toward the entrance, shoving past anyone in my wa