Thick black smoke billowed into the night sky as orange flames devoured the roof of the grand Sterling estate. Outside on the manicured lawn, heat radiated against my face, carrying the scent of burning wood and melted plastic. Guests in expensive suits and evening gowns ran in terror, screaming as sirens wailed in the distance. I clutched the damp cloth over my nose, coughing violently from the soot choking my throat.
Victoria: You stupid, worthless girl! Get away from the door!
Before I could pull away, Victoria, the stepmother of the family, stepped in front of me in her emerald green gown. Her manicured hand flew through the air, delivering a stinging slap across my cheek. The sharp crack echoed over the roaring fire, forcing my head to the side.
Arthur: Keep her right there, Victoria. She doesn't need to be making a scene in front of the press.
Arthur stood beside her, his tux crisp despite the chaos, his cold eyes showing no emotion as his multi-million dollar mansion burned to the ground.
Clara: Where is Leo? Where is the boy?
Victoria: Don't you dare go back inside!
Clara: He’s still up there! He’s trapped in his room!
Arthur: The fire is too far gone! We called the department, now stand back!
Clara: He’s ten years old and in a wheelchair! You left him behind!
Victoria: He’s not my concern anymore, and he’s certainly not yours!
My heart hammered against my ribs as I looked at the grand double doors, where massive flames leaped across the entryway. I wiped a streak of ash from my forehead and stared directly into Victoria’s cold eyes.
Clara: I'm saving him!
Arthur: You're insane! Stop!
I shoved past Arthur and sprinted straight into the inferno, leaving the shouting couple behind as the heavy wooden doors collapsed behind me in a shower of sparks.