The searing heat was a living entity, consuming the air, devouring the building around me. Fire painted the world in shades of angry orange, its roar echoing the frantic beat of my heart. I coughed, the inferno scorching my lungs, but I pushed deeper into the smoke-filled school, drawn by a child’s desperate cries.

“Please help me! Help me!” a shrill voice cut through the chaos. I spun, calling out, “Where are you? I can’t see you!” A small, trembling figure, hair like captured flame, eyes wide with terror, emerged from the shadows. She clung to me, a tiny anchor in a burning world.

“Shh. I’ll get you out of here,” I murmured, my own voice shaky. The door I’d entered was now a wall of fire and fallen debris. Panic clawed at me, but I found another exit, pushing blazing boards aside, my hands blistering, burning. I ignored the pain, kicked the door open, and we burst into the cool, blessed night air.

Relief washed over me, brief and fleeting, before exhaustion claimed me. I collapsed onto the grass, shielding the girl as help descended. Through the roaring in my ears, I heard their panicked shouts, felt hands on me, then the rough fabric of a fireproof suit. A young man, with striking blue eyes, leaned over me, his gaze holding concern.

“The girl,” I rasped, my grip feeble. “Save the girl.”

“She’s going to be okay. You got her out in time. You are very brave.” His voice was a soothing balm. I nodded, a faint smile touching my lips, glad I’d saved her. Then, a crushing wave of fatigue.

“Hey, stay with me. Fight it. Stay with me.” His firm voice, his hands on my jaw, forced my gaze back to his crystal blue eyes. “Tell me your name.”

“Haven,” I whispered, just before darkness swallowed me whole.