The night felt like it would never end.
Even as the flames were reduced to smoldering embers and the chaos around us settled into a controlled response, my heart continued to hammer in my chest.
The police arrived in full force, officers moving quickly to secure the scene, their radios crackling with updates. Firefighters worked hard to put out the last of the burning wreckage, and paramedics were already setting up near the ambulances, ready to tend to the injured.
I clung to my mother and Chloe for a few moments longer before I felt someone touch my arm gently.
"Astrid," Cole murmured, his voice softer now. "You need to get checked out."
I shook my head. "I'm fine."
He arched a brow, his expression unreadable, but before he could argue, one of the police officers approa
