“Lyka!” Fenris called, tearing away after his brother. I ran after them both.
Even yards away, the heat from the fire was unbearable. “Fenris!” I cried, coughing then choking on the billowing smoke. My eyes watered fiercely, and I ducked my head to peer forward. I couldn’t see either of the brothers. “Lyka! Fenris! Where are you?”
Someone coughed, and I stumbled back, squinting as I realized one of the men was walking back through the smoldering wreckage, the second not far behind. I sucked in a deep breath and regretted it at once, coughing and spluttering as I realized Fenris was carrying someone. As he got further out of the thick, acrid smoke, I recognized Esme, coughing and wheezing against his chest. Liana was faring better, able to stand as Lyka set her down.
“What were you think
