The alarm shattered the stillness of the night like glass breaking. Sirens blared to life, cutting through the dark, and the station erupted in movement. Boots slammed against the floor, jackets flew off hooks, and adrenaline flooded every heartbeat. Beck’s voice barked out orders as the engine roared awake, its lights washing the lot in violent flashes of red.
She didn’t even remember buckling herself in before they were tearing down the street. The night air was cold and sharp against her face as the wind howled through the cracked window. Flames were already visible from blocks away, licking at the roof of a four-story building like a hungry animal. People were standing outside barefoot in their pajamas, clutching blankets, faces streaked with smoke and fear.
“Fourth floor,” Beck said
