Page 39 of Scalebound

I dashed toward the nearest house, its red bricks bearing scars of overheating, the cracked façade telling tales of the blistering heat within. Leaning forward, I called out, "Is anyone in there?" Peering through the partially open door, I scanned the interior but found it deserted. Without hesitation, I hurried to the next building. My senses heightened. I listened intently for any signs of life, my eyes darting around, searching for any hint of movement or sound that might signal someone in distress.

Heading to the third house, I saw a small group of people exiting a few of the houses down the path, coughing and covering their mouths from the smoke. Was there anyone else left in the remaining homes?

I poked my head inside the third house. The bricks and stone were malleable, looking to collapse at any moment. “Hello?!” I yelled loudly so that it could be heard through the sizzling and popping of the building. Beams fell to the floor, making loud crashing sounds.

Nothing.

No noises, sounds, nothing.

Did everyone already escape? The thought of Sebastia sunk in my stomach. In order to make a difference, I had to assume there was someone left.

More people cried, screaming out in pain, the agony and grief overtaking them. However, the sounds weren’t coming from the first houses on the street.

I moved down the cobblestoned path to one of the buildings at the end. There was a store, the flag from it burnt to a crisp, the metal pole the only indication of the shop.

As I reached closer, there was a whining sound. It was a small pitch, but it was there. Was it whining from the flames? Wasit the material on the building collapsing? Did it sound like an animal or a person?

Nearing the open door, I shielded my eyes as some of the bricks toppled right in front of my face, clambering to the floor. “Is anyone in there?” I shouted, pausing to see if I could hear anything.

The flames danced, wildly flinging in the air. A cloud of smoke followed, shielding my vision from the inside. A continuation of the muffled cries merged with the popping embers.

Someone was in there. There had to be someone in there.

Without thinking, I went with my gut and sprinted inside the small store, grabbing my shirt to cover my mouth from the smoke. My eyes watered from the heat and fumes, my throat dry and scratchy, forcing coughs to escape my mouth.

The walls were filled with flickering flames, and I could hear rustling from the building. Parts of the walls started to crash in. I silenced myself and closed my eyes to focus on my senses, hearing the sounds.

The sound reached my ears once more, a plaintive whine that seemed to emanate from the depths of the building. Its echo reverberated louder toward the back, hinting that it came from deeper in the structure.

A counter obstructed the way, but I reached out to grab the railing for support. To my horror, the metal seared through my hand, sending a wave of broiling pain coursing through me. With a sharp cry, I quickly pressed my injured hand against my shirt, using the fabric to shield it from further harm. Ignoring the pain, I hastily hopped over the counter, eager to escape the scorching metal and prevent any further burns.

As I pivoted toward the rear of the room, I was encompassed by a large expanse. Above me, beams groaned and splintered, crashing down in a chaotic ballet of destruction, igniting further sections of brick and wood in the relentless grasp of flames.

The human whimpers grew louder. Where were they?

Looking past a pile of debris, I saw a body shriveled into a ball, frozen and unable to move any further.

Approaching the figure, I discerned that it was a woman. She wasn’t moving, instead motionless and silent. With determination, I lifted her into my arms, cradling her gently as I navigated toward the exit. I jumped over large beams and ran, hopping over the counter as more of the building crumbled behind me.

The rush of wind blew past our faces as we exited the store. I was carrying her out like a doll, and took her to the middle of the cobblestone street, where I gently laid her head down first, with the back of my hand.

“Lexi? Lexi? Lexi!” a man yelled down the street. He ran up and placed his hand along her face, his clothes tattered, with a longing in his face that I had recognized. “You saved her.” His head tilted to look my way. “Thank you,” he said, peering from me to her.

For a moment, I could’ve sworn that the woman I just saved was Sebastia. Her chocolate skin and dark hair were a similar resemblance, bringing back the memories of her to my mind. I forced back a sob from escaping out of my throat.

I had relived my nightmare. But would they stop now? Was this experience the knife I needed to cut away the nightmares and pain?

The smell of coconut and the salt of the sea washed over me, reminding me of Sebastia.

As sobs shook his body, the same ones I forced down, he took the lady into his arms and cradled her until she awoke. She slowly opened her eyes, and their lips met with a yearning that I missed. With life and love that I missed inside of my non-beating heart.

He pulled her head in closer to his and held her face for a few moments.

A warm wetness trickled down my cheek, prompting me to raise my hand instinctively to wipe it away. As my fingers made contact, a sharp pang shot through my injured hand, the pain a reminder of the nightmare. The nightmare I hoped I had cut away.

1.Ezu (Eh-ooh): Heaven

Chapter twenty-seven

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