Page 61 of Beary In Love

Serena's mind raced through her potions knowledge. "I might be able to slow it down with a water multiplication spell, but I'd need-"

A thunderous crack split the air as one of the larger fence posts collapsed in a shower of sparks. Logan pulled her back as flames surged higher.

"The wind's pushing it straight toward the rehabilitation pens," she said, her voice tight with worry. All those injured animals they'd been nursing back to health...

Logan's eyes reflected the dancing flames, his jaw set with determination. "We need to get them out. Now."

The fire roared louder, as if challenging them. Heat pressed against Serena's face as she stared at the wall of flames separating them from the animals. She could hear frightened cries carrying over the crackling inferno.

"Let's split up," she suggested, already moving. "You take the north side, I'll-"

"No." Logan caught her arm. "We stay together. I'm not losing you in this."

The wail of distant sirens pierced through the roar of flames as Serena and Logan raced to the first enclosure. Her heart pounded against her ribs while smoke stung her eyes. The raccoon inside chittered frantically, pressing against the far corner of its cage.

"Easy there, buddy," Logan soothed, his steady voice a stark contrast to the chaos around them. He worked the latch while Serena held the carrier ready. "Almost got you."

Serena's hands trembled as she secured the carrier. "The hawks next - they'll panic in this smoke."

They moved in tandem through the sanctuary, years of old familiarity making them an efficient team despite the terrifying circumstances. The fire's heat pressed closer, making sweat trickle down Serena's back.

"Duck!" Logan yanked her down as a burning branch crashed where she'd been standing.

"Thanks." She squeezed his arm. "The rehabilitation pens are next."

The injured deer they'd been treating stamped nervously as they approached. Serena's veterinary instincts warred with her fear - they needed to move quickly but couldn't risk further injury to the healing animals.

"Remember that time we had to catch that escaped injured ferret?" Logan flashed her a quick grin trying to calm Serena's nerves as they worked together to guide the deer to safety. "This is just like that, only, you know, on fire."

A slightly hysterical laugh bubbled up in Serena's throat. "You would bring that up now. But thanks for trying to keep me calm." The memory of them chasing the crafty creature through the forest helped steady her nerves slightly.

They continued their rescue mission, moving from enclosure to enclosure. The sirens grew louder as fire trucks got closer to the sanctuary. Smoke made Serena's eyes water and her lungs burn, but she pressed on.

"Last one," Logan called out, already working on the fox's cage. The flames had nearly reached them now, casting wild shadows across his determined face.

Serena's fingers fumbled with the carrier latch. "Come on, come on," she muttered. The fox darted inside just as another section of fence collapsed nearby in a shower of sparks.

"Time to go!" Logan grabbed her hand and they ran, carriers and leads in tow. They didn't stop until they reached the safety of the parking lot where they'd gathered all the rescued animals.

Serena suddenly sprinted back toward the workshop, her heart pounding against her ribs. The heat from the fire pressed against her back like a physical force, and smoke stung her eyes making them water.

"Serena, don't!" Logan's voice carried over the roar of flames. "It's too dangerous!"

She ignored him, fumbling with the workshop door. Her hand trembled as she yanked it open. "I can slow it down! Buy time until the fire trucks get here!"

Inside, she rushed to her workstation, grabbing bottles and ingredients. The familiar motions of potion-making helped calm her racing thoughts, even as anxiety clawed at her chest.

"If you're going to be stubborn about this, at least let me help," Logan said, appearing beside her. His presence steadied her shaking hands.

"Hand me the moonflower essence." She measured ingredients with practiced precision. "And the crystallized dew."

The sirens wailed even closer as she worked, mixing and stirring. Sweat trickled down her temple, both from concentration and the approaching inferno.

"What exactly are you making?" Logan passed her another bottle.

"Remember that rain multiplication spell?" Her voice wavered slightly. "I'm modifying it. Adding frost elements to make it more effective against fire."

A loud crack from outside made her jump, nearly dropping a vial. Logan steadied her arm. "Easy there, honey. I've got you."

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