“You stayed with him,” Alexander said, his voice quiet against the roar of the alarms.

“I couldn’t leave him,” I said simply.

He reached out and touched my arm, his hand warm and steady.

“Thank you, Elena.”

I nodded, unable to speak as another wave of coughing seized my throat.

In the distance, the low, wailing sound of sirens began to echo through the valley.

Red and blue lights flickered against the tall pine trees at the edge of the estate.

The emergency services were finally arriving.

I pulled my wet uniform apron tighter around myself, feeling the stiff plastic of the folder beneath it.

The records were safe, dry against my skin.

I looked back at the house, where thick smoke was billowing from the second-story windows of the study.

On the gravel driveway, several figures stood watching the flames.

I recognized Vivian, wrapped in a silk shawl, her expression one of mild annoyance.

Next to her stood Celeste.

Celeste’s face was perfectly calm, her dark eyes reflecting the orange glow of the fire.

She was looking directly at me.