Page 51 of Tangled in His Game

I sigh.

Chapter 24

STRANGE WARMTH ROUSESme from sleep, and I start coughing before I even open my eyes. What’s going on? I blink, still coughing.

Fire!

The library is in flames, and the fire is spreading toward me. There’s a whole lot of smoke, and I can’t see the windows. I get to my feet, covering my mouth and nose with my shirt and stumble away from the fire.

At least it has started on the opposite end from the door, but as I reach it and try the handle, I remember it’s locked.

“Help!” I scream as I bang on the door. “Fire!”

But more smoke fills my lungs, and my eyes water. I can’t yell for help anymore because I can’t stop coughing. As I slam my fist against the door one more time, I sink down to the floor. My chest is so heavy.

It’s Victor. He must’ve sneaked back into the library while I was asleep, and he set something on fire.

I expected a lot of things from him, but actually killing me? I didn’t think he’d do that, and all for what? Revenge? Because he hates me? Because I mentioned his father? He’s fucking crazy, but that’s not going to help me. I should’ve just stayed away from him and kept my mouth shut.

You’re playing with fire, and you’re going to get burned.

It was what he said to me once, and I didn’t listen. I forgot all about it.

Fuck!

The fire is spreading, and no one’s coming. I’m lightheaded and sleepy. Is there anything I can do? I’m too disoriented and confused. Forcing myself to my feet, I bang on the door once again.

I don’t know how long I keep doing it, but dark spots dance in my vision. As I fall to the floor, I can barely feel anything. Everything seems so distant, like I’m no longer in my own body. At least I won’t know when the fire finally consumes me.

There’s a loud crash somewhere. I don’t know what’s going on. Everything around me is hazy. Then I’m lifted up. Am I flying? Floating? Is this what death feels like? Because it’s warm and nice, like an embrace.

But the foggy darkness around me changes, and there’s a bright light. I close my eyes because it stings.

“Emi, open your eyes.” Something warm touches my cheek. “Emi!”

I blink.

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