Stefan's hands burned from the heat as he fought against the stubborn knots. The smoke was so thick now that every breath felt like swallowing fire.
Ruby's body was limp, her head hanging forward, her wrists red and raw from the ropes. The sight made his stomach twist painfully. He couldn't think about what it meant — he just had to get her free. That was all he could think of.
"Come on… come on…" he rasped, yanking hard until the last rope finally loosened. He wasted no time; he scooped her up into his arms, holding her close to his chest. Her head rested against his shoulder, her face frighteningly still.
The heat from the flames seared his skin, and the roar of the fire was deafening, but he forced himself toward the door, coughing so hard his chest felt like it might split. The smoke clawed at his eyes, blurring his vision, but the weight in his arms grounded him. Ruby. She was the only thing that mattered. He needed to get her out. He needed to rescue her.
