The explosion came from deep inside the structure, rocking the ground under their feet. A plume of fire burst out through the upper windows, and glass shattered violently, raining down like starlight through the thick smoke. The blast's echo was loud enough to make even the fire crew flinch and duck.
Declan's heart dropped. His instincts screamed, and without wasting a second, he scooped Silas into his arms. "Close your eyes," he murmured urgently, shielding the boy's face against his shoulder.
"What's that sound?!" Silas cried, clutching onto Declan's coat, eyes wide with terror.
Declan held him tighter, his own heart pounding like a drum inside his chest. He turned his back to the fire so Silas couldn't see the scene unfolding behind them—the part of the house where his parents had last been seen was now engulfed in even more savage flames.
"Don't look back," he whispered, trying to steady his voice. "Just hold on to me."
---
