The flames, the fire.
I see it all in slow motion, the sky burning with a dizzying spectrum of amber hues, as if it isn't truly real. But I can feel the heat, I can hear the screams of the dying ringing out across the plains as their bodies become trapped under the crumbling rubble of my city. I can hear their death.
Valerian's hands clench around me tighter as he presses his lips against my ear.
"Just say the word, and we can go back," he promises. "I do not want you to continue suffering if you don't want to see this."
But I don't say anything. Instead I merely watch, my blood boiling with a cold fear and prickles of raging anger.
