Crackle~
The fire raged on.
It crackled in the air, devouring the timber beams one by one. Windows shattered under the heat, spilling glass like falling stars, while tongues of flame licked greedily at the curtains, swallowing them whole in a single breath.
The estate groaned.
Smoke coiled upward in choking plumes, blotting out the night sky, while embers rained down on the ground.
"....."
A figure stood outside the fire, staring at the raging fire with a blank expression.
Crackle! Crackle—!
The faint sound of screams echoing in the background.
People rushing in and out, screaming at him.
"Leave this place!"
"You must run, family head!"
"Run before it's too late! You must save yourself!"
"Family Head!!"
"A-ha."
A tremor ran down the figure's body, the haze in his eyes clearing as he snapped out of it. His lips quivered as he did.
"I... I should've known."
He brought his hand to his chest, slowly clenching it.
