With a final burst of energy, Naomi charged toward the exit. The cool night air hit them like a wave as they stumbled out onto the lawn, collapsing onto the grass just as firefighters rushed past them to combat the blaze. The crowd that had gathered let out a collective gasp of relief, and Edward Harrington rushed forward, his eyes filled with gratitude and tears.

He knelt beside Naomi, his hands shaking as he pulled Alexander into a fierce embrace. “Thank you,” he choked out, his voice breaking. “Thank you for saving my son.”