As they reached the house, the situation became clear. A fire had started in the kitchen, likely from a candle left unattended. Sara stood frozen at the doorway, panic rendering her immobile. Nilda was trapped inside, her cries muffled by the smoke.

Valor didn’t hesitate. He charged into the house, a dark shadow moving through the flames. Isaac watched, his breath caught in his throat, as the moments stretched into eternity.