Chapter 8 - Flames in the MansionThe man twisted the cap off the plastic canister, splashing the flammable liquid across the heavy velvet curtains and the antique rug near the doorway.
Flames flickered to life instantly as the accomplice ignited a disposable lighter, tossing it onto the soaked fabric.
Whoosh!
Fire roared up the drapes in seconds, black smoke billowing toward the high ceilings, turning the elegant bedroom into a suffocating inferno.
"Mateo!" Alejandro roared, adrenaline surging through his veins. Ignoring his injuries, he lunged past the flames, grabbing his son from the corner where he cowered, shielding the boy’s face with his own jacket.
Valeria scrambled backward, coughing violently as the thick smoke filled her lungs. The heat was blistering, searing the skin on her arms.
"The window!" Valeria yelled, pointing toward the large French balcony doors overlooking the front courtyard.
The accomplice lunged to block them, pulling a hunting knife from his belt. "Oh no you don't—"
Before he could reach them, a loud crash echoed from the front of the house. Sirens wailed outside, red and blue lights flashing frantically through the smoke-filled windows. The police had arrived faster than expected, alerted by the automated security system tied to the panic button Alejandro had managed to press with his foot earlier.
Hearing the sirens, the accomplice panicked, turning tail and sprinting toward the service stairs at the back of the wing.
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Teresa glared at Alejandro and Valeria through the smoke, her face twisted in pure venom. "You think you've won? This family is cursed! You'll never be free of me!"
With a final, mocking laugh, she bolted after her accomplice into the burning labyrinth of the north wing.
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