ChapterChapter 1: The Spark That Shouldn't Be
The rain fell in steady streams, turning the city lights into blurred streaks of gold and red. Mia pulled her hoodie tighter around her head, her fingers gripping the straps of her backpack as she walked home from the library. She had stayed too late again, lost in the quiet comfort of books and equations—her escape from the world.
She had always been that way—silent, invisible, her existence measured by grades and achievements rather than memories or moments. Love had never been part of her plans. It was a distraction, a game for people who didn’t have futures to build.
But tonight, fate had other plans.
A loud crash shattered the stillness. Sparks rained from the power lines as fire swallowed the small shop across the street. Smoke curled into the sky, thick and suffocating. Mia froze. People screamed, running in different directions, but she remained rooted in place, mesmerized by the chaos.
Then she saw him.
A man in heavy fire gear charged into the burning building, disappearing into the inferno without hesitation. Time stretched unbearably, every second a breath Mia forgot to take. When he emerged, carrying a child in his arms, his face smeared with soot, his eyes sharp and unwavering, she felt something shift inside her.
He placed the child down safely before pulling off his helmet, shaking out damp black hair. His gaze swept the crowd, and for one impossible second, their eyes met.
He placed the child down safely before pulling off his helmet, shaking out damp black hair. His gaze swept the crowd, and for one impossible second, their eyes met.
Mia looked away instantly, heart hammering. She didn’t know why, but something about him felt… familiar.
She turned to leave, but a voice stopped her.
"Are you okay?"
