Marcus POV
By the time I got there, the building had been engulfed by fire.
I couldn't believe my eyes. The building in which my dearest Alyssa resides is engulfed in flames.
Although I wasn't sure if she was still in the building or had escaped. But I couldn't just conclude from my assumption. I needed to be sure she was not there and there is only one way to find out.
As I made my way toward the inferno that threatens to consume her whole. My heart doth beat with the fervor of a thousand drums.
The heat was intense, scorching my very soul, and the air was thick with smoke that chokes my every breath.
As I approached the building, I was struck by the sight of flames leaping high into the sky, licking hungrily at the walls and windows.
I could hear the screams of people who are trapped inside. Their screams pierced the air like daggers, and my heart ached with the knowledge that Alyssa may be among them.
With a deep breath, I steel myself for what must be done. I knew that time was of the essence and that every second counts.
The main entrance was already covered with flames so I had to follow through the window. The window was high but luckily for me, I saw a ladder lying next to the wall. I picked it up and with it, I was able to reach the window.
As I charged into the building, I felt the heat wash over me like a wave of fire. The flames were everywhere, and I could barely see through the thick smoke that filled the air.
I made my way through the halls covering my nose with a piece of cloth, my heart racing with each step. The air was thick with the scent of burning wood and flesh, and I was filled with dread at the thought of what I may find. I called out to Alyssa, my voice hoarse with fear, but there was no answer.
Suddenly, I heard a faint cry, and my heart leaped with hope. I followed the sound, my eyes stinging from the smoke.
The sound led to a room. The door to the room was already on fire. With all my might, I kicked the door and the door crashed to the ground.
The room was filled with smoke. I entered the room and found two ladies but non of them was Alyssa.
One was elderly and the other a little girl of about 12 years or so. I recognized the little girl to be Caroline. Marietta's servant girl.
She was unconscious. She must have passed out due to suffocation. I wanted to help but I needed to find Alyssa before it was too late. I helped them out of the room. I asked her to back the girl and go through the window while I resumed my search for Alyssa.
As I resumed my search for Alyssa from room to room, I felt the heat of the flame closing in around me. I knew I was running out of time and I needed to get out of the building.
The fire was going wilder with every second consuming everything in its path.
My heart leaped each time I opened a door and found a body burnt to death. It made me wish Alyssa was not in the building and if she was, I just wanted to find her and get her out of there.
I had almost given up on the search when I found her in one of the rooms hidden in a corner unconscious. I rushed to her side, taking her hand in mine. I felt her pulse to be sure she was not dead and to my relief she was alive.
I shook her vigorously to bring her back to consciousness and thank goodness it worked.
"Marcus," she said with a faint voice her face streaked with tears.
"Let's get you out of here"
I stood up at once and hoisted her onto my back, feeling the weight of her body as I turned to make our escape.
The fire was everywhere now, and I could feel the heat searing my skin. I took a deep breath and charged towards the door.
The flames were licking at my heels, and I could feel the heat of them burning my skin.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me towards the window. I know I needed to survive this, if not for anything then for Alyssa's sake whose life was now in my hands.
I climbed down from the window cautious of each step and griping her tight to my back.
We collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath, our bodies battered and bruised. But we were alive, and that was all that mattered.
As we lay there, watching the flames devour the building, I felt a sense of relief.
What would I have done if Alyssa had died there? For a moment we both lay there forgetting the reality that surrounds us.
Alyssa is safe now and that was all that mattered.
I suddenly remembered I was yet to find my father and I still need to get Alyssa away from this village.
I helped Alyssa get up, she was still weak so I had to back her. I thought of how to escape from the village. I knew it would be unwise to follow through the main tracks.
I headed towards the woods. Hiding behind bushes and trees to avoid being seen by those murders
The last thing I needed right now was to bump into any of those men. All I wanted was to be able to get out of that village.
Finally, I entered the woods. I wasn't sure the direction I was heading but what mattered was to get away from danger. As we journeyed through the woods, I couldn't help but think about my father, my brothers, and my friends.
My heart ached at the thought of Tyler. I can't believe Tyler is no more. Tyler has always wanted to live a long life, who would have thought this was how he would meet his end? I hoped that Nicole and Steve were still alive and well. I wondered where they could be right now.
My father is a great fighter and a survivor, he has repelled attacks like these all through his life. I am sure he will make it.
After walking through the woods for hours away from the chaos, I decided we were out of danger. At least for the time being.
We stopped to take a rest under a big tree. Gently I dropped her down.
She looked weak and pale. I knew she needed the attention of a physician but that was not possible.
I searched around for water and was lucky to find a stream up ahead.
As she gulped the water down her throat a sense of pity washed over me. She has been through a lot.
I held her hand "Alyssa, I will do all I can to get you home" I said and she smiled faintly.