BETRAYAL OF DIGNITY
Part 27
The Night Everything Burned
As Damien approached Castle Birch, the first sign of trouble was the acrid smell of burning that pricked his nostrils, carried by the wind. Frowning, he tightened his grip on the reins, a sense of foreboding settling over him.
Upon reaching the main gate of the castle, the absence of guards only deepened his unease. With a kick, his horse surged forward, and they galloped across the vast estate. As they passed the frozen fountain, the dead grass crunched and sank under the mount's iron-clad hooves.
In a matter of moments, Damien had circled the castle and entered the back garden. It was evident that the servants, including the guards, were all rushing through the dark toward one of the servants' quarters located at the head of the birch forest path.
Damien inhaled sharply at the sight of the small cottage burning. People rushed in with buckets, attempting to fight the flames. Missus Dutton, who had been running with a large pot of water, stumbled and fell to the ground.
"M-My lord!"
The flames roared as they engulfed the cottage, casting fiery tongues into the pitch-black night sky. Despite the distance, the heat was palpable, causing panic among those gathered.
Damien quickly dismounted his horse.
"Stand back! It is too dangerous to approach! Do not attempt to quell it!"
"Damien..!" Priscilla wailed. Tears streaked her face as she rushed toward him in her nightgown. Seeing her on the verge of hysteria, Damien held her firmly, trying to reassure her.
"Calm down, Mother. It will not spread -"
"Chloe is in there. She... She hasn't come out yet!"
The color drained from Damien's face. He whipped his head around to look at the cottage, the flames reflecting in his blue eyes. As Priscilla trembled and fainted behind him, he ran toward the blazing structure.
"My lord!"
This cannot be happening.
"Your Grace!" another servant yelled.
I cannot lose you like this, Chloe.
With a determined kick, Damien knocked the cottage door off its hinges with a bang. A wave of intense heat hit him, forcing him to hold his breath.
"Master! No!"
Ignoring the screams of the servants behind him, Damien stepped into the inferno. Smoke billowed from the burning furniture, flames spreading in all directions.
"Chloe!"
A piece of the burning ceiling crashed before him, the wooden structure rapidly collapsing. Damien raised his arm to cover his nose and called her name once again. "Chloe!' As he ventured deeper into the cottage, using his coat to shield himself from the flames, his blue eyes flickered.
Amongst the debris, he spotted a charred bed, or rather, the remnants of one. As something stirred on the scorched bed, he dashed into the blaze.
"Chloe..."
Lurching forward, Damien extended a trembling hand and grabbed the dark figure. His breathing seemed to stop.
"Gargh!' A guttural roar escaped from Damien's throat, his body trembling as he held her amidst the thick smoke.
"Damien!"
"My lord!"
The voices of the servants at the entrance reached him.
