Chapter 22: New Dawn

"Mother! Mother!" Ethan's panicked voice echoed through the night as he raced towards the engulfed cottage.

The flames roared ferociously, devouring the wooden structure. Alia, his beloved mother, remained trapped inside.

Ethan's heart pounded in his chest as he desperately sprinted into the inferno, determination fueling his every step. Yet, his efforts proved futile.

The fire's cruel grasp was relentless. He arrived too late. She was gone.

Collapsing to his knees, Ethan let out a gut-wrenching cry of anguish, his heart shattering along with the charred remnants of the cottage.

The flames consumed him, leaving him enveloped in searing agony.

Abruptly, he awoke, gasping for breath, his body drenched in cold sweat. Panic clung to him like a shadow until he glanced over at Alia, peacefully asleep in her bed.