The searing heat rushed against my skin as the flames leapt closer, scorching me. Then, Adeline let go of me in a single motion. And with a loud, pitiful cry, she flung herself even closer to the fire.
"Help me! Brian!" she screamed.
Brian’s head snapped up the instant he heard her voice. He dropped his phone without hesitation and charged through the cordon like a madman. In one swift move, he scooped Adeline into his arms and stumbled back to safety.
After Brian managed to keep his balance, his face turned grim. He then turned to me as he looked at me with his eyes blazing with fury. Without warning, his hand struck my cheek with a sharp crack.
He shouted at me, gritting his teeth, "Why did you push Adeline? Do you want to kill her?"
My ears rang, my whole body stunned. I stared at him, utterly bewildered, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Brian didn’t wait for an answer. His expression twisted with fury as he shoved me hard.
I lost my balance and fell backward, hitting the ground. My shoulder brushed against the edge of the spreading flames. Immediately, I shouted.