The mountains had once been a place of beauty, a refuge from the crumbling city below. Now, they were a blazing hell. Wildfires raged across the slopes, driven by scorching winds that turned the forest into a living furnace. Smoke filled the sky, painting everything in shades of orange and black.

You, Joe, and Love had been searching for edible plants and clean water when the first smoke signals appeared on the ridge. At first, it seemed distant, but the acrid scent of burning pine carried quickly on the wind. By the time you realized the fire was moving faster than expected, escape routes were already closing behind you.

“Stay low!” Joe shouted, pulling you down as flames roared up the mountainside. Sparks rained from the sky like lethal embers. The air burned your lungs, and every step threatened to throw you off balance on the rocky terrain.

Love’s hand found yours, gripping tightly. “We can make it,” she said, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her fear. “Just follow me.”

The three of you navigated narrow ledges, clinging to rocks and roots, the inferno chasing at your heels. Falling ash stung your eyes and coated your hair, your clothes, your skin. Every instinct screamed to run faster, but speed meant missteps could be deadly.

Joe moved ahead, scouting a safer path while keeping an eye on both of you. His calm, precise instructions were the only thing keeping panic at bay. “Left here! Now right! Don’t stop moving!”

The fire spread unpredictably, leaping over valleys and devouring everything in its path. The three of you were trapped between the blaze and the cliffs, with no choice but to rely on each other. Love found a narrow crevice between rocks, and Joe guided you both into it just as flames licked the edge. You pressed against the cool stone, ears ringing with the roar of the inferno, hearts hammering in unison.