Rain poured down like a torrent, pounding on the windows and forming black puddles on the pavement. The raindrops merged into a gray blur, making everything outside invisible. Despite the storm, the fire continued to blaze on the building's upper floor. Flames burst from the windows, writhing like tongues, consuming everything. The heat pierced the rain, causing the air to tremble. The hissing of evaporating water mixed with thunder, creating an ominous symphony.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the rain. Leon turned and saw a blurry figure rushing toward the staircase. “Claire? What…” His eyes widened in surprise, and a nervous smile flickered on his lips. He dashed toward the iron door separating them, as if it could save them both. “Leon! Please, tell me you have the key!” Claire’s voice was distorted, her hands clutching the bars of the door. “Let me shoot…” Leon tried to speak, but his voice was cut off by a scream. “Too late, Leon!” Claire’s hands fell to her sides, and her figure faded into a thick crimson stream seeping from under the door. Her outline, blurred by blood and flames, was swallowed by darkness.

Everything around darkened, leaving only suffocating silence, broken by the faint whisper of wind and the roar of fire. Leon stood, paralyzed, his face lit by the dim, deathly-pale glow from the burning building.

The silence shattered with a loud sound, and Leon woke up. His heart pounded like a cornered animal, and cold sweat ran down his forehead. He took deep breaths, trying to shake off the lingering fear. All that remained of the nightmare was the smell of smoke and a vague dread, as if something invisible still haunted him.

Leon glanced at the clock: the night had only just begun. His gaze fell on you, and his hand reached for your shoulder, giving it a gentle shake.

“…Are you asleep?”