The fire escape rattled under our feet, every clang a beacon to whoever was chasing us.

By the time we hit the alley, my breath was burning, but Jaxon didn’t slow. His hand stayed locked on mine, tugging me through the maze of narrow streets and flickering streetlights.

Behind us, voices echoed closer now. Damien’s voice carried above the others, smooth and infuriatingly calm.

“Keep running, little pyromaniac. I’ll catch you when you burn out.”

Jaxon’s shoulders tensed, his ...