“Natti!”
The flames flared up with a frightening roar, forcing him to jump back. He couldn’t see an easy path to follow, and the fire was moving faster, consuming everything in its path. Taking a risk, he leapt into the hall and charged for Natti. He was forced to stop as a piece of ceiling crashed down in front of him. His lungs burned. The heat bit his eyes. Tears ran down his face stinging his already hot cheeks.
He pushed forward, keeping his focus on Natti. When he finally reached her, he was surprised to find his feet hit solid ground. A circle of vinyl yet untouched by the fire surrounded Natti’s body like a protective barrier. He knelt next to her to see the Eye of Horus necklace resting on the floor beside her. Picking up the thick disk, he brushed his finger over it and silently thanked the god.
In response, the beast in his heart snarled and lashed out in rage. Seth cried out, dropping his hand to his chest. His sudden gasp caused him to swallow the smoke-filled air. His lungs seized while he choked and coughed. Seth gritted his teeth against the burning pain, forcing himself to stay focused.
“Natti.” He gently raised her head and shook her shoulder. “Natti, wake up.”
She coughed, wheezed, and groaned. Her eyes opened a crack before her lids fell closed again, and her cheek pressed into his palm. Seth scanned the hall, hoping to see a firefighter or someone who could help. Realizing they were on their own, he picked her up. The moment he raised her from the ground and into his arms, the fire started to lap up the vinyl under his feet. He made his way back, following the emergency exit signs. The power of Horus calmed the flames around them just enough to move through safely, but the smoke and heat were taking their toll. Seth’s body was becoming weak from the lack of oxygen while Natti lay limp and helpless in his arms. Exhausted, he finally made it to the door. He kicked it open just when the fire engines and police cars came to a screeching to a halt on the other side of the court.
Seth took several steps onto the grass before he collapsed onto his knees. Cradling her close to his heart, he didn’t let Natti fall from his arms. Tears from the smoke and horror streamed down his cheeks.
“Hey! Hey!” Mr. Jackson’s voice cried. “We need help over here!”
Two firefighters responded by grabbing oxygen packs while the others began to attack the flames engulfing the building. They were blocked from Seth’s view when Mr. Jackson and the rest of the faculty surrounded them. They spat questions so fast Seth hardly could produce a single answer. Hands pulled at him and Natti, but he refused to move. He drew Natti closer, barricading her from the masses. Seth finally looked up and relaxed when Mr. Jackson knelt down before him.
“It’s going to be all right, Seth,” he told him. “You both are going to be all right.”
“Sir, we need you all to step back.” One of the firefighters, a heavy built man, pushed through. “Step back please! We’ll handle this from here. Please get back on the sidewalk where it is safe.”
The fireman slipped an oxygen mask over Natti’s mouth and nose. He started to peel her from Seth’s arms. Reactively, Seth’s grip tightened. He wasn’t going to let her go.
“She’ll be all right, son,” the fireman told him. “We’ll take good care of her.”
Seth shook his head while a firewoman slipped a mask over his face. The oxygen filled his lungs and made his head spin. He tried to form words only to have meaningless garble tumble from his mouth.
“Son, an ambulance is on its way. We have to move you out of the danger zone.”
The oxygen began to take effect, easing the pain in his chest, yet his mind still felt like it was floating on air. Seth did his best to pull himself together and lifted the mask. “I’m not leaving her side.”
“I never said you had to, but I have to take her. You understand?”
Seth scowled, questioning who he could trust. He didn’t know all the Sons of Set by heart, especially the Norms, and he knew anyone could be under their influence. Natti was not safe. Though word of her origin might not have reached the hem-netjer’s ears, she was exposed and vulnerable—thanks to him.
“As long as she doesn’t leave my side,” Seth growled.
The fireman agreed. Seth released his grip on Natti and let the fireman lift her from his arms. The firewoman helped Seth to his feet, and just as Seth had requested, she kept him steady by Natti’s side. The ambulance pulled up, and emergency technicians rushed out with their gurney. Natti was placed on it and rolled into the vehicle. Seth took a seat inside, still holding the mask to his face to breathe. He slipped his hand into Natti’s, holding it tight.