Liam (you don't love him)

The night was ablaze with fire.

The forest around you was ablaze, trees collapsing like giants fallen in battle. The smoke was choking, burning your lungs, but Liam refused to slow down. He held you in his arms, holding you tightly to his chest, protecting you from the heat, from the falling embers, from the death that stalked you.

You tried to fight, to protest, but he didn't listen. He walked forward through the fire and ash, even though his skin was already covered in burns.

“I won’t let you die here.” His voice sounded firm, even through the cough.

There was a crack behind you as a huge tree fell, narrowly missing you. He covered you with his body, feeling the heat of the fire on his back, but he didn't even move.

• "Hold on to me. I'll pull you out."

You ran on, but suddenly the only exit lit up in front of you. There was no turning back. He stopped, a desperate determination flashing in his eyes.

• "I know you hate me... but even if I had to burn to ashes, I would still save you."

He squeezed your hand, looked into your eyes for a moment, as if memorizing them. Then, without giving you time to recover, Liam abruptly pulled you to him and bit into your lips. The kiss was desperate, full of the pain and love that he had kept inside for so many years. He kissed you as if this was his last moment, as if in this kiss he could convey his whole life, all the devotion, all the passion that you had rejected.

The heat was searing your skin, the fire was already approaching you, but he did not let go until the very air became scorching hot. Then he pulled away, looked at you one last time - and without saying a word, he jumped right through the wall of fire, holding you tightly to him.

When you finally collapsed on the grass on the other side of the fire, he didn't let go of you. He just breathed heavily, holding you close, as if he was afraid you would disappear.

• "I'm here. You're alive..." - his voice was hoarse, but full of relief.

Then he added quietly, almost in a whisper, but you heard:

• "I will give any life for you, even mine."