?Chapter 985:


    “Hadley?!” he called out, tension gripping his voice.


    He slowed his pace, straining to hear.


    “Please… help me…”


    It was her. It had to be.


    Denver followed the sound, heart pounding, taking cautious steps through the smoke. He was close—so close.


    Then, silence. The sound vanished.


    His eyes darted around. Did he imagine it?


    Suddenly, a deafening crash split the air as part of the wall gave way. The iron door sagged and tilted, nearly crashing to the floor.


    There, just beyond it—a small figurey motionless.


    Denver’s breath caught. Hadley!


    He rushed forward, stepping over the twisted metal. Dropping to his knees, he turned her over.


    Even caked in soot and ash, he recognized her instantly. “Hadley!”


    Her eyes remained shut, her skin flushed from the heat, and her breath came in shallow gasps.


    Smoke inhtion. She needed help, fast.


    Denver moved quickly. He draped the soaked nket over her fragile frame, hoisted her onto his back, and rose to his feet.


    “Stay with me, Hadley. We’re almost out.”


    They just needed to make it out, and she’d be safe!


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    Carefully, he stepped over the fallen door. Behind him, another boom thundered through the space. The door crashed fully to the floornding exactly where she’d been lying just moments ago.


    Denver’s heart stopped. If he’d been a secondter…


    He swallowed hard, eyes fixed ahead.


    “You’re safe now, Hadley,” he whispered. “After surviving this… maybe life will finally start looking up.”


    He retraced his steps back to the entrance. The fire had weakened. Water poured from above as firefighters continued their assault on the ze. Smoke thinned, but debris littered the floor. Step by step, Denver carried her forward.


    Suddenly, mes burst from the side. A burning crate toppled toward them.


    “No!” Denver shouted, throwing his arm over her protectively.


    The crate smashed into his arm, searing heat blistering his skin.


    “Argh…” Denver hissed through gritted teeth.


    The crash stirred Hadley. Hershes fluttered. “Who… who…” she muttered.


    “Hadley?” Denver gasped, the pain momentarily forgotten. “You’re awake? It’s me—Denver!”


    “Den… Denver…”


    “Yes, it’s me,” he said, relief flooding his voice.


    On his back, Hadley whimpered. “Help me… help…” Her voice was hoarse, barely more than a breath.


    Denver’s gut twisted. Guilt mmed into him. He should’ve insisted on giving her a ride. Instead, he let her go—watched her be taken.


    “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I was toote… but I’m here now. I won’t let anything happen to you.”


    Hadley didn’t respond.


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