Chapter 24: Baptism by Fire
The alarm blared, cutting through the morning haze like a blade.
No time to think. No time to breathe.
I dashed towards the origin of the sound, the piercing, rhythmic cry drawing me in like a powerful magnet. My heart pounded—not out of fear, but from the rush of adrenaline that arose from realizing this was the moment. This was what all the planning, the lies, the new identity had been building toward.
The fire truck sat like a red beast at the side of the station, its engine rumbling to life. Firefighters scrambled around it, slipping into gear with mechanical precision.
I spotted a man barking orders near the truck, his presence cutting through the chaos. Broad-shouldered, his weathered face lined with years of experience, and his voice carrying the authority of someone who'd been through hell and come back to talk about it.
Without hesitation, I jogged up to him.
"Mr. Fox," I said, my voice slightly muffled through the fox mask but firm. "New recruit."
He shot me a quick glance, barely pausing. "Good to meet you, Fox, but we're moving now. On the truck."
No questions. No hesitation. Just orders.
I hopped onto the truck, holding onto the rail as it surged ahead with a deep growl. Inside, the team was already gearing up—putting on heavy coats, attaching oxygen tanks, and fastening helmets. I grabbed the closest set of equipment, my hands awkwardly dealing with the straps and buckles.
Despite my nerves, my body knew what to do.