Chapter 1

It was small. A spark, a flicker—something so insignificant that it should never have changed his life. But it did.

Nathaniel remembered the way the flames spread, slow at first, creeping along the edges of the old curtains before swallowing them whole. He remembered the thick, suffocating smoke curling toward the ceiling, the acrid scent of burning wood and fabric stinging his throat. His hands trembled as he tried but couldn't put it out, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Nate, stay back!"

Her voice was the last clear thing he heard before the fire roared to life.

His mind raced through every possible escape, but all he could hear was the relentless crackling of the flames, closing in, wrapping around him like a living, breathing thing.

The heat blistered his skin, the air too thick to breathe. He could barely see through the haze, barely think past the panic. She was inside, inside that fire. He had to save her. He tried. He called her name, over and over, his tiny voice raw with desperation.

But the flames didn’t care.The fire danced along the walls, greedy and fast, licking up the wooden beams like they were nothing but paper.

Another crash sounded from somewhere above. The ceiling groaned under the weight of its own destruction.

The fire trucks arrived but it was too late. He was swooped in the arms by a large man. Tears welled up in his eyes. He wanted to scream for them to save her but his throat was tight shut. He fought, but he was too weak, too disoriented. By the time the smoke had cleared, all that was left was the blackened remains of a home he once felt safe in. And her, he hoped that she had been swooped in the large guy's hands just like he was. But she wasn't. She was gone.

Nathaniel jolted awake, his breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps.

The scent of smoke lingered in his mind, the heat still clinging to his skin, even though the room around him was cool and dark. He pressed his palms against his eyes, willing the memory to fade.

It never did.

--------------

Nathaniel flicked his lighter open, watching the tiny flame dance before snapping it shut. The scent of burning fuel always sent him back to that night. He exhaled slowly, shoving the lighter into his pocket.

"Rhodes," a voice called.

He turned, his expression unreadable as the manager strode past with a group of interns, barely sparing them a glance. Nathaniel had been here long enough to understand how this worked. He was at the top. The rest barely mattered.

------------

Chapter 1

I couldn't believe it. The email sat there in my inbox, its subject line staring back at me like an unspoken promise: "Congratulations on Your Internship with Blackstone Publishing ."

I hovered my fingers over the keyboard as I reread it. The words felt surreal, I guess I had made it. The hours I spent refining my resume, drafting cover letters, and sending out endless applications had finally paid off. I was going to be a journalism intern at one of the city’s most prestigious firms.

I barely contained a squeal as I sat up from my bed, my phone still clutched tightly in my hand. my mother, poked her head through the door. “What’s all the excitement about, young lady?

I flashed her the email. “I got it! The internship! "

Mum smiled warmly just as she does always, stepping into the room and enveloping me in a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you, Hannah. This is your big break. When do you start?”

"Next week" I said running my eyes through the phone just to be sure.

.................................

The next week came in a blur of nerves and excitement. I tried my best to dress carefully for the occasion, choosing a smart blouse and dark pants, my mind racing with all the questions I could think of. What would the office be like? Would I fit in with the other interns? Would I be able to keep up with the work?, I would though, I would try my best.

When I arrived, the firm’s sleek, glass building towered above me. The polished floors inside reflected the bustling energy of the newsroom. I smoothed my sweaty palms on my blouse for the hundredth time , I couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and anticipation.

"Excuse me" I said leaning towards the receptionist at the desk, trying not to sound nervous. "I'm here for the internship, I'm Ha-"

"Fourth floor, you're late" The receptionist cut in barely taking a glance from her screen

Late?? I glanced at my phone, it was only 8:50, The letter said to resume by 9. What if I missed the time, I'm definitely cooked.

I stepped into the elevator, gripping the strap of my bag. It took a while but then I blinked severally before I finally pushed the elevator buttons.

The doors opened and I was met with the chaotic energy of the newsroom. I scanned the room quickly completely unsure of what to do next, everyone looked so busy.

"Interns have to go that way" A voice said from behind me, I turned to see a male figure pointing towards an enclosed space. "Go in and head to the manager's office"

"Uhm thank you", I managed to stutterer with an awkward smile. First day and I was already embarrassed.

I walked through the door to what seemed like a waiting area. There were two other interns. I smiled sheepishly and sat next to the last one. it wasn't long before a round looking man walked into the area and introduced himself as the manager. He handed us each a file and then continued his introduction

"Follow me" he said sharply. We all stood up like soldiers being called and followed the master manager. He only took us round the floor and then finally our work stations. Basically what I was looking forward to.

we moved into and open busy space with barriers separating each person's station. Why did I expect to have my own office.

“This are your stations. You’ll be working with Mr, Rhodes, your head of intern on some stories, but most of the time, you’ll be handling smaller pieces to start. Follow his lead, and you’ll do fine.”

Hannah glanced over at the Mr Rhodes as she was led to her desk. He stood by the window, looking out, his back to the room. Even from behind, she could sense the authority in his posture, the aloofness in his stance.

That was her first impression of Nathaniel Rhodes—untouchable, distant, and perhaps a little too comfortable in his position. He didn’t even turn around to greet her.

She shook off her disappointment and focused on her desk. Today was the beginning of something huge for her. She had to prove herself.