Chapter 25 - Smoke in the West WingThe smell of burning velvet drifted through the central air vents ten minutes later.
Elena was in the kitchen preparing Lily's milk when the fire alarms suddenly shrieked throughout the mansion. The emergency sprinklers activated, filling the hallways with cold mist and panic.
"Lily!" Elena screamed, dropping the bottle.
She sprinted upstairs, ignoring the thick grey smoke billowing from the west wing corridor. Julian was right behind her, taking three steps at a time.
"The nursery door is locked from the outside!" Julian shouted through the haze, throwing his shoulder against the heavy oak door. It didn't budge.
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Through the small glass panel, Elena saw Vanessa standing near the window, holding a flickering torch made of curtains, while little Lily cowered under her bed, crying silently.
"Open the door, Vanessa!" Elena roared, slamming a heavy brass floor vase against the lock.
