Julian did not think twice. There was no time to run, no time to jump, and no time to dodge the falling danger.

He spun his body around instantly, pulling Evelyn tight against his chest. He bent his tall frame over her small body, turning his back to the ceiling as the heavy wooden beam crashed straight down from above.

A loud, sickening thud echoed through the burning room. The massive log struck Julian right across his shoulder blades, smashing him down onto his knees on the hot floor. Hot sparks and flaming splinters rained down on his clothes, catching the fabric on fire.

Pain like a hundred white-hot knives...