A slow grin stretches across his mouth.

My shoulders sag. “You think I’ve lost it.”

“I know you have. I just happen to like it. Let’s set this place on fire.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Theo interjects. “I’m not saying no, but can we at least take a second to think through how we’re doing this? They come in and open the doors…then what?”

“Six against three,” Evan replies. “We arm ourselves with the teakettle and toaster—that’s about all we have in here. They might not cut through drywall…or a chest cavity, but they’ll do some damage if you go hard enough.”

It’s better than nothing.

Theo nods. “Can’t say I’m overly confident, but I am so ready to get out of here.” He turns to Lucie and Hazel. “We die trying, not in a room fighting.”

“Ooh, we should all get tattoos of that when we’re out.”

Five pairs of eyes slide to me.

“I was just trying to lighten the mood.”

Evan shakes my comment off. “Let’s do this. Make sure you have something to fight with, everyone. I’ll light a fire.”

“You’re doing it?” I ask him. Here I was fully prepared to torch this place since it’s my idea, but I have to say, I’m glad Evan is volunteering so it’s not all on me.

“Have you ever set a building on fire before, Piper?”

“No, have you?”

He laughs. “I’m sure I’ll figure it out. Get a knife and wait by the door.”

I do as I’m told and follow Theo, Hazel, Lucie, and Priya to grab a knife, then head to the door.

You are certifiable.

Evan grabs the aluminum foil and stuffs it in the microwave. He looks back at me for a second before jabbing his finger on the button to start the microwave.

I watch as the foil spins and then catches fire. The microwave pops, and fire spills from the door, alighting the cupboards.

Evan watches the fire as if it’s the most interesting thing he’s ever seen, golden flames flickering in the reflection of his eyes.

“Evan,” I prompt.

He blinks, and his eyes snap to mine. “Sorry.” He steps back in line with us.

The flames grow as they spread toward the kitchen table and sofas. The wooden table is consumed by a bright orange blaze.

My eyes widen as the soft fabric of the sofa succumbs in seconds. They swallow it, raging across the sofa and spreading to the rough carpet.

I watch the inferno consume the room, growing at an alarming rate.

The heat the fire is giving off prickles on my skin.

Evan turns and walks over to me, putting his body just in front so he’s between me and the door.

“Are you ready?” he asks.