Bushfires steal so much from people, but Lyam refuses to be one of their victims. His family spent generations building the Wildlife Park, providing a home for both native and exotic animals and he refuses to let the approaching bushfire steal it away from him. He'd do anything to protect it and the animals who rely on him.

Even if that means risking his own life to do it.

But as the fire races toward the park, it's not just Lyam taking risks. Jordan fears for his friend and can't let him go play hero without knowing of his feelings for him. He takes a risk that their friendship will survive the revelation and leaving Lyam with a choice.

Risk his own life to protect the park, or risk losing it for a chance of something beyond friendship with Jordan.

This short story was originally published in the When the Smoke Clears Anthology. No changes have been made to it.