HER KIND

Sheltering Flames

'Chapter 33'

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The small cottage presented a puzzling illusion to Dria. From the outside, it resembled a rugged cabin one might seek refuge in during a forest storm, appearing in need of repairs. But as she crossed the threshold, her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the unexpectedly spacious interior.

As Dria crossed the threshold into the cabin, she was met with an unexpected sense of warmth and comfort despite the darkness outside. The dim glow of candlelight flickered across the worn wooden floors, casting dancing shadows against the walls. A crackling fire in the stone hearth illuminated the cosy interior, its soft glow reflecting off the rustic furnishings. Despite the late hour, the cabin felt welcoming, with plush armchairs arranged around the fireplace inviting her to relax and unwind.

Seraphine ushered Nathaniel and Jeremiah into two separate rooms, their boots echoing against the hard wooden floor as everyone stayed in the foyer, seeming to be in the same state of confusion and shock as herself.

Minutes later both men walked out of the rooms and headed towards the standing group, Dria could already see the underlying worry that her father was trying to hide as he rubbed his temple.

As Nathaniel joined the group in the cabin's foyer, Dria couldn't help but notice the weariness etched into the lines of his face. His movements seemed more laboured than usual, each step weighed down by invisible burdens.

She watched as he reached up to rub his temple, a subtle gesture that betrayed the persistent ache gnawing at his skull. Despite his efforts to conceal his discomfort, his exhaustion seeped through, casting a shadow over his usually vibrant demeanour.

He sighed as he got to her side as if knowing what she was thinking, he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her in, "Seraphine will take good care of them, don't you worry one bit about it, Bambi." Dri couldn't help but smile into his chest as the scent of fire and wood calmed her senses.

He pulled away and looked at everyone else, "So the cottage only has three rooms and the boys are currently taking the only two, so the main bedroom can go to the women and us men will try to camp out here,"

Dria shook her head, "Papa you still haven't healed fully yet, I think you should take the bed and get enough rest,"

Nathaniel was about to shake his head when Seraphine's voice disrupted the conversation, "Listen to your daughter Nathan, she speaks sense. You look terribly and I can barely feel your flame, you need the bed more than any of them.

Nathaniel hesitated, his eyes reflecting gratitude and weariness as he finally relented, nodding in agreement. Dria watched with relief as her father accepted Seraphine's advice, silently grateful for her intervention.

"I understand you all must be exhausted and also in need of a hot shower, who wants to go first, getting the line going while I whip up something?"

"Oh yes please," Katerina sighed as she got up from the couch she was sitting on, following after Seraphine.

The others—Jared, Edrick, and Pierce—scuttled outside, retrieving supplies from the car. But Kane remained, perched on the floor, his fingers tracing invisible patterns in the air near the hearth.

Nathaniel's keen eyes caught the hesitation in Kane's movements. "Why the reluctance?" he asked, his voice a low murmur that blended with the fire's whispers.

Kane's gaze shifted from the flames to Nathaniel's weathered face. Dria saw the unspoken tension between them. Kane was avoiding her father's eyes as if fearing what truths they might reveal.