INFERNAL PASSION

Silent guardians

The air was thick with tension as Gabriel and Diana gathered the group in the dimly lit room. The news of the mysterious disappearances in a nearby village had reached them, and the urgency in the villagers' pleas for help could not be ignored. Gabriel's brow furrowed as he glanced around at his friends, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation.

- We've been hearing reports of people disappearing in a nearby village. The villagers have seen shadowy figures and heard strange noises at night - Gabriel began, his voice steady but concerned.

Sophia's eyes widened, and she leaned forward.

- Do you think these disappearances are related to the infernal forces we've been fighting?

Gabriel nodded slowly.

- It's likely. We need to stay vigilant and be prepared for anything.

Vincent crossed his arms, his expression serious.

- Whatever it is, we'll face it together.

Raphael, always the strategist, added,

- We should investigate immediately. The longer we wait, the more people could be in danger.

Aetherius, standing slightly apart from the group, his celestial form glowing faintly, spoke up.

- I sense a dark energy in that direction. It's powerful and ancient. We need to act swiftly.

The group agreed to set out for the village at once. The journey through the forest was fraught with tension, each step taken with caution. They spoke quietly among themselves, sharing their thoughts and fears as they made their way towards the village.

- This feels different from the other battles we've faced - Vincent murmured, his eyes scanning the dense trees around them.

- It's the unknown that's unsettling. But we've faced the unknown before and come out stronger - Sophia replied, her voice calm and reassuring.

Gabriel, leading the way, glanced back at his friends.

- Remember, we're stronger together. Whatever we face, we'll handle it as a team.

As they reached the outskirts of the village, the sun was setting, casting long shadows over the small, huddled houses. The villagers, seeing the group approach, came out to meet them, their faces etched with fear and desperation. An elderly man, the village elder, stepped forward, his hands trembling.

- Please, you have to help us. People are disappearing, and we're all terrified.

Gabriel stepped forward, his expression compassionate but firm.

- We're here to help. We'll find out what's happening and put a stop to it.

The villagers gathered around, eager to share their stories. They spoke of shadowy figures seen lurking at the edge of the forest and strange, haunting noises that filled the night air. Families clung to each other, fearful of what might come next.

- My daughter vanished two nights ago. She was just outside, and then... she was gone - one woman sobbed, her eyes filled with despair.

Diana placed a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder.

- We'll do everything we can to bring her back. I promise.

The group split up to investigate different areas of the village. Gabriel and Diana took the lead, moving towards the forest where the shadowy figures had been seen. The deeper they went, the more palpable the dark energy became.

- These ruins... they're unlike anything I've seen before. What do you make of them, Aetherius? - Raphael asked, his voice filled with curiosity and concern.