INFERNAL PASSION

Fragile truths

The forest still held an unsettling quiet as the group returned to their base, each member steeped in their own thoughts. The trial they had undergone, the flames that had entwined with their souls, seemed to echo in the rustling of the leaves, in the chill that settled into their bones. Gabriel walked ahead, his posture rigid, his eyes scanning the shadows, as though expecting something to emerge at any moment.

- I can't shake the feeling that we're not alone out here - Vincent muttered, his voice barely audible above the wind that rustled through the branches.

- It's the forest - Raphael replied, his tone contemplative. - Seraphine said it's alive, that it watches us. Maybe it knows something we don't.

- Well, I wish it would watch from a distance - Vincent said, the faintest hint of a grin flickering on his lips. - I'm tired of being someone's entertainment.

Diana caught up with Gabriel, her steps light and cautious, her eyes meeting his when he turned to glance back at her. She could see the weight he was carrying, the burden of leadership, the constant worry that something, anything, could go wrong.

- You know, you don't have to do it all by yourself - she said, her voice gentle. - We're all in this together. You can lean on us, just as much as we lean on you.

Gabriel hesitated for a moment, his expression softening as he looked at her. There was something in her gaze—a sincerity that he found both comforting and unnerving. He nodded slowly.

- I know. It's just... hard sometimes. I feel like every choice I make could lead us one step closer to victory or one step closer to disaster. The weight of it... it's heavy.

- Then let us help carry it - Diana insisted, her hand brushing against his arm. - We're stronger together. You don't have to bear it all alone.

Gabriel took a deep breath, his gaze dropping for a moment before he met her eyes again.

- Thank you. I'll try. It's just not in my nature to let go, even a little.

Diana gave him a small smile, her eyes filled with understanding.

- We'll take it one step at a time.

Sophia, walking a few steps behind, watched the interaction, her own heart heavy with the same uncertainty. The Trial of Fire had left a mark on all of them, one that she wasn't sure would ever fully fade. The fire had been a test, yes, but also a revelation—a glimpse into the truth of who they were, both as individuals and as a group. And now, with Seraphine's promise of guidance, Sophia found herself grappling with the unknown, the fear that perhaps their newfound power would bring more danger than hope.

- Do you think she'll come back? - Raphael asked, his voice breaking through her thoughts.

- Who? Seraphine? - Sophia responded, glancing over at him.

Raphael nodded, his eyes searching the shadows ahead.

- She said she would help us, but then she disappeared. Part of me wonders if she'll actually keep her word.

- She will - Sophia said, her voice steady. - I think she's been through this before. She knows what we're facing, and I think she genuinely wants to help us. Maybe she just needs time.

Vincent let out a low sigh.

- I hope you're right, Soph. Because we could use all the help we can get.

The group continued on in silence, the forest giving way to the familiar sight of their base. It was a modest encampment, fortified with barriers made from the surrounding trees and stone. It wasn't much, but it was home—at least for now. They passed through the gates, the guards offering them nods of acknowledgment, their eyes filled with both respect and a hint of fear. Word of their trial had spread, and while the others respected their newfound power, there was also an unspoken wariness, a fear of the unknown.