INFERNAL PASSION

Storms of unrest

The campfire burned low, casting a dim orange glow over the clearing as Gabriel leaned against the rough-hewn wooden fence, watching the flames dance. The night had fallen still, but an undercurrent of tension rippled through the camp. They were readying themselves for something, and the anticipation settled heavily in the air.

Vincent approached, his hands stuffed in his jacket pockets, his face barely visible in the low light.

- You think we're really ready for this? - Vincent asked, his voice a quiet rumble.

Gabriel turned his head slightly, catching Vincent's gaze before letting out a slow breath.

- I don't know. I think we have to be. Whether we're ready or not doesn't change the fact that whatever's coming, it's not going to wait for us.

Vincent nodded, his gaze drifting to the fire.

- Yeah, I figured you'd say something like that. It's just... sometimes I wonder if we're biting off more than we can chew. I mean, we're dealing with powers we don't fully understand. And this approaching force? Who knows what they want.

Gabriel turned to face him more fully, his eyes searching Vincent's face.

- We've faced a lot of uncertainty already, Vincent. This is just another chapter. But I do know one thing for sure: we can't afford to back down. If we run now, we lose everything we've fought for.

Vincent chuckled dryly, shaking his head.

- Yeah, I guess you're right. Doesn't make it any easier, though.

Gabriel offered him a small, grim smile.

- It's not supposed to be easy. It's supposed to be worth it.

Diana approached from behind them, her voice breaking the momentary silence.

- Talking philosophy again, are we? You two always manage to find the time.

Gabriel looked over his shoulder at her, a flicker of warmth touching his otherwise serious demeanor.

- We need something to keep us sane, don't we?

Diana moved closer, her arms folded as she gave both men a once-over, her expression softening.

- I suppose. But we also need to get some rest. Tomorrow's not going to be any easier.

Gabriel nodded, glancing back at the fire before pushing himself away from the fence.

- You're right. We need our strength for what's to come.

Diana smiled at him, though concern lingered in her eyes.

- I'll make sure everyone knows what's expected of them tomorrow. We need to stay sharp, all of us. I can feel something in the air, Gabriel. Something is coming.

Gabriel reached out, his hand resting gently on her shoulder.

- I feel it too. But we're ready, Diana. We've got each other, and we've faced worse than this.

Diana sighed, nodding.

- I know. I just worry. But that's nothing new.

Vincent gave her a reassuring smile.

- It's good that you worry. Keeps us on our toes. Keeps us alive.

Diana rolled her eyes but returned the smile.

- Yeah, yeah. Now go, both of you. Get some sleep. We start early.

Vincent saluted her playfully before turning and making his way toward the tent he shared with Raphael. Gabriel lingered a moment longer, watching Diana as she turned to leave. He spoke softly, his voice almost lost to the crackling of the fire.