INFERNAL PASSION

Crimson oath

The camp was quiet, the sounds of distant rustling leaves and the occasional clink of metal against metal drifting through the air. Gabriel sat on the edge of an old wooden crate near the perimeter, his eyes focused on the horizon, where a faint glow still lingered from the setting sun. The tension from the day's training weighed heavily on him, and his thoughts twisted like the embers of a dying fire, trying to make sense of the tasks ahead.

He barely heard the sound of footsteps approaching until a familiar voice broke through the stillness.

- You know, staring at the horizon isn't going to make anything easier - Vincent said, dropping onto the ground beside him, his back against the crate. - You're doing that thing again. Overthinking.

Gabriel sighed, his lips tightening as he gave Vincent a sideways glance.

- It's hard not to overthink when so much is at stake. Every move we make, every choice, could be the difference between life and death. I can't afford to be careless.

Vincent stretched out his legs, his eyes fixed on the growing darkness ahead.

- I get it, Gabe. But if you keep carrying everything like this, it's going to wear you down before anything else gets the chance. We're in a tough spot, sure. But we can't forget that we're still human. Even you.

Gabriel's eyes flickered, and for a moment, the corner of his mouth twitched into a faint smile.

- Sometimes I wonder if I am. Being out here, doing what we do, it's like... I don't know. Like I'm losing touch with who I used to be.

Vincent let out a breath, his voice softer now.

- Maybe that's part of it. Adapting. It doesn't mean losing yourself completely. It means finding a way to become what you need to be. For them. For us.

Gabriel turned his gaze towards the camp, watching the figures moving between tents, the soft murmurs of conversation, the flicker of campfires casting warmth against the shadows. He nodded slowly.

- You're right. It's just... hard to accept sometimes. But we keep moving forward.

Vincent grinned, nudging Gabriel with his shoulder.

- That's the spirit. Now, how about you stop moping and actually come and eat something? Diana's been trying to get you to sit down for the past hour, but you were too busy brooding.

Gabriel shook his head, a genuine smile breaking through his tension.

- I wasn't brooding.

- Yeah, sure you weren't - Vincent said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. - Come on, man. Diana's gonna have my head if I don't get you over there.

Gabriel stood, dusting off his pants, and nodded.

- Alright, lead the way.

They made their way through the camp, the scent of cooking food wafting through the air, blending with the earthy aroma of the forest. The fire at the center of the camp crackled, its light catching on Diana's face as she glanced up, relief washing over her expression when she saw Gabriel approaching.

- There you are - she said, her tone half reproachful, half amused. - I was about ready to come out there and drag you over myself.

- I told him as much - Vincent added, plopping down on one of the logs surrounding the fire. - He's just a little slow sometimes.

Gabriel gave Diana an apologetic smile as he settled beside her.

- Sorry. I guess I just needed a minute to clear my head.