INFERNAL PASSION

Flames of defiance

The night was heavy, and the air had a strange stillness, as if the world was waiting for something to happen. Gabriel stood near the camp's outer perimeter, his gaze fixed on the darkened treeline beyond. The flicker of torches dotted the camp, casting sporadic pools of light across the ground, but where Gabriel stood, it was almost entirely dark. He found solace in the quiet, a rare chance to gather his thoughts before plunging back into the whirlpool of responsibility that awaited him.

Footsteps approached—measured, cautious, but familiar. Gabriel didn't turn until he heard Raphael's voice.

- There you are. I figured you'd be out here. You've got that look again, you know? The one that says you're thinking a hundred steps ahead.

Gabriel finally glanced over at Raphael, his face barely visible in the dim light. He let out a small, resigned breath.

- I have to. I can't afford not to, Raphael. Every decision we make, every move, it all matters. And I can't let my guard down now. Not when we're this close.

Raphael nodded, his gaze following Gabriel's out into the shadowed forest.

- I get it. But you're allowed to take a breath too. It's okay if you need a break sometimes, you know. We're all with you in this, even if you don't always ask for help.

Gabriel offered a faint smile, one that held no humor but perhaps a touch of gratitude.

- I know. And I do appreciate it. I just wish I had more answers. The more we learn, the more questions seem to pile up. This power we've been given—it's as much a blessing as it is a burden.

Raphael let out a soft chuckle.

- Ain't that the truth. It's like every time we think we understand it, something changes. But that's what makes this worth it, isn't it? The fight. The chance that we might make a difference.

Gabriel's expression softened, his eyes shifting to Raphael.

- You always find a way to put it into perspective, don't you?

Raphael shrugged, his lips curving into a faint smile.

- Someone's got to keep you from brooding all night. Besides, I think the others look up to you more than they let on. You keep pushing, and it makes them push too. You've got more influence than you realize.

Gabriel looked back out at the forest, his fingers brushing against the hilt of his blade, the cool metal grounding him.

- I hope you're right. We need every bit of strength we can muster for what's coming. The scouts reported movement to the north again. If they're right, we might be seeing them sooner than expected.

Raphael's gaze hardened, his jaw setting in a determined line.

- Then we'll be ready. We've got each other's backs. No one's going down without a fight.

Gabriel nodded, appreciating the conviction in Raphael's voice. It was a steadying force, one that helped stave off the doubt that so often crept into his mind. He opened his mouth to say something more when another figure emerged from the darkness—a woman, her steps quiet but purposeful. It was Alina, her face partially illuminated by the torchlight as she approached.

- Am I interrupting something? - Alina asked, her voice tinged with a slight smile, her eyes moving between Gabriel and Raphael.

- Not at all - Raphael replied, stepping aside slightly. - Just trying to talk some sense into this one before he worries himself into a frenzy.

Gabriel gave Raphael a pointed look but then turned his attention to Alina.

- What brings you out here, Alina? It's late. You should be resting.