INFERNAL PASSION

Trial by fire

The camp's atmosphere had changed, a current of tension running beneath the surface. It was an energy that Gabriel could feel in his bones, something urgent and unspoken. He sat near the fire, sharpening his blade with slow, deliberate strokes, the rasp of metal on stone filling the night air. His eyes were fixed on the blade, but his thoughts were far away, swirling with the weight of the decisions ahead.

A rustling to his right caught his attention, and he looked up just as Sophia came into view. She approached cautiously, her eyes searching his face before she took a seat across from him, her hands folded in her lap.

- You seem lost in thought again - she said, her voice soft, the flickering firelight reflecting in her eyes.

Gabriel let out a slow breath, setting the sharpening stone aside and resting the blade across his knees.

- There's a lot on my mind. More than usual. Alina brought up something earlier, something about a ritual that might help us control the fire better. But it's risky.

Sophia's eyebrows drew together, concern etched across her features.

- A ritual? What kind of risk are we talking about?

- The kind that could end very badly if we're not careful - Gabriel replied, his voice dropping to a lower tone. - But it could also be what we need to finally tip the scales in our favor. I just don't know if it's worth it.

Sophia was quiet for a moment, her gaze shifting to the fire as she absorbed his words. Finally, she spoke, her voice filled with a quiet determination.

- We've all taken risks to get this far, Gabriel. This might be just another one of those risks. But if it can help us... maybe it's worth considering.

Gabriel looked at her, seeing the resolve in her eyes. He nodded slowly, his expression softening.

- I know. It's just that every decision I make feels like a gamble. I don't want to put any of you in unnecessary danger.

Sophia smiled faintly, her gaze meeting his.

- That's why we trust you, Gabriel. Because we know you're doing your best to protect us. But we're all willing to fight for this. You don't have to carry it alone.

Before Gabriel could respond, Vincent's voice cut through the stillness, his footsteps crunching on the gravel as he approached.

- Am I interrupting something serious again? - Vincent asked, his tone light, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he looked between them.

- Just discussing the risks of a ritual Alina mentioned - Gabriel replied, his gaze shifting to Vincent. - Something that might give us better control over the fire.

Vincent raised an eyebrow, his expression intrigued.

- A ritual, huh? Sounds like it could either be brilliant or catastrophic. Typical for us, I guess. What are you thinking, Gabriel?

Gabriel hesitated, then shook his head slightly.

- I'm not sure yet. We need more information before we decide. I won't risk anyone's life without knowing what we're getting into.

Vincent nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

- Fair enough. But you know we're with you, whatever you decide. If this is something that can help us, I say we go for it. We need every advantage we can get.

Sophia gave Vincent a small smile.

- That's what I said. It's risky, but it might be what we need.

Vincent grinned, his eyes flicking between them.