INFERNAL PASSION

Echoes of valor

The camp was unusually quiet, a stillness that seemed to reflect the uncertainty that everyone felt. Gabriel sat on a low stone wall that bordered the western edge of the camp, his gaze drifting towards the thick woods beyond. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting long, shifting shadows across the ground. He let out a slow breath, feeling the weight of all that was to come pressing down on him. He knew he couldn't let it show, not when everyone was looking to him for strength. But moments like this, when he was alone, the vulnerability seeped through the cracks.

A rustle of footsteps approached from behind, and he turned slightly to see Vincent making his way towards him, a flask in his hand and a familiar grin on his face.

- Figured you might need this - Vincent said, holding up the flask as he came closer. - And don't even try telling me you don't. I know that look.

Gabriel couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips as he reached for the flask, nodding in thanks.

- You know me too well, Vincent.

Vincent shrugged, leaning against the wall beside him, his gaze following Gabriel's towards the woods.

- Someone's got to keep an eye on you. Otherwise, you'd just brood until you fell over from exhaustion.

Gabriel uncapped the flask and took a sip, the warmth of the liquid spreading through him. He handed it back to Vincent, his smile fading into something more somber.

- I guess I can't help it. There's so much riding on what happens next. If I make the wrong call...

Vincent waved a hand, interrupting him.

- Stop right there. You're not making any wrong calls. You're doing what you think is best, and that's all anyone can ask for. Besides, we're all with you. No matter what.

Gabriel looked over at him, the sincerity in Vincent's voice cutting through some of his doubt. He nodded slowly.

- I appreciate that. More than you know.

Vincent smiled, taking a sip from the flask before capping it and tucking it back into his jacket.

- I know you do. And that's why I'm not letting you out here alone all night. Come on, there's a fire back at camp, and it's a lot warmer than this wall.

Gabriel hesitated, glancing back at the woods one last time before nodding. He pushed himself up from the wall, falling into step beside Vincent as they made their way back towards the center of camp. The fire crackled invitingly, the warmth reaching them even before they got close.

Sophia and Raphael were already sitting there, their heads turning as Gabriel and Vincent approached. Sophia smiled, her eyes softening as she patted the spot next to her.

- I was wondering when you'd decide to join us. You're always out there, Gabriel. It's okay to be here sometimes too.

Gabriel returned her smile, taking a seat beside her, the warmth of the fire seeping into his bones. He glanced at Raphael, who gave him a knowing nod.

- We were just discussing the next steps - Raphael said, his tone careful, as if not to burden Gabriel too quickly. - About Alina's ritual. Whether or not it's something we should consider more seriously.

Gabriel sighed, his expression growing thoughtful.

- I've been thinking about it too. It's a risk, a big one. But I also know we can't afford to ignore any possible advantage. Especially with what we're facing. If we decide to go through with it, we have to be fully prepared for the consequences.

Sophia leaned forward, her gaze intense.

- I trust Alina. If she thinks this ritual could help us, I think we should at least try. We all know the dangers, but we've faced worse, haven't we?