INFERNAL PASSION

Unbroken promises

The wind rustled through the trees, a constant whisper that filled the night. Gabriel stood at the edge of the camp, his eyes scanning the darkness. He could hear the low murmur of conversation coming from behind him, but his focus remained on the unseen, the threat that he knew was out there, waiting. He tried to keep his thoughts from wandering too far into doubt, but it was a difficult battle.

Footsteps approached, and he turned slightly, recognizing Diana's silhouette as she came into view. Her face was illuminated by the faint glow of the campfire, her expression a mix of concern and determination.

- You're doing it again - she said, her voice soft, almost chiding. - Standing here, taking all the weight on yourself. We're all in this, Gabriel. You know that.

Gabriel's lips curved into a small, tired smile as he looked at her.

- I know. It's just hard to shut it off. There's too much at stake. I can't help but think of every possible outcome, every risk.

Diana stepped closer, her eyes locking onto his.

- And we'll face those risks, all of us. You're not alone, no matter how much you try to carry it by yourself. Trust us to share the burden. It's what we're here for.

He sighed, his gaze dropping to the ground before returning to her face.

- You always know what to say, don't you?

Diana smiled, a gentle warmth in her eyes.

- Someone has to keep you from driving yourself crazy. Besides, you do the same for all of us. It's only fair.

Gabriel nodded, a sense of gratitude washing over him. He reached out, his hand resting on her shoulder for a moment.

- Thank you, Diana. I mean it. I don't know what I'd do without you.

She covered his hand with hers, squeezing gently.

- You won't have to find out. We're in this until the end, Gabriel. No matter what comes.

The sound of approaching footsteps made them both turn, and they saw Raphael making his way towards them, his expression serious but calm.

- Sorry to interrupt - Raphael began, his eyes shifting between them - but Alina's ready. She says it's time to start the preparations for the ritual.

Gabriel's expression shifted, the weight of the upcoming task settling on his shoulders once more. He nodded, glancing at Diana before looking back at Raphael.

- Alright. Let's do this. We need every advantage we can get.

They made their way back to the center of camp, where the others had gathered around the fire. Alina stood at the front, her eyes closed in concentration, her hands resting on a small, weathered book. She opened her eyes as they approached, her gaze steady as she met Gabriel's.

- Are you ready? - she asked, her voice calm but carrying an undertone of urgency.

Gabriel nodded, his eyes moving over the faces of those gathered. Sophia, Vincent, Raphael, Diana—all of them watching him, waiting. He took a deep breath, his resolve hardening.

- We're ready. Tell us what we need to do.

Alina nodded, stepping forward and opening the book, her fingers tracing the lines of text as she spoke.

- This ritual is about forging a connection. Not just with the power inside us, but with each other. It requires trust, focus, and absolute commitment. Once we begin, there's no turning back.

Sophia stepped closer, her gaze unwavering.

- We trust you, Alina. Whatever it takes, we'll do it.

Alina gave her a small smile before continuing.