INFERNAL PASSION

Binded ties

The wind picked up as the night deepened, carrying with it the scent of pine and earth. Gabriel stood at the edge of the camp, his gaze focused on the distant horizon, where the dark silhouettes of the northern mountains loomed against the sky. His thoughts were heavy with the plans they had made, the uncertainty of what lay ahead weighing on him. It felt like they were standing on the edge of something monumental, a journey that could change everything, for better or worse.

- I thought I'd find you here - Diana's voice broke through his thoughts, soft but clear.

Gabriel turned his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips as she approached. She wore her cloak tightly around her shoulders, the chill of the night evident in the way she moved. She stopped beside him, her gaze following his to the mountains.

- Still thinking about tomorrow? - she asked, her eyes searching his face.

Gabriel nodded, his expression serious.

- It's hard not to. We don't know what we're walking into. And I keep wondering if I'm making the right call. If this is really the best path for us.

Diana tilted her head, her gaze softening.

- You always do that, you know. Question yourself, carry the weight of every decision. But you're not alone, Gabriel. We're here because we believe in this. In you.

Gabriel let out a slow breath, his eyes meeting hers.

- I know. And I appreciate it more than I can say. But sometimes I just wish I could see what's coming, just to know if we're doing the right thing.

Diana reached out, her hand resting lightly on his arm.

- If we could see what's coming, it wouldn't be worth fighting for. The unknown is part of what makes this matter. And whatever happens, we face it. We're stronger than we were before, and that's because of you.

Gabriel looked at her, the sincerity in her voice breaking through some of the uncertainty that had settled in his chest. He nodded, a small smile touching his lips.

- Thank you, Diana. I don't know what I'd do without you keeping me grounded.

Diana smiled, her eyes glinting with warmth.

- You'd probably drive yourself crazy, that's what. But I'm not planning on letting that happen.

They stood in silence for a moment, the wind rustling through the branches above them. The fire crackled behind them, the glow casting long shadows across the clearing. Gabriel could feel the weight of the night pressing in, but it was balanced by the warmth of Diana's presence, by the sense of unity that had grown among them all.

- Are we interrupting a moment? - Vincent's voice called out from behind them, a hint of mischief in his tone.

Gabriel turned, his smile widening as he saw Vincent approaching, Sophia and Raphael just behind him. Vincent gave Gabriel an exaggerated wink as he came to a stop.

- I swear, every time I see you two, it looks like you're having some deep, dramatic conversation - Vincent teased, folding his arms across his chest.

Diana rolled her eyes, though her smile remained.

- Maybe because we are, Vincent. Some of us take this seriously, you know.

Vincent chuckled, shaking his head.

- Oh, I take it seriously. I just think we could use a little more fun around here, that's all. You know, lighten the mood before we head into the unknown.

Sophia stepped forward, her gaze moving between Gabriel and Diana.

- Vincent's not entirely wrong. We could use a distraction. It's been a heavy few days, and we all know tomorrow's going to be challenging.