INFERNAL PASSION

Distant echoes

The air was cool, almost biting, as they hiked up the uneven path leading away from the camp. The northern mountains stood ahead, shrouded in mist, their peaks disappearing into the low-hanging clouds. Gabriel walked at the front of the group, his eyes scanning the landscape as they moved. The mood was sober, each step carrying the weight of what they had decided to do. They had prepared themselves as best as they could, but the unknown still loomed large, pressing on everyone's thoughts.

- How much further do you think it is? - Vincent called from behind, his voice cutting through the silence.

Gabriel slowed his pace, glancing back at Vincent. He could see the playful grin on Vincent's face, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity beneath it.

- Hard to say. We've got a lot of ground to cover before we even reach the base of the mountains. From there, it'll depend on what kind of trail we find.

Vincent groaned dramatically, rolling his eyes.

- So, what you're saying is, we're in for a long hike. Great. I was hoping for a quick stroll with a nice view.

Diana chuckled, shaking her head as she walked beside him.

- You know, you could have stayed at camp if you wanted an easy day. No one would have blamed you.

Vincent gasped in mock offense, placing a hand over his heart.

- Stay at camp and miss out on all the fun? Not a chance. Besides, someone has to make sure Gabriel doesn't get lost in his thoughts and walk us off a cliff.

Gabriel smirked, shaking his head as he turned his attention back to the path ahead.

- I'll try to keep my brooding to a minimum, just for you, Vincent.

Sophia walked up, falling into step with Gabriel. She looked at him, her brow furrowed slightly as she spoke.

- I've been thinking about what Raphael said last night. About the library. Do you really think it'll still be there? After all this time?

Gabriel sighed, his gaze drifting to the mountains ahead.

- I don't know. But it's the best lead we have. And if there's even a chance that it could help us, we have to try. We need to understand this power, or we're just going to keep stumbling around in the dark.

Sophia nodded, her expression thoughtful.

- I get that. I just... I worry about what we might find. Or what we might not find. It's hard, not knowing if we're even on the right path.

Gabriel looked at her, his voice softening.

- I know. But that's always been the case, hasn't it? We've never known for sure if we're doing the right thing. We just do what we can, and hope it's enough.

Sophia smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

- You're right. And I trust you, Gabriel. Whatever happens, we'll face it.

Raphael, who had been walking a few steps behind, moved up to join them. His eyes were focused, his expression serious as he spoke.

- We need to stay alert as we get closer. The mountains are dangerous, and it's not just the terrain we need to worry about. There are stories of creatures that dwell up there—things that have been twisted by the old magic, changed into something else.

Vincent's grin faded slightly, his eyes narrowing.

- Creatures, huh? You're not trying to scare us, are you, Raphael?

Raphael shook his head, his expression unwavering.

- I'm just being honest. We need to be prepared for anything. The power we're dealing with isn't something that exists in isolation. It's part of a bigger picture, and there are things out there that are connected to it, things we might not fully understand.