INFERNAL PASSION

The hidden path

The dawn broke over the camp with a muted light, filtered through the dense mist that clung to the forest. Gabriel was the first to rise, his breath visible in the crisp morning air. The others were still asleep, their forms huddled beneath blankets, the fire reduced to a smoldering pile of embers. He moved quietly, his eyes scanning the surrounding forest. The sense of unease from the previous night hadn't left him; if anything, it had grown stronger. They were stepping into unknown territory, led by a stranger whose motives were still unclear.

He turned his head as he heard a rustle from behind. Diana emerged from her blanket, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. She looked around, her gaze settling on Gabriel, who offered her a small nod. She returned it, her eyes still heavy with sleep.

- You're up early - she said, her voice hoarse from the cold.

- Couldn't sleep much - Gabriel replied. - Too much on my mind.

Diana sighed, pulling her cloak tighter around herself as she got to her feet and moved closer to Gabriel.

- You think we can trust her? Elara, I mean - she asked, her voice dropping to a whisper.

Gabriel frowned, his gaze distant.

- I don't know. She says she wants to help, but there's something she's not telling us. We have to be careful.

Diana nodded, her brow furrowing.

- I got the same feeling. It's like she knows more than she's letting on. But what choice do we have? We've come this far, and we need the answers she says she can give us.

Gabriel turned to look at her, his expression softening.

- We'll find out soon enough. We need to stay sharp. If anything feels off, we pull back. No questions asked.

Diana gave him a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with determination.

- You don't have to tell me twice. I've got your back, Gabriel. No matter what.

Gabriel nodded, a sense of gratitude swelling within him. Before he could respond, they heard a noise from behind them. Sophia and Vincent were awake, the latter stretching and yawning loudly.

- Morning already? - Vincent muttered, his voice heavy with exhaustion. - I swear, it feels like I just closed my eyes.

Sophia shook her head, a faint smile on her lips.

- You always were a heavy sleeper. We've got work to do, Vincent. Time to get moving.

Vincent groaned, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.

- Yeah, yeah, I know. Just give me a moment to remember why we're doing this again.

Raphael, who had been lying quietly, sat up, his gaze focused on the treeline where Elara had disappeared the night before.

- We're doing this because we need answers - Raphael said, his tone serious. - And she's the only lead we've got. Whether we like it or not, we need her.

Vincent rolled his eyes, giving Raphael a wry smile.

- You always know how to brighten the mood, don't you, Raphael?

Raphael shrugged, his gaze unflinching.

- Just stating the facts.

Sophia stood, brushing dirt from her clothes before looking at Gabriel.

- Do you think we can trust her? Elara, I mean.

Gabriel hesitated, then shook his head.

- I'm not sure. But we'll be careful. If anything feels wrong, we pull out. Agreed?