That night the rain showed no sign of stopping. Water continued to pour down on the green forest in torrents, as if the sky had opened all its gates at once. Occasional thunder rumbled, blinding white lightning piercing the thick mist and illuminating the cave mouth for a split second before darkness swallowed everything again. Wind howled through the narrow gaps of the cave entrance, carrying cold droplets that pierced straight to the bone. The campfire in front of the tent still burned steadily thanks to the death flame, but its soft purple light felt smaller amid the deepening darkness.
Sylvia sat in front of the tent, her black cloak trailing across the mossy ground, her glowing red eyes staring outward. Noir curled in her lap, his small body warm despite the continuous cold wind. Sofia had gone back into her sleeping bag, but soon crawled out again, shivering slightly as she moved closer to the fire.
