The rain hammered against the rocks, a steady rhythm that filled the silence in the cave.
Lyra crouched next to Celeste, worry etching her features.
She gently held her hand. "It's okay… the storm will pass soon. It's just rain…"
Celeste's voice was a whisper. "I'm not afraid of the rain… it's just the thunder."
Her body was still trembling, her shoulders hunched as if bracing for a blow that would never come. Somewhere deep in her memories, shadows of her past clawed at her sanity—blows in the storm, harsh voices, forced training… the trauma lived on in every thunderclap.
Across the cave, Auren watched in silence. He couldn't take his eyes off her.
Kael crouched near the center, conjuring a small fire with a flick of his fingers. Sparks danced to life, illuminating the cavern's stone walls in a warm glow.
As the heat reached them, they all gathered closer.
Clothes steamed slightly as the fire pushed away the cold. For the first time, the four of them sat together—without conflict, without pretense.
Lyra rubbed her arms. "Do you ever think about what we're all doing this for? Like… what's the end goal?"
Kael leaned back on his palms. "Strength. Respect. Or just survival, maybe."
Auren replied firmly. "Freedom. Freedom from the dark. But to achieve it… we need strength."
Celeste stared at the flames, their flickering reflections dancing in her eyes.
"For me," she said slowly, "freedom is solitude."
The others turned to her in surprise.
"Freedom… is being alone?" Lyra asked gently.
Celeste didn't respond. Her lips pressed into a thin line, as if any further explanation would reveal too much.
The conversation quieted.
Outside, the rain began to ease into a soft drizzle. A fresh, cool scent drifted into the cave, mingling with the smoke of the fire.
Celeste stirred. "The rain's stopping. We should go back."
Everyone stood—except her.
When she tried to rise, her legs buckled, and she nearly fell.
Auren moved before anyone else could. He caught her gently, arms wrapping around her to keep her upright.
"Still shaking," he muttered. "You're not okay."
Celeste tried to protest, but her voice failed her.
Without another word, Auren scooped her into his arms.
"Auren—!" she gasped softly, stunned.
"Don't talk," he said calmly. "Just rest."
Kael raised a brow, amused. Lyra blinked but smiled faintly.
And so, under the soft mist of the retreating storm, the four made their way back toward the institute.
For the first time, warmth sparked in a cold heart.
And Auren didn't realize the wall between them… had just begun to crack.