Night had fallen, draping the forest in a dark and silent mantle. The group, exhausted from the trek, could advance no further. They decided to stop and camp near a stream whose gentle babbling added a peaceful touch to the atmosphere.
As the tents were pitched, Caden approached a pile of wood arranged in a circle. He reached out and, with a concentrated gesture, a dancing flame burst from his palm to ignite the twigs. The fire crackled happily, casting moving shadows across their tired faces.
"There," he said simply.
Everyone settled around the fire. The atmosphere was strangely calm. Even Aletha, usually sharp with Caden, hadn't uttered a single provocation.
Bella, smiling, handed each a piece of bread and some fruit they had picked earlier.
Zetch, nibbling, said mockingly,
"This is the first time I've seen you two without trying to strangle you. Did peace fall from the sky?"
"Tsk," Aletha groaned, her mouth full. "Don't ruin the moment."
Caden shrugged with a half-smile.
"Even storms need rest."
Laughter rose, soft and discreet. That evening, despite the fatigue and the mysteries surrounding them, the group shared a rare moment of peace, lulled by the flames and the whisper of the night.
When sleep finally overcame them, they agreed that the boys would sleep in one tent, and the girls in another. The fire slowly died down, and silence returned.