Abel's POV
Abel positioned himself close to the flickering flames, though warmth wasn't his primary concern. The dancing fire served as a beacon of determination, a visual anchor reminding him to nurture the same burning resolve within his soul, regardless of how bleak their circumstances appeared.
The brutal confrontation from earlier had left its mark on every member of their group. Sharp pain radiated through Abel's muscles, his chest still rose and fell in irregular patterns, and his mind carried burdens heavier than he cared to acknowledge.
Without the intervention of His Excellency Hardy and the mysterious woman he claimed as his spouse, the beast tide would have consumed them entirely.
