The forest was swallowed by darkness, a heavy shroud that only allowed glimpses of light from the flickering fireflies. Orpheus emerged from the dense woods, his eyes burning like embers in the gloom. Ilya and Hellion sat close to a crackling fire, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames.
Perched on a nearby branch, Lily watched him with narrowed, piercing blue eyes. Her disapproval was evident in every fiber of her being. Unfazed, Orpheus chuckled lowly, his laughter echoing through the stillness of the night.
"Well, well," he drawled, his voice smooth as velvet. "A reunion, how delightful. Especially after the... lively encounter we've all had."
Ilya and Hellion exchanged worried glances. The memory of the monstrous bear that had invaded their sanctuary was still fresh, and fear clung to them like a chilling sweat. They watched cautiously as Orpheus settled beside the fire, his movements graceful yet unsettling.
