The reverberation of the thunder persisted in tandem with the relentless pelting of the hailstones, numbing and submerging all distant sounds into an unbroken cacophony of white noise. Lightning mercilessly flashed through the window, causing Emily to gaze uneasily at the tumultuous spectacle.
"Is it always like this here?" Emily inquired, her eyes still fixed on the view outside the window.
Raylen retrieved the first-aid box from one of the cupboards within the room and set it down on a small table positioned in front of the couch, where candles burned brightly. The surroundings glowed warmly from the light emanating from candle stands scattered around the room. He took a seat at one end of the couch, while Emily settled at the other.
