The night was chilly. Clouds covered the stars and hid the moon. It was completely dark apart from the few remaining embers in the fire. The last few pieces of wood crumpled, the stack collapsing. It wouldn't be long before it completely died out, and pitch darkness would overcome the surroundings. The nightlife of the nearby animals, avians, and insects drummed up. Shadows stretched and deformed, giving life to strange creatures lurking in the background, lying in wait, ready to pounce. Just as the last embers were flicking away, a calm, bright blue light took its place, casting the demons back to their hiding places.

Violet stood, glimmering in the dark. Lightning giggled as it danced around her form. Wings unfurling, they spread out.

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Silent steps burned into the log.

Daire was hunched and crumpled, staring blankly into an absent fire. Two tiny hands reached out, miniscule compared to the giant.

A small shock was given, enough to grab Daire's attention.

They locked eyes.

Daire avoided them before. They hid an incredible depth that he could never explore and was afraid to get lost in them. But now... When Daire looked into the two regal orbs filled with starlight, he saw something different.

For the first time in his life.

Daire saw his own eyes reflected back at him.

Violet wasn't strong. She was pitifully weak. She couldn't cook. She couldn't build. She couldn't fight. She was so weak that if a large insect or rodent decided to attack her, she would perish.

But she was strong enough to do this.

"I will follow you into the dark."