C1407 The Second Time

The bonfire's warm, reddish glow bathed the cave in light, punctuated occasionally by the sharp crackle of burning wood—an abrupt sound in such a setting. Outside, the night was ink-dark, the snow-dusted ground faintly revealing the dance of tree shadows in the biting winter wind.

Holding a skewer, the young man expertly flipped it over the flames. The firelight reflected in his eyes