As the night settled in, the soft crackle of the fire and the distant sounds of the forest provided a rhythmic background to the group's exhaustion. The cave, though offering a sense of safety, still carried the weight of the wilderness just outside. They all knew they had to remain vigilant, which was why they had agreed to take turns guarding the entrance throughout the night.
Lucas and Damon, both assigned the same watch at 3 a.m., decided it would be wise to get some rest early. Their exhaustion was evident, but so was their silent competition. Both male glanced at each other occasionally, as though trying to measure one another's intentions.