LYRA

We settled into the cave with the fire positioned strategically near the entrance, close enough that the flames would discourage anything from approaching but not so close that smoke became unbearable in the enclosed space. The storm continued raging outside, rain coming down in sheets so thick I could barely see more than a few feet past the cave mouth.

"We keep the fire burning bright," I said, organizing our limited wood supply and checking how long it would last. "It's the only thing ...