The Valley

After speaking, Maralene looked into the flames as she tried to forget the bad memories, but the faces of the people she left behind haunted her. While wallowing in her thoughts, Midnight spoke up. ''Something's outside.''

Everyone became aware and wondered what it was. Ayla, Silika, and Eve got their weapons ready, but the black cat spoke again. ''It's okay now. The monsters moved on.''

They breathed a sigh of relief before Eve pulled out a pan and started cooking their dinner with Silika. Ayla couldn't relax as she watched the entrance while Leanna and Maralene found a comfortable spot to lay down.

As the flickering flames cast dancing shadows across the cave walls, the women settled in for the night, exhaustion weighing heavily upon them. Maralene, with a heavy heart, curled up, seeking solace in the embrace of sleep.