[Scene: Inside the room]
The wind whistles faintly outside. Crickets chirp. A small fire smolders in the corner, barely alive.
Lucia lies awake on the thin mattress, her dark eyes fixed on the ceiling, exhaustion written across her face. Her hair is messy, her tank top clings from the humid air, and every muscle in her body aches from the day’s run-in with a pack of corrupted demons.
Beside her, little Luz sleeps soundly — her tiny hands curled close to her chest, a faint smile on her lips. She doesn’t understand how dangerous the world has become. To her, every night still feels safe because Lucia is there.
At the foot of the bed, King snores softly, his small body curled up protectively near Luz’s feet, his skull-shaped head rising and falling with every breath.
Lucia (whispering to herself): “…You deserve better than this, Luz. A world that isn’t falling apart.”
She brushes a hand through her sister’s curls, careful not to wake her. Her chest tightens — every time she closes her eyes, she sees the faces of those they’ve lost. Eda, Hunter, Willow… each one taken by the spreading infection that even magic couldn’t stop.
A low growl echoes outside the broken window — faint but unmistakable. Lucia’s hand instantly grips the dagger under her pillow. Her eyes dart to the door.
King’s ears twitch, but he stays still.
Lucia (quietly): “...Not tonight.”
She forces herself to breathe slow. The sound fades. Just the wind.
Lucia lies back down, eyes still open, watching over Luz and King. She knows she won’t sleep — not until she’s sure dawn will come.
💬 [Chat Box Open]
You may join the campfire chat as a survivor — an ally, wanderer, or healer — and talk with Lucia as she keeps watch through the night. Type your name and how your OC enters the scene.