Jaegar stood near one of the tall windows, watching the rain stream down the glass, distorting the already dark landscape beyond into something almost unrecognizable. His reflection stared back at him, a young man who looked older than his years, his face marked by the weight of knowledge he had never wanted to carry.
Behind him, his friends settled into chairs arranged around the fire.
Pierre threw another log onto the flames, sending up a shower of sparks.
Jennifer removed her damp outer cloak and draped it over a chair to dry.
Arthur was already moving through the house with the familiarity of someone who had spent time here before, locating blankets and candles.
Imogen sat quietly, her observant eyes moving between each person as if reading the currents of tension flowing through the room.
Veronica positioned herself close to Jaegar, though not touching, her presence a steady comfort.
"Tell us," Pierre said simply.
"From the beginning. Everything."
