"Can you?" Gabriel looked at her with a hint of surprise.
"Of course!" Sylvia picked up a stick and tossed it into the roaring bonfire, turning her gaze towards Gabriel, her face illuminated by the flickering flames, looking absolutely mesmerizing.
Gabriel nodded, "Impressive, you've got the knack for it!"
Sylvia wasn't sure if he was teasing her, so she shot him a playful glare before warming her hands over the fire.
The warmth enveloped her, chasing away the chill and gradually bringing feeling back to her fingers.
Estelle and Jonathan sat across from them, the four friends roasting fish and chatting away, fully embracing the unique charm of winter.
As the fish cooked, their delicious scent mingled with the smoke and wafted through the air. Jonathan grabbed one, carefully peeled it, and offered it to Estelle.
Seeing Jonathan's gesture, Gabriel didn't want to be outdone. He took another fish, removed the bones, and placed it on a clean sycamore leaf.
Sylvia reached out to take it, grinning, "Thanks!"
Gabriel just gave her a look before continuing to prepare another fish for her.
They hadn't added any fancy condiments, so the taste was simple, but the natural flavors were perfectly preserved.
Sylvia held out a piece to Gabriel, "Tastes better than I thought it would. Want some?"
Gabriel looked across the fire. Estelle and Jonathan seemed engrossed in their own world, not paying attention to the exchange.
He took a bite, not even flinching when he accidentally brushed against Sylvia's fingers.
Sylvia laughed and went back to enjoying her fish.
The fish were quickly devoured, and despite their simplicity, everyone seemed to crave more.
Gabriel nodded, "We'll be right there."
With Jonathan and Estelle gone, the silence of the corridor enveloped Gabriel and Sylvia.
Sylvia's previously light-hearted mood seemed to freeze under the cold air, but she managed a casual smile, "What did you want to talk about?"
Gabriel looked at her, "Sylvia,"
"Yeah?" she responded softly.
"Do you want to go back to J City?" Gabriel asked. "Tomorrow's New Year's Eve, and then it's New Year's Day. If you want to go back, there's still time. I can arrange a flight for you, or if you want to go somewhere else, that's fine too."
Sylvia's eyes darkened, her voice slightly hoarse as she locked eyes with him, "Are you trying to get rid of me?"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Yea, so glad Mrs. Winters and Evelyn got caught. Thanks for the updates....
Yea,yea,yea so happy for Sylvia, Georgia and Gabriel. Thank you ... now for Evelyn....
Update 2842 isn't working, please fix it. Thank you for the updates....
Evelyn will MAFO that Jonathan has someone checking on her and the Winters family. I really do hope her scheme is revealed and she is put out of the Jarvis family. She's jealous and vindictive. Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates. Update 2836 isn't working....
Update 2836 isn't working, please fix it. Thank you as always for the updates....
Is author planning to finally reveal Sylvia's true identity? 😍...
I wish that Gabriel would begin his pursuit of Sylvia. Thank you for the updates....
Update 2812 isn't working, please fix it. Thank you...
Waiting patiently for your updates. Thank you....