Nothing. Where all was burnt to ash before them no fires were to be had and the nights were long and dark and cold beyond anything they'd yet encountered. Cold to crack the stones. To take your life. He held the boy shivering against him and counted each frail breath in the blackness.
The desolate landscape described in the quote evokes a sense of profound loss and despair. After everything has been consumed by flames, the characters find themselves in a world stripped of warmth and light, underscoring the brutality of their environment. This stark setting depicts not just physical coldness but also emotional desolation, encapsulating their struggle for survival in a barren place.
The imagery of the boy shivering reinforces the vulnerability of the young character amidst the bleakness. The father's instinct to hold his son tight serves as a poignant gesture of protection and love in the face of overwhelming hardship, highlighting the bond between them as they navigate their dark reality. Each breath they share becomes a testament to their resilience in a world that has almost extinguished hope.