Identifying Tone Through Diction

In the following passage, the author employs distinct language choices to convey a particular tone and emotional resonance. Carefully read the excerpt and consider the implications of the diction used.

"The twilight sky was an expanse of bruised colors, a fading canvas that seemed to weep for the sun’s departure. As the shadows crept forward, the trees stood like forlorn sentinels, their gnarled branches reaching out as if to grasp the last remnants of daylight, contemplating the inevitable night ahead."

Based on the author's diction in the passage, which of the following words best captures the tone evoked by their word choice?