The Portal

III 3.3 Luc

When he reached the beach, Luc jumped vigorously from the small boat and threw himself onto the sand. That had been one of the worst crossings to the Island. Coming from Hiwot, the sea was even more turbulent, and to keep the voyage from getting a week longer, he had faced three days of storms and huge waves in a small vessel. Every muscle in his body ached.

It was already night on the Island and few lights were visible through the windows. Luc helped the rest of the crew tie up the boat, grabbed his suitcase and dismissed the men. As it was after 10 pm, he went straight to the dining room, but found it empty, which wasn't so strange. They could be at a meeting, he thought. He decided to go to his quarters to leave his things. He was exhausted from the trip and, aside from Damien and Hannah, he didn't really want to meet anyone. Raoul had sent him on this terrible mission as a punishment and he still hadn't forgiven the old man.

Taking a shortcut through a more discreet corridor, he soon arrived at his room. The door to Damien's room, which was directly opposite, was closed, and Luc continued to his rooms. The room was spacious, but it was dark. As with most rooms on the Island, the walls were pale, and the furniture was wooden made. A large four-poster bed occupied the center of the room, made up with clean white sheets. Finally, a decent place to sleep! On the marble countertop, stacks of documents were neatly arranged. All the curtains were closed, and he opened them to let in the moonlight. With a quick movement, he passed his left hand in front of his mouth and blew. The wind took over the room and, in the blink of an eye, all the candles in the room lit up. He took off his traveling garments and changed into fresh clothes.

Where was everyone? By now they would have felt his presence on the Island. He was thinking about visiting the West Wing when he heard footsteps and got up.

- Luc.

- Leila – Luc smiled when he saw the young woman at his door. She also cracked a smile and ran to hug him.

- I'm so glad you came back! You can't imagine how boring this Island is! – She looked genuinely happy. Her black eyes sparkled. Leila wore a beautiful lilac dress that contrasted with her dark skin. Her curly hair was arranged in an intricate braid that ran down her left shoulder. - I want to know everything about your trip. But first, let me examine you.

- I don't think it's necessary. It was an extremely tedious mission - he sat in a padded armchair right in front of the bed.

- No clashes to report? It's a shame... - she said, ironically. The long fingers traced the tension points in his neck and back. Luc took a breath and slowly let it out.

- None. Well, I would have enjoyed some action over the past few months.

- I feel there will be enough action here. Damien is working a lot - she said as she studied his pupils. Then she squeezed his wrist and counted his heartbeats.

- Where is he? - asked Luc, trying not to interfere with the exam.

- He was here this afternoon, but since the girls left, I really can't keep up...

- Left?

Luc saw Leila's muscles tense up at the question. Something was wrong.

- Leila. Isn't Hannah on the Island?

- All right around here... You look great - she said in a hurry, as she nervously ran her hands over her dress. – I think I need to go.

- Leila... - Luc began in a deep voice: - Answer me.

- I think you'd better talk to Damien. If you'll excuse me, I have other men to examine - she said, heading for the door.

But Luc couldn't bear to be left without an answer, and with a quick flick of his hand, he closed the door before she could reach it.