Journey Into The Unknown (Completed)

Caught

In the lake house, the sun shone brightly over the deep lake, its waters glistening with gentle ripples that extended beyond sight.

The personification of the lake seemed to mock its guests, trapping them on its shores with no means of escape. A female figure gazed out over the water, frustration evident in her expression.

"We were so close to making a raft and leaving. Now we've lost Morgana, and we don't even know if Xavier and Jòse are still alive," Rainbow lamented to the group gathered in the kitchen-living room area.

"My sister is alive," Morgan interjected.

David scoffed, "We saw her bleeding. Those crazies will probably come back for her."

"How can you be so sure? Are you working with them?" Morgan retorted, his eyes flashing with anger as she locked gazes with David, who rolled his eyes in response.

"Do you really think I'm a psychopath who enjoys hurting people?" David shot back, his frustration mounting. The uncertainty of his missing friend's fate weighed heavily on him, adding to the tension of the situation.

"Let's just hope they are all still alive," Dana assured softly.

"No wonder Sheldon hasn't been found. Those madmen killed him!" He shouted, tears brimming in his eyes. "Those bastards, those animals. We both had plans after graduation. We..." He couldn't continue, dropping down and bursting into tears.

Dana reluctantly rose to her feet, kneeling beside the crying man and wrapped her arms around him.

"I am so sorry, Aiden. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have brought you along. I wish I could take Sheldon's place right now," she uttered, her words causing Aiden to stare at her in disbelief.

He shook his head. "Please don't die too. I wouldn't be able to bear it," Aiden said as he freed himself from her embrace and went to get a drink of water.

Dana was still on the floor, stunned by Aiden's words. She glanced at Jana, who rolled her eyes, glaring at Aiden. Beneath her facade of indifference, Jana harbored no pity for him; after all, he had broken her sister's heart, said hurtful things, and made her cry. If someone were to die next, she silently wished it would be him and not her sister.

Olivia extended a hand to help Dana up. "Are you okay, Dana?"

Dana nodded, then asked, "And you, Olivia?"

"What do you mean?" Olivia inquired, puzzled.

"Xavier," Dana whispered, studying Olivia's expression intently.

"What about him?" Olivia asked, now curious.

"You're worried," Dana observed.

Olivia was filled with worry and anxiety. Not only was Jòse missing, but Xavier's whereabouts were unknown as well. She hesitated, wondering if it was selfish to focus on Xavier's well-being over Jòse's.

She questioned whether she had been reassuring enough to Morgan during this unsettling time. Her heart ached at the unexpected tragedy that had befallen him.

Despite her personal feelings towards the girl, Olivia harbored no ill will and certainly did not wish harm upon her. She found herself taken aback by the situation unfolding before her.

Morgan's distant behavior towards her left Olivia feeling unsettled. His gaze seemed to suggest he wanted her to replace his sister. Olivia was taken aback when he commented, "You never really seemed to like her. There's no need for you to mourn her."

She knew Morgan's words were spoken in grief rather than malice. Seeking clarity, she turned to Dana and gently asked, "Did you know?"

Dana, ever perceptive, chuckled softly. "I know everything. I've noticed the way you two interacted in class and during hangouts."