Metamorphosis

13. Salvation

'Isle of Happiness?' Lucy raised her eyebrows.

'Yeah. It's not on official maps, and not everyone knows about it. Long ago, there was a summer residence of one of the rules here, and then a group of people settled in this place. I read that they're quite friendly, so people call this island the Isle of Happiness.'

'Is that all that's known about it?'

'That's all I remember,' L peered at Lucy's tense expression. 'What's wrong?'

'L, we need to leave this place,' she sighed. 'It's dangerous to stay here, it's a very... strange place. The locals are indeed friendly... But I just saw one of them stab his own housemates to death.'

'What?!'

'I told this to the girl who helped me search for you, but she wasn't surprised. She didn't seem to understand how they died at all.'

L looked at her, frowning.

'I don't know what to expect from this place, L,' Lucy continued. 'We need to be constantly vigilant.'

L turned his gaze back to the map.

'And how are we going to get out?'

'I arranged for a boat to take us... to a place where I can see Dor.'

Lucy hesitated. She wanted to convince L to stay safe this time, but she knew he wouldn't agree.

'But what if all these people are dangerous?' L suggested. 'Should we trust them? Maybe we should drive ourselves?'

'I don't think they're all a threat. So far, they've only tried to help me. But in any case, if something happens, I can handle it. Look, L...'

L looked at her intently.

'I can't put your life at risk again...' she continued.

'I'll be with you,' he interrupted. 'We'll get to Dor and save your father.'

'What if something insurmountable happens again? Look, I don't want anything bad to happen to you.'

'Everything will be fine, Lucy,' L assured. 'We can handle it.'

'Okay,' she said. 'Thank you.'

They left the room and headed towards the stairs. Lucy pointed L to the room where the crime had occurred. The door was still open, but the bodies had been removed, and two islanders were cleaning the floor and walls from bloodstains.

Noticing the travellers, they greeted them cheerfully. Lucy felt uneasy from this greeting, and she and L hurried downstairs.

The hall was empty, but as the travellers passed the last step, a local girl appeared from somewhere, offering them a meal. L and Lucy had already forgotten the last time they ate and agreed without hesitation.

After tasting fish, bread and fruits, Lucy finally felt the long-forgotten sensation of satiety. Of course, it was risky to consume food in this place, but they had no other choice. And judging by the fact that they still felt well, it could be assumed that not everyone on this island was a murderer.

L also changed into the clean clothes brought to him, and the travellers went outside.

In the daylight it became possible to survey the surroundings. The mysterious mansion with its shabby walls, wooden window frames and arched doorways stood out in an intricate silhouette against the seemingly wild and untouched nature.

Around the building, numerous paths led in different directions, and beyond it rose a hill, where locals could be seen passing through the trees and bushes.