HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 13

Discovery

Lia crouched over the small, worn-out radio, turning the dial with trembling fingers. "Come on, please," she murmured, her breath hitching as static filled the air. Then, amidst the hiss and crackle, a faint voice broke through.

"Ethan, did you hear that?" She called out, her eyes wide with hope. "We've picked up a signal!"

Ethan hurried to her side, leaning in closer. "Yes, I hear it. Let's hope it's from outside."

The voice on the radio became slightly clearer, its words barely discernible. "Coordinate... help... rescue..."

Lia's heart raced. "We have to hold onto this signal. It might be our only chance."

Suddenly, the voice vanished, replaced by an eerie silence. "No!" Lia cried, frantically adjusting the dial. "It can't just disappear like this!"

"Calm down, Lia," Ethan swiftly reassured her by touching her shoulder. "You might break it. The signal is weak here."

With a sigh, Lia reluctantly let go of the radio. "The important thing is that we found a communication tool outside the island."

Ethan took a deep breath, scanning their surroundings. "Something doesn't add up," he said, glancing at her. "We need to figure out why we got this signal. There's more to this island than we know."

Lia fell silent, lost in thought. How had they picked up a signal on the island? If the island's residents had survived the storm, their equipment, especially this radio, should have been damaged. Yet, here it was, working.

"You're right; something feels off," Lia finally said. "This couldn't have come from the survivors. We must analyze where the signal originated."

"Okay. We'll start exploring before daybreak. It's too risky during the day; we might encounter those men," Ethan suggested. "For now, let's rest."

Lia nodded and lay down, with Ethan doing the same beside her. They both stared up at the vast, starlit sky. Only crickets and water lapping on the coast interrupted the tranquil night.

Lia rested her arm across her forehead to shield her eyes slightly. Ethan's soft humming interrupted her attempts to close her eyes. She turned to look at him; it was a song she adored.

"What are you doing?" she asked suddenly.

Ethan stopped humming and glanced at her. "Sorry, did I disturb you? I'll stop."

"Why were you humming that song?" Lia pressed, intrigued.

"Oh, I just like the melody," Ethan replied softly. "The lyrics are nice too."

"Could you just sleep without making any noise?" Lia said, turning away from him with a sigh.

Ethan remained silent, watching her with an expression she couldn't decipher.

As they braced themselves to delve deeper into the unknown terrain, the weight of their predicament pressed down heavily on them. The fleeting connection to the outside world had cruelly teased them, leaving them even more desperate.

"Are you ready?" Ethan asked, picking up a makeshift spear fashioned for protection.

"Ready," Lia answered firmly, determination coursing through her veins. "Let's find our way out of here."

The dense vegetation made every move a struggle. They remained vigilant, knowing every sound and movement could be pivotal.

"Where do we go now?" Ethan inquired, seeking Lia's guidance.