HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 3

Secrets of the Island

Ethan frowned, his thoughts racing amid the island's new dangers. The rustling leaves and the distant calls of waking wildlife surrounded them, amplifying his anxiety. "What do we do now?" He whispered to Lia, barely audible above the noise. "Should we accept his offer?"

Lia's gaze flickered between Ethan and Mang Tonyo, weighing their options against the backdrop of the growing morning light. The island was a place of secrets and potential dangers; uncertainty was a luxury they could not afford.

With a determined nod, Lia replied, her voice steady. "No," she said firmly, meeting Ethan's eyes.

"No?" Ethan's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Why not?"

Lia raised an eyebrow, her expression irritated and resolved. "Why not?" She glanced back at the old man, then tightened her grip on a sharp stick. "He's offering help!"

Ethan's eyes widened incredulously. "He must have shelter and food. It's a no-brainer." He looked at the old man, then back at Lia.

"What kind of person are you? Why are you so quick to trust?" Lia said, her irritation flaring. "We don't know if he's dangerous, but you want us to go with him. If you're up for it, go ahead."

Lia turned away and sat by the fire, placing the fish over the flames. Ethan stared at her, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

"I won't force you to come with me," the old man said, his voice echoing across the clearing. Both Ethan and Lia turned to him. "But be cautious. I've warned you about the potential dangers."

Ethan glanced at Lia again, who appeared unperturbed by the old man's warning. The old man turned and walked along the riverbank, leaving an uneasy silence in his wake.

"Don't look at me like that; I'll punch you," Lia muttered, breaking the tension.

"You're harsh," Ethan replied, sitting beside her but maintaining a cautious distance. "Have you considered he might be telling the truth?"

Lia met Ethan's gaze, surprising him. "What if he's not? What will you do if he turns out to be dangerous?" Her frown deepened. "You can't defend yourself and trust someone so easily."

Ethan paused, her words resonating with a familiar tension. It reminded her of Lucas, her first mountain training session.

"Why do you trust me?" he asked.

Lia frowned. "I don't trust you." She didn't look at him, her gaze fixed on the flames.

Ethan remained silent, watching the fish sizzle on the fire. The crackling flames illuminated his face, and he pondered Lia's steadfast refusal of Mang Tonyo's offer.

"Hey," he cautiously began, breaking the silence. "Maybe we should reconsider. Mang Tonyo seems more familiar with this place than we are. He might be our best chance at surviving whatever's out there."

Lia looked up from the fire, concern etched across her face. "Ethan, we don't know anything about him. He could be dangerous. I can't trust him blindly."

"But what if he's right?" Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "We're stranded here with limited supplies. We can't ignore the fact that he offered help. It could be our lifeline."

Lia turned sharply, her piercing eyes locking onto his. "Do you want to follow him, Ethan? Would you trust him with our safety when we don't know him?"

Ethan's temper flared as Lia remained resolute against Mang Tonyo's offer of help. "Hold on," he said, raising a calming hand. "Not everyone is bad. Maybe we do need help."