𝐅𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 [𝟏𝟖+]

30

This chapter has many POVs... the bolded character name means it's that character's pov so please be mindful of that and you guys won't get confused. The only pov starting with "I" is Saoirse's... And enjoy!

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|4 years ago — June 28, 2020|

The world apocalypse was sooner than anyone had anticipated. Soon enough survival would become the primary focus, with people facing extreme challenges to find food, water, and safety.

It had to be or why else would Cyrus Hudson waste his time? The invaluable time that he could use to make money. Especially when he had purchased this island from Romeo that could bolster or bring down his company's financial conditions. His vision for this island was clear as a crystal: Transforming this deserted island into a tourist attraction.

It required a very strategic and sustainable approach. He had already assessed the island's natural resources and attractions before drafting his plan. He didn't have to be here to develop eco-friendly amenities or the infrastructure. What indeed demanded of his blood and sweat would be coming up with marketing strategies targeting eco-conscious travelers. He had to be scheming all that in his office in California while the groundwork would be done by laborers. There was absolutely no need for his presence on this island.

Yet, he trudged through the dense jungle letting the thick foliage brush against his arms and legs. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and the distant calls of unknown creatures. He had been on this path for hours, driven by an inexplicable urge to wander around in the wilderness like a lost man searching for his life's purpose.

He had a purpose though and a very humble goal of becoming a trillionaire. So why was he wasting his time here?

He had lost his plot maybe because the end is at hand.

Suddenly, a faint sound reached his ears—the gentle trickling of water. He followed the sound, pushing through the last of the thick underbrush to emerge at the edge of a serene stream. The water glistened in the dappled sunlight, creating a tranquil scene that starkly contrasted with the wild jungle surrounding it.

As Cyrus approached the stream, his eyes widened in shock. There, lying partially submerged in the water, was a figure wrapped in a delicate, flowing garment. The sight tugged at his heartstrings, and he felt a surge of pity for the seemingly lifeless form. He hurried closer, his mind racing with thoughts of how to help. As he knelt beside the figure, he gently turned her over. The moment he saw her face, his breath caught in his throat. It was Aphrodite, the same female creature who was always on his mind in ways that didn't make sense. Her radiant features, even in their current state, were unmistakable, sending a mixture of awe and urgency to overtake him.

"Aphrodite," Cyrus murmured, his voice trembling. He quickly lifted her from the water, cradling her fragile form against his chest. The fabric of her gown clung to her like the petals of a delicate flower, and he could feel the chill of her damp skin against his own.

Shoving all the questions raising in his head to the back of his mind, Cyrus carried Aphrodite to the shore, his steps careful and measured. He gently laid her on the soft grass, brushing a few strands of wet hair away from her face. Heart pounding in his chest, he assessed her condition, searching for any signs of life only for his breath to quicken as he noticed a deep wound on the side of Aphrodite's arm, the blood mingling with the water still dripping from her gown. His eyes traced up his arm which had a runnel of blood running down his shirt. Urgency rushing through him, he searched the back of her head, where another injury had left a matted, bloody patch amidst her golden hair.