Beneath the Surface [Yandere Creature x Reader]

Chapter 3 - Settling In

The next morning dawned bright and clear, the sunlight filtering through the small windows of our cabin. I stretched, feeling a mix of exhaustion and determination. The remnants of yesterday's heartbreak were still there, but the allure of the unknown beckoned me forward.

There was no room for wallowing in self-pity here; the island had mysteries to uncover, and I was ready to dive in.

We gathered in the communal area for breakfast, a simple but hearty meal prepared by the villagers. The food was fresh and flavorful, a welcome change from the processed options back home. As we ate, Mateo briefed us on the day's plan.

"Today, we will start setting up camp near the dig site," he explained, his voice carrying a reassuring authority. "There are some areas on the island that are considered sacred by the locals, for example do not go towards the farm side and dont bother the people. It is important that we respect these places and stay away from them."

He unrolled a map of the island, pointing to a section marked with a series of red crosses. "This area here is off-limits. It is known as the 'Forbidden Zone' among the villagers. They believe it is cursed, and they do not go there."

A shiver ran down my spine at his words, but I pushed the feeling aside. "Noted," I said, nodding. "We'll stay clear of it."

The last thing I needed was more trouble.

After breakfast, we loaded our gear into another Jeep and headed toward the dig site. The road was rough and overgrown, a clear indication that few ventured this far into the jungle. As we drove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the island's raw beauty. 

The dense foliage was alive with the sounds of birds and insects, and the air was thick with the scent of earth and greenery.

We finally arrived at a clearing near the base of a cliff, where we would set up our base camp. The location was perfect—remote yet accessible, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle. We quickly got to work, pitching tents and setting up equipment. 

There was a tangible excitement in the air, a sense of purpose that lifted my spirits.

As we unpacked and organized our gear, I couldn't help but notice a group of villagers standing at the edge of the clearing, watching us with a mix of curiosity and caution. Mateo approached them, speaking in their native language. They responded with nods and smiles, but their eyes kept drifting toward the area marked off on the map.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to Mateo as he finished his conversation.

"What's their take on the Forbidden Zone?" I asked quietly, not wanting to offend our hosts.

Mateo's expression grew serious. "They believe it is a place of great power and danger. According to their legends, a powerful being is said to be imprisoned there. They warn us to stay away, out of respect and for our own safety."

A chill ran down my spine, and I glanced toward the area they had indicated. It was just a patch of dense jungle, indistinguishable from the rest, but the stories gave it an ominous weight.

"We'll definitely steer clear," I assured him. The last thing I wanted was to inadvertently awaken some ancient curse.

We spent the rest of the day setting up our workstations and marking out where we would begin our dig. The site was expansive, with layers of history waiting to be unearthed. My colleagues were just as eager as I was, their excitement infectious. For a few blissful hours, I was able to lose myself in the preparations, my mind focused solely on the task at hand.