Eva stood silently by the railing, watching the endless stretch of water as the ship cut through the waves. The sea breeze brushed her face, but it did little to ease the heaviness in her chest. Her brother Kyle stood beside her, his arms crossed as he observed her from the corner of his eye. Below deck, laughter and playful chatter echoed as the others relaxed, Ellen watching them with amusement.
“What’s wrong?” Kyle asked, his voice gentle but probing.
Eva didn’t look at him. Her gaze remained locked on the rippling water. “Not long ago, we were living normal lives,” she began softly. “Hunting, laughing, just being ourselves. It’s hard to believe how quickly things have changed. My heart still aches for those we lost... they didn’t deserve to die. I can’t help but feel responsible, like somehow, if I’d been stronger—” She paused, swallowing hard. “But... there’s something else. That emptiness I used to carry with me, it’s gone. Ever since meeting Ellen, it’s like a part of me I didn’t know was missing finally returned.”
Kyle turned fully toward her, his face serious but kind. “Eva, none of this is your fault. You couldn’t have known or stopped what happened. Sometimes... sometimes the darkest moments bring about things we never expected. Things that lead us somewhere we’re meant to be, even if it’s hard to see it at first.”
He smiled softly and ruffled her hair, trying to break the tension. “And remember, you always said you wanted to cross the sea and have an adventure. Well, here we are, even if it’s under tough circumstances. But look at the bright side—we’re still here. You’re still here.”
A small smile tugged at Eva’s lips despite herself. “Stop it,” she laughed, swatting his hand away.
“There we go,” Kyle said with a grin, his tone lighter. “That’s the Eva I know—the one who faces whatever comes her way with that spark in her eyes. No matter what happens, don’t lose that.”
Eva looked at him, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Thanks, Kyle,” she said softly. For the first time in a while, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty.
“They’re heading north at the moment,” the young lady said, standing beside Prince William and the king.
“How far are we?” the king questioned, his impatience showing.
“We should catch up to them by tomorrow noon,” she replied confidently.
The king gave a sharp nod, his eyes narrowing as he gazed out at the darkening horizon. “We can’t afford any more delays.”
Meanwhile, on the other ship, Xavier stood on deck with Kyle, the cool evening breeze brushing past them as the sky faded into shades of deep purple and blue. “Another day ends,” Xavier mused, watching the last traces of sunlight disappear. “I hope everyone is doing well back there.”
Kyle smiled, glancing up at the stars slowly emerging in the night sky. “I’m sure they’re fine. They’ve probably already started building by now. Things will settle for them soon.”
Xavier stretched his arms above his head, rolling his shoulders. “Well, I should take over for Zayn and give him some rest.”
Kyle nodded. “Go ahead. I’ll be down soon.”
As Xavier disappeared into the captain’s booth to take over the night watch, Kyle lingered on the deck, his thoughts drifting. The stars twinkled above, their distant light offering some comfort in the vastness of the sea. He sighed deeply, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him, but also the quiet hope that they were on the right path.
With one last glance at the calming night sky, Kyle turned and headed below deck, ready to rest and prepare for whatever tomorrow would bring.
As morning came, the island emerged from the mist, lush with green trees and vibrant vegetation. Zayn was the first to awaken, hearing Xavier’s call about their approach. He hurried to the deck, eyes wide as he took in the sight before them. It was as though they had stumbled into a different realm—one untouched by the chaos behind them.
Ellen and Eva soon joined him, studying the map as the island loomed closer. “We’re here,” Eva murmured, her eyes alight with wonder.
“Wow, this is amazing!” she exclaimed, the excitement clear in her voice. Ellen smiled, sharing her sister’s awe.
“Land ahoy!” Eva yelled out, her enthusiasm infectious as they docked the ship. The air was filled with the sounds of nature: birds chirping, the distant rush of waterfalls, and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers that surrounded them.
“This place is incredible,” Zayn said, his eyes scanning the dense greenery as they walked deeper into the island’s heart.
“How about we go for a swim before we continue?” Zayn suggested with a grin, his gaze turning toward the direction of the waterfalls.
“We don’t really have time—” Ellen began, but Zayn was already sprinting off, his laughter echoing through the trees. Ellen turned to Kyle, who shrugged with a smile.
“We might as well join him,” Kyle said, amused.
Eva’s face lit up with enthusiasm. “Please, can I go too?” she begged, her eyes gleaming.
Ellen sighed, though her smile betrayed her amusement. “Alright, fine. Just for a little while.”
The group made their way toward the sound of rushing water, their earlier tension giving way to a brief moment of peace amidst the beauty of the island. For now, the danger that followed them felt distant, and they allowed themselves to enjoy the calm before the next storm.
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Arika: The legend of the lost jewel
FantasyA forbidden religion leads to a violent execution of many believers after the rein of a new leader who despised it's existence and declared himself to be worshiped instead. However during the execution two survived, twin sisters gifted with divine a...
