DARK PARADISE.

Chapter 28.

The thrill of exploring Paradise Island had only lasted for a while, that was until a scream echoed in the forest, making both Nick and Danny to ditch their plans and take off running.

A scream like that could only mean one thing, trouble. This was the reason why the guys ran with so much speed back to the house. Thankfully they had been heading back when they heard it, and the trail back had been more visible the closer they got.

The screams came from somewhere around the house. They searched until they found the source. Stacey stood at the end of the Jacuzzi, her face pale and body frozen in place.

When they moved closer to inspect what had gotten her like this, the sight infront of them was horrific.

" She's dead," Stacey said in between sobs.

" What the----- " Nick couldn't even form the right words, let alone finish the sentence.

Nothing could have prepared him for the sight of the once beautiful Clara, now slaughtered and left for dead in the Jacuzzi...

On the other side of the Island, Max and Austin finally arrived. Thankfully they were able to find the groups rented boat on time.

" Anything? " Max asked as he approached Austin, who had stood close to the rented boat.

" No." He shook his head." I've tried everyone I know, but no answer." He said, sounding disappointed.

" Shit," Max cursed under his breath.

This was the last thing he needed. It made him even more anxious to think about where Kate could be at that very moment.

" We should move," Austin suggested as he looked around.

He didn't want it to get too dark before they found the place, where the group stayed at.

" You're right. Look Austin, I have to ask again, are you sure about this?" Max wanted Austin to be certain about his decision.

He knew that whatever they faced ahead, would possibly be dangerous. His gut feeling leaned toward things turning life threatening, but he held himself back from letting Austin know that.

Austin gave a nod and said, " I'm here now, there's no more turning back. Like I said before, I have my reasons, besides, I care about Kate alot."

" Okay," Max accepted his answer.

He soon motioned for Austin to head first to their boat to fetch whatever they would need, before they set out on foot.

He sighed heavily as he took out the poem from his back pocket. Emotions overtook him as the last imagine of Kate saying goodbye to him, played in mind.

' That can't be your last goodbye. We've just reunited, I can't lose my friend again.' He thought. ' No, I can't have such thoughts. I'll find her soon.'

" Hey man, are you coming?!" Austin called out, interrupting Max's thoughts.

Max cleared his throat and put the poem back in his pocket. " Yeah, I'm coming!"

Deep down, he knew that he would not leave without his friend. He hoped that danger had not encountered the group yet though he had strong doubts.

Back at the house, silence had taken over with not one person attempting to say anything. Nick, Danny and Stacey were sat quietly in the living room, with each one lost in their own thoughts.

The silence began taking its toll on Stacey. Tears had not stop falling and they now clouded her vision. She kept on glancing at the direction of her friends, who looked out of it. It would be obvious to a stranger walking in, that something had happened.