Chapter 1: Arrival

The boat rocked gently on the calm sea, morning mist curling over the water like a blanket. The outline of the island loomed ahead, massive cliffs, jagged rocks, and towering trees that disappeared into thick fog.

Josephine leaned over the railing, her eyes wide. “It’s… huge,” she whispered, awe and a hint of unease in her voice.

Adam grinned, stepping closer. “Exactly what I expected. Epic adventure, guys! C’mon, this place is going to be amazing.”

Yasin, slouching casually with a cheeky grin, let out a mock gasp. “Amazing? I think you mean terrifying. Look at that fog. And that cliff! What if there’s a T-Rex hiding in there, huh?”

Adam shot him a playful glare. “You’re joking, right?”

“Am I?” Yasin said, smirking. “Because I swear I just saw a shadow move…”

Aiden stood at the bow, calm as ever, scanning the shoreline. “No other boats. No signs of life. That’s unusual for an island this size.” His eyes narrowed, and his posture was straight, confident—but alert.

Adam glanced at him. “You think it’s dangerous?”

Aiden shook his head. “We’ll find out soon enough. Just… stay close, and watch each other’s backs.”

The boat scraped against the sand, and the four friends stepped onto the beach. Warm, wet sand clung to their shoes, but the jungle ahead swallowed every sound. Mist coiled between the trees, and the air smelled like damp earth and something… ancient.

Josephine tightened the straps on her backpack. “We stick together. Whatever’s out there, we face it as a group.”

Adam laughed nervously, already stepping into the jungle. “Don’t worry, Jo. Nothing’s going to hurt us. Probably.”

“Probably?” Yasin echoed, rolling his eyes.

Aiden stayed back a moment, studying the canopy. “Keep your eyes open. We’re not alone here.”

From deep within the jungle, a low growl echoed. Trees shook as if something massive had passed by. Shadows shifted unnaturally among the mist.

Yasin froze mid-step. “Uh… guys? I think something is watching us.”

Josephine’s breath caught. Adam instinctively moved closer to Aiden, who only nodded toward the dense foliage.

“Stay sharp,” Aiden said calmly, though his hand rested near a makeshift spear he’d picked up on the shore.

From the shadows, glowing eyes blinked once, then vanished. The island had welcomed them, but they weren’t its only guests.

Josephine glanced around, her eyes scanning the ground and the nearby trees. Something caught her attention..... a small pile of broken branches and jagged rocks, a few abandoned tools half-buried in the dirt. She picked them up, her fingers brushing over makeshift knives and sturdy sticks.

“Guys,” she said, holding up the weapons, “we should take these. Just… in case.”

Adam nodded, gripping one of the sticks like a spear. Yasin laughed nervously, twirling a jagged rock in his hand. Aiden’s expression didn’t change, but the corner of his mouth lifted in approval.

The jungle was alive.

Yasin held up a small gadget, grinning widely. “Good thing I have this baby with me! Haha, I’m the best”

Adam smacked him on the head.

Yasin rubbed his head and laughed. “Jeez! Relax, Mr. Angry Guy. I have this drone, didn’t I? We’re fine!”

The group exchanged looks, half relieved, half exasperated but one thing was clear: the adventure had officially begun.