The ocean looked endless beneath the moonlight.

Silver waves moved gently beneath the enormous yacht, reflecting the light of the moon like thousands of tiny pieces of glass. The night was calm, beautiful, and almost unreal. Above the dark blue water, the sky was clear, filled with countless stars. There was not a single sign that anything could go wrong.

The yacht, named The Celestia, was one of the largest luxury yachts in the world. It belonged to a billionaire businessman who had invited some of the wealthiest families and influential people from different parts of the world for an unforgettable night at sea.

Music echoed across the upper deck.

People laughed, danced, and celebrated as expensive drinks were served by waiters dressed in perfectly pressed black suits. Golden lights decorated every corner of the yacht, making it look like a floating palace in the middle of the ocean.

Among the hundreds of guests was a young man named Alex Myers.

Alex stood near the railing of the upper deck, holding a glass of sparkling water while watching the dark ocean. Unlike most people around him, he did not seem interested in the loud music or the endless conversations about business, money, and luxury cars.

He was twenty-one years old, tall, confident, and came from one of the richest families in the country. His father owned a huge international business empire, while his mother was a well-known philanthropist. Alex had grown up surrounded by luxury.

Private schools.

Expensive cars.

Massive houses.

International vacations.

Yet, despite having almost everything a person could wish for, Alex often felt strangely disconnected from the world around him.

“Are you planning to spend the entire night staring at the ocean?”

Alex turned around.

His best friend, Daniel, stood behind him with a smile.

Alex raised an eyebrow. “Maybe.”

Daniel laughed. “You know, most people come to parties to enjoy themselves.”

“I am enjoying myself.”

“You're standing alone in the corner.”

“That doesn't mean I'm not enjoying myself.”

Daniel shook his head. “You're impossible.”

Alex smiled slightly and looked back at the ocean.

“I just needed some fresh air.”

Daniel leaned against the railing beside him. “Well, enjoy it while you can. The party is getting better.”

Alex looked at him suspiciously. “What does that mean?”

Daniel pointed toward the entrance of the deck.

“More guests just arrived.”

Alex glanced in that direction.

A group of people had just entered the deck. Among them was a young woman who immediately caught the attention of almost everyone around her.

Her name was Rachel Summers.

Rachel was twenty years old and came from another extremely wealthy family. Her father owned one of the largest technology companies in the country, while her mother was involved in several charitable organizations.

Rachel had grown up in a world where everything was carefully planned.

Her clothes were chosen by designers.

Her vacations were planned months in advance.

Her future had already been imagined by everyone around her.

But Rachel had never felt completely comfortable with that life.

She smiled politely as people greeted her, but her eyes constantly moved around the room as if she were searching for a quiet place to escape.

Unlike the other guests, Rachel did not seem interested in impressing anyone.

She was wearing a simple but elegant dark blue dress. Her long hair moved gently in the ocean breeze as she walked across the deck.

Alex noticed her for only a few seconds before looking away.

Daniel, however, noticed.

“Oh.”

Alex glanced at him. “What?”

Daniel smiled. “Nothing.”

“Why are you smiling?”

“I didn't say anything.”

“You don't have to.”

Daniel laughed. “Fine. I was just wondering if you finally found something interesting.”

Alex looked toward Rachel again.

She was now standing near the opposite side of the deck, looking at the ocean.

“Do I know her?” Alex asked.

“Probably not. That's Rachel Summers.”

Alex raised his eyebrows slightly.

“Summers?”

“Yeah. Her family owns Summers Technologies.”

Alex looked at Rachel again.

“I've heard of them.”

“Everyone has.”

Rachel suddenly turned her head.

For a brief moment, her eyes met Alex's.

Neither of them spoke.

It lasted only a few seconds.

Then Rachel looked away.

Alex also turned his attention back toward the ocean.

It was their first meeting.

Neither of them knew the other's name.

Neither of them knew that, before the night ended, they would become the most important people in each other's lives.

The party continued for several hours.

Music played loudly while people danced beneath the stars. The yacht moved steadily across the ocean, carrying its wealthy passengers farther and farther away from the mainland.

Rachel eventually escaped the crowded party and moved toward the quieter side of the deck.

She stood alone near the railing, looking at the endless ocean.

“You look like you’re trying to escape the party.”

Rachel turned.

Alex was standing a few steps away.

She looked at him for a moment.

“Is it that obvious?”

“A little.”

Rachel smiled faintly.

“Then maybe I should try harder.”

Alex walked closer to the railing but kept a respectful distance.

“I’m Alex.”

“Rachel.”

“I know.”

She looked at him curiously.

“You know?”

“My friend told me.”

Rachel nodded. “Then I guess I should say I know who you are too.”

Alex smiled. “That doesn't sound very fair.”

“Why?”

“Because I didn't tell you anything about myself.”

“Your family is famous.”

“So is yours.”

Rachel looked back at the ocean.

“That’s not always a good thing.”

Alex studied her expression.

“You don't like being famous?”

Rachel let out a quiet laugh.

“I don't think anyone asks to be famous because of their parents.”

Alex nodded.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The silence between them was surprisingly comfortable.

“Do you come to parties like this often?” Alex asked.

“Unfortunately.”

“Unfortunately?”

“I prefer places where people don't constantly talk about money.”

Alex smiled. “Then you're definitely at the wrong party.”

Rachel laughed.

For the first time that night, her smile looked genuine.

They continued talking.

At first, their conversation was simple. They talked about their families, school, travel, and the strange world they had grown up in.

But as the night progressed, their conversation became easier.

They discovered that they had never met before despite living in similar circles.

They had attended different schools.

Their families had never worked together.

Their paths had simply never crossed.

Until that night.

Around midnight, the yacht suddenly moved.

At first, it was barely noticeable.

The music continued.

People continued laughing.

But then the entire yacht shook violently.

Glasses fell from tables.

Several people screamed.

Alex immediately grabbed the railing.

“What was that?”

The music stopped.

For a moment, the entire deck became silent.

Then another violent impact shook the yacht.

This time, the sound was enormous.

A deep, crushing noise came from beneath the ship.

The yacht tilted slightly to one side.

People began shouting.

“What happened?”

“Are we sinking?”

“Someone call the crew!”

“Get the lifeboats!”

Alex's heart began beating faster.

He looked toward the crew.

Several members were running across the deck, shouting instructions.

Then water suddenly burst through a lower section of the yacht.

Panic spread instantly.

The yacht had struck something.

A massive underwater rock.

The impact had torn open a large section of the hull.

Water was entering rapidly.

People began running toward the exits.

Some screamed.

Some pushed others aside.

The elegant party transformed into chaos within seconds.

Rachel stood frozen.

Alex saw the fear in her eyes.

“Rachel!”

She looked at him.

“We have to go!”

“I—I don't know where to go!”

“Stay with me!”

Alex grabbed her hand and began pulling her through the crowd.

People were rushing in every direction.

The yacht continued tilting.

Some passengers were trying to reach the lifeboats while others were desperately calling their families.

Alex searched for an emergency boat.

Then he saw one.

A small emergency boat was floating beside the yacht.

The rope holding it was still attached.

Alex pulled Rachel toward the side of the ship.

“We're getting on that.”

Rachel looked at the dark ocean below.

“Are you sure?”

“No.”

That answer terrified her even more.

But there was no time.

The yacht suddenly tilted again.

Rachel lost her balance.

Alex grabbed her before she fell.

“Hold on!”

The sound of metal breaking echoed through the night.

The emergency boat swung violently against the side of the yacht.

Alex waited for the right moment.

Then he jumped.

He landed inside the small boat.

“Rachel!”

Rachel stood at the edge, terrified.

The ocean below was dark and endless.

“Jump!” Alex shouted.

“I can't!”

“You can!”

The yacht tilted further.

Rachel closed her eyes and jumped.

Alex caught her arm.

For a moment, both of them nearly fell into the ocean.

Then Alex pulled her inside the boat.

They landed hard against the floor.

Rachel breathed heavily.

Alex quickly grabbed the rope and began pulling it loose.

Behind them, the yacht was sinking rapidly.

The screams of the passengers echoed across the ocean.

The lights of The Celestia flickered.

Then one by one, they disappeared beneath the waves.

Rachel stared in horror.

“What about the others?”

Alex looked back.

There was nothing he could do.

The yacht was already disappearing into the darkness.

Alex untied the final rope.

The small boat drifted away from the sinking yacht.

For several minutes, neither of them spoke.

The party.

The music.

The laughter.

Everything was gone.

All that remained was the endless ocean and the terrifying darkness surrounding them.

Rachel looked at Alex.

“We don't know where we are.”

Alex stared toward the horizon.

“No.”

“We have no food.”

“I know.”

“No water.”

Alex remained silent.

Rachel's voice trembled.

“And we don't know if anyone knows we're alive.”

Alex looked at her.

For the first time that night, he truly understood the seriousness of their situation.

They were alone.

Completely alone.

The small boat moved slowly across the waves.

The moon remained above them, shining down on two strangers who had met only hours earlier.

Neither Alex nor Rachel knew where the ocean would take them.

Neither knew what waited beyond the darkness.

But somewhere far away, beyond the horizon, an island was waiting.

And by the time they reached it, their old lives would be gone forever.

The small emergency boat drifted silently across the endless ocean.

For the first few minutes, neither Alex nor Rachel said a word.

They simply sat there, staring at the dark water surrounding them.

The yacht was gone.

Only a few distant pieces of floating debris remained on the surface, slowly disappearing into the darkness. The luxurious ship that had been filled with music, laughter, and hundreds of people only an hour ago had vanished beneath the waves.

Rachel sat at the front of the small boat with her arms wrapped around herself.

Her beautiful dress was soaked from the water she had fallen into while jumping from the yacht. Her hair was wet, and her hands trembled slightly.

Alex sat near the back of the boat, trying to control the small engine.

He pulled the starter several times.

Nothing happened.

He tried again.

The engine made a weak clicking sound before falling silent.

Alex closed his eyes for a moment.

Rachel looked at him.

“Is it working?”

Alex looked back at her.

“No.”

Rachel stared at him.

“What do you mean, no?”

“The engine isn't starting.”

Her face slowly lost its color.

Alex quickly added, “It doesn't mean we're completely helpless. We can still drift.”

“Drift where?”

Alex looked toward the horizon.

He had no answer.

The ocean stretched in every direction.

There were no lights.

No ships.

No buildings.

No signs of civilization.

Only the moon above them and the dark water below.

Rachel looked around nervously.

“Do you know where we are?”

“No.”

“Do you have a phone?”

Alex immediately checked his pockets.

His phone was gone.

Rachel searched her small purse.

Her phone was there, but when she tried to turn it on, the screen remained black.

“Dead,” she whispered.

Alex looked at the sky.

The stars were beautiful, but they offered no help.

“Maybe someone will find us,” Rachel said.

Alex looked at her.

“Maybe.”

It was not a very convincing answer.

But Rachel seemed to understand that he was trying to keep her calm.

The boat continued moving with the waves.

Hours passed.

The darkness seemed to become heavier.

Rachel eventually sat down near Alex.

The boat was too small for them to stay far apart.

“Are you always this calm?” she asked.

Alex gave a quiet laugh.

“I'm not calm.”

“You look calm.”

“I'm trying not to panic.”

Rachel looked at him.

“Why?”

“Because if both of us panic, that probably won't help.”

Rachel thought about his words.

Then she nodded.

“You're right.”

For a while, they remained silent.

The gentle sound of the waves hitting the boat filled the darkness.

Alex looked toward the sky.

“Do you know anything about surviving at sea?”

Rachel shook her head.

“Not really.”

“I know a little.”

“A little?”

“My father used to take me fishing when I was younger.”

Rachel smiled faintly.

“Your father took you fishing?”

“Yes.”

“That's surprising.”

“Why?”

“You look like someone who has never touched a fishing rod.”

Alex looked offended.

“I have touched several fishing rods.”

Rachel laughed.

It was the first time she had laughed since the yacht sank.

Alex smiled.

For a brief moment, the fear surrounding them seemed to disappear.

But the moment did not last long.

A powerful wave suddenly struck the side of the boat.

Rachel screamed as the boat tilted sharply.

Alex immediately grabbed the side.

“Hold on!”

Another wave hit them.

Water rushed into the boat.

Rachel moved closer to Alex instinctively.

Alex grabbed a small plastic container and began throwing water over the side.

Rachel quickly joined him.

They worked together silently.

Wave after wave crashed against the boat.

The small emergency vessel rose and fell violently across the ocean.

At one point, Rachel lost her balance.

Alex caught her arm.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded quickly.

“I think so.”

“Stay low.”

Rachel sat down.

The storm continued for nearly an hour.

Then, slowly, the waves became calmer.

The clouds moved across the moon, covering the sky in darkness.

Rachel leaned back against the side of the boat.

She looked exhausted.

Alex noticed.

“You should try to sleep.”

Rachel stared at him.

“Sleep?”

“For a little while.”

“What if something happens?”

“I'll wake you.”

Rachel looked at him suspiciously.

“You promise?”

Alex nodded.

“I promise.”

Rachel hesitated.

Then she slowly closed her eyes.

Alex remained awake.

He watched the ocean.

Every sound made him nervous.

A distant splash.

The movement of the waves.

The sound of something moving beneath the boat.

Several times, he thought he saw something in the water.

But whenever he looked carefully, there was nothing there.

The hours passed slowly.

The moon disappeared behind thick clouds.

The darkness became almost complete.

Alex's eyes began to feel heavy.

He tried to remain awake.

But exhaustion eventually took over.

He did not realize when he fell asleep.

The next thing he felt was something hitting his shoulder.

“Alex.”

He opened his eyes.

Rachel was standing beside him.

“Alex, wake up.”

He immediately sat up.

“What happened?”

Rachel pointed toward the distance.

Alex looked.

At first, he saw nothing.

Then he noticed it.

A faint line of light.

The sun was beginning to rise.

The sky slowly changed from black to dark blue.

The first light of morning appeared above the horizon.

Rachel was staring in another direction.

“Look.”

Alex followed her gaze.

At first, he thought he was imagining it.

Then he saw land.

A dark shape in the distance.

An island.

Alex stood up so quickly that the boat nearly tilted.

“Is that land?”

Rachel stared at it.

“I think so.”

Alex's heart began beating faster.

The island was still far away, but it was real.

After an entire night surrounded by endless water, they had finally found something.

Hope.

Rachel smiled for the first time.

“We're going to survive.”

Alex looked at the island.

“We still have to reach it.”

The sun rose higher.

The island slowly became clearer.

It was enormous.

A long golden beach stretched along its coastline.

Behind the beach was a thick green jungle.

Farther inland, huge rocky hills rose toward the sky.

But there was something else.

On the other side of the island, beyond the jungle, Alex could see a vast stretch of pale sand.

A desert.

Rachel stared at it.

“Why does this island have a desert?”

Alex shook his head.

“I don't know.”

The current slowly carried the boat toward the island.

But as they got closer, the waves became stronger.

The boat began moving violently.

Rachel held tightly to the sides.

Alex grabbed the small oar that had been lying inside the boat.

He began rowing.

Rachel watched him.

“Can I help?”

“Yes.”

Alex handed her another oar.

Together, they began rowing.

The island slowly grew larger.

Their arms began to ache.

Their hands became sore.

But neither stopped.

They had spent the entire night at sea.

They were thirsty, hungry, and exhausted.

Still, the sight of land gave them strength.

Finally, the boat reached shallow water.

Alex jumped out.

The water reached his waist.

He grabbed the front of the boat and began pulling it toward the shore.

Rachel jumped out as well.

Together, they pushed the boat across the shallow water.

Their feet finally touched the sand.

Rachel stumbled forward and fell onto the beach.

Alex fell beside her.

For several seconds, neither of them moved.

They simply lay there.

The sound of the waves surrounded them.

The warm sunlight touched their faces.

They were alive.

Rachel slowly turned her head toward Alex.

“We made it.”

Alex looked at the enormous island in front of them.

“Yeah.”

Rachel sat up.

The island looked beautiful from the beach.

Tall palm trees moved in the wind.

Birds flew above the jungle.

The golden sand stretched in both directions.

But beyond the beauty was something that neither of them could ignore.

They had no idea where they were.

They had no food.

No clean water.

No working phones.

And only one small emergency boat.

Rachel looked at the ocean.

The boat rested near the shore.

It was their only possible way home.

Alex stood up and looked toward the jungle.

“We need to find water.”

Rachel stood beside him.

“And food.”

Alex nodded.

Then he looked back at the boat.

“We should pull it farther onto the beach.”

They dragged the boat away from the water and secured it between several large rocks.

For the moment, it was safe.

Rachel looked at the jungle.

A strange sound suddenly came from within the trees.

Both of them froze.

Alex turned toward the sound.

“What was that?”

Rachel moved closer to him.

“I don't know.”

The jungle became silent again.

Alex stared into the darkness between the trees.

Something was there.

He was certain of it.

But he could not see what.

Rachel quietly whispered, “Maybe we should stay on the beach.”

Alex looked at the jungle.

Then at the ocean.

They had survived the sinking yacht.

They had survived the night at sea.

But as they stood alone on the mysterious island, Alex realized something.

Reaching the island had not ended their journey.

It had only begun.

The sound from the jungle disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

Alex and Rachel remained completely still.

For several seconds, neither of them moved.

The trees stood silently in front of them, their long branches swaying gently in the wind. Sunlight passed through the leaves, creating moving shadows across the ground.

Rachel slowly moved closer to Alex.

“Do you still think something is in there?”

Alex kept his eyes fixed on the jungle.

“I don't know.”

“That isn't very comforting.”

“I know.”

Rachel looked toward the beach.

The ocean behind them appeared peaceful now, but the small boat resting near the rocks reminded them of the terrible night they had just survived.

They had no idea where they were.

They had no idea how far they were from civilization.

And nobody knew they were alive.

Alex looked at the sky.

The sun had already climbed high above the island.

“We need water.”

Rachel nodded.

“Now?”

“Yes.”

She looked at the jungle.

“Can't we wait?”

Alex shook his head.

“We don't know how long we'll be here.”

Rachel looked at the ocean.

“Maybe a rescue team is already looking for us.”

“Maybe.”

“But you don't believe that, do you?”

Alex was silent.

Rachel understood his silence.

The yacht had sunk in the middle of the night.

The emergency boat had drifted for hours.

They had no idea where the current had taken them.

Even if someone had seen the accident, finding two people on an enormous ocean would be almost impossible.

Rachel looked down at the sand.

“Then we need to survive until someone finds us.”

Alex nodded.

“That is the plan.”

He picked up a long piece of wood from the beach.

Rachel looked at it.

“What are you doing?”

“Making sure we have something to protect ourselves.”

“Protect ourselves from what?”

Alex looked toward the jungle.

“Anything.”

Rachel did not argue.

Together, they walked along the edge of the jungle.

Alex stayed in front while Rachel followed behind him.

The first few meters were easy.

The trees were tall, but sunlight still reached the ground. Large leaves covered the forest floor, and vines hung from the branches.

Birds flew away whenever they came close.

Rachel looked around.

“It is beautiful.”

Alex glanced at her.

“Beautiful things can still be dangerous.”

Rachel gave him a look.

“Do you always have to ruin everything?”

Alex smiled.

“I am just being realistic.”

They continued walking.

After nearly twenty minutes, Rachel suddenly stopped.

“Alex.”

He turned around.

“What?”

She pointed toward the ground.

There were footprints in the mud.

Alex crouched down.

The footprints were large.

Much larger than human footprints.

Rachel's expression changed.

“Those aren't yours, are they?”

Alex shook his head.

“No.”

“Then what made them?”

Alex studied the tracks.

He did not know.

The footprints disappeared beneath the thick plants.

Rachel looked nervous.

“Maybe we should go back.”

Alex stood up.

“Maybe.”

Then they heard something.

A loud rustling sound came from the bushes ahead.

Both of them froze.

The leaves moved.

Rachel grabbed Alex's arm.

“Alex.”

“Stay behind me.”

The bushes shook violently.

Then something suddenly jumped out.

Rachel screamed.

Alex raised the wooden stick.

A large bird flew into the air and disappeared between the trees.

For a moment, they remained frozen.

Then Rachel placed a hand over her heart.

“I almost died.”

Alex lowered the stick.

“It was a bird.”

“I know that now.”

Alex laughed.

Rachel stared at him.

“You're laughing?”

“I'm sorry.”

“You should be.”

Alex tried to control his laughter.

Rachel crossed her arms.

“I don't like this island.”

“You've been here less than an hour.”

“That was enough.”

They continued walking.

A few minutes later, they heard something different.

Water.

Alex stopped.

“Wait.”

Rachel looked at him.

“Do you hear that?”

They both listened.

There it was.

A faint rushing sound.

Alex immediately moved forward.

They pushed through a group of thick bushes.

On the other side, they found a narrow stream.

Clear water flowed over smooth stones.

Rachel stared at it.

“Is it safe?”

Alex crouched beside the stream.

He examined the water.

It looked clean.

But he knew that clear water was not always safe to drink.

He dipped his fingers into it.

“We should be careful.”

Rachel looked disappointed.

“Can we drink it?”

“We can boil it first.”

Rachel sighed.

“We don't have anything to boil it in.”

Alex looked around.

Then he remembered the emergency boat.

There were several supplies inside it.

“Maybe there is something in the boat.”

They quickly returned to the beach.

Alex opened the small storage compartment in the emergency boat.

Inside, they found several useful items.

A small metal container.

Two bottles of water.

A few packets of emergency food.

A lighter.

A flashlight.

A first-aid kit.

And a flare gun.

Rachel stared at the supplies.

“This is amazing.”

Alex picked up one of the water bottles.

“There isn't much.”

“But it's something.”

They each drank a small amount.

The water felt like the greatest thing in the world.

Rachel closed her eyes as she swallowed.

Alex gave her one of the emergency food packets.

She opened it and took a bite.

Her expression immediately changed.

“This tastes terrible.”

Alex took a bite of his own packet.

“It does.”

Rachel looked at him.

“You're still eating it.”

“I'm hungry.”

Rachel laughed.

For the first time since the accident, they were able to relax.

They sat on the beach beneath the shade of a palm tree.

The ocean moved gently in front of them.

But their relief did not last long.

The sky suddenly began to change.

Dark clouds appeared above the island.

Rachel looked upward.

“Is it going to rain?”

Alex stood up.

“We need shelter.”

They gathered palm leaves and large branches.

Alex searched for a place near the edge of the jungle but far enough from the trees to avoid anything dangerous.

Together, they built a small shelter.

It was not comfortable.

It was not beautiful.

But it gave them protection from the sun.

As they worked, Rachel accidentally stepped on a sharp piece of rock.

She immediately cried out.

Alex turned around.

“What happened?”

She lifted her foot.

There was a small cut.

Alex quickly brought the first-aid kit.

“Sit down.”

Rachel sat on a large rock.

Alex cleaned the wound carefully.

Rachel watched him.

“You know what you're doing.”

“My father made me take survival lessons when I was younger.”

Rachel looked surprised.

“Seriously?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“He liked fishing and camping.”

“And you?”

Alex smiled.

“I hated camping.”

Rachel laughed.

Alex wrapped a bandage around her foot.

“There.”

“Thank you.”

For a moment, their eyes met.

Neither of them said anything.

The moment was interrupted by thunder.

A loud rumble moved across the sky.

Rachel looked toward the ocean.

The wind began getting stronger.

The waves became rougher.

Then rain began falling.

At first, it was light.

Then it became heavy.

Alex and Rachel rushed into their shelter.

The rain poured over the island.

Within minutes, the beach became covered in water.

Rachel sat close to Alex beneath the palm leaves.

The shelter was small.

Their shoulders touched.

Neither moved away.

“Do you think the boat will be okay?” Rachel asked.

Alex looked toward the beach.

The emergency boat was tied tightly between the rocks.

“I hope so.”

“You sound worried.”

“It is our only way home.”

Rachel looked at him.

“Do you think we will go home?”

Alex looked at the rain.

“Yes.”

Rachel waited.

“Really?”

Alex turned toward her.

“Yes.”

He did not know if it was true.

But he knew that Rachel needed to believe it.

The storm continued for several hours.

By evening, the rain finally stopped.

The sky became orange and purple as the sun began to set.

Alex and Rachel stepped out of the shelter.

The beach was wet.

The jungle dripped with water.

Everything smelled fresh.

For a moment, the island looked peaceful.

Then Alex noticed something.

The emergency boat was no longer where they had left it.

Rachel saw it too.

“Alex.”

The boat had moved several meters.

One of the ropes was hanging loose.

Alex quickly ran toward it.

Rachel followed.

The boat had been pushed closer to the ocean.

Alex grabbed the rope.

Then he noticed deep scratches along one side.

Rachel stared at them.

“What happened?”

Alex ran his fingers over the damaged surface.

“These weren't there before.”

Rachel looked toward the jungle.

A strange silence fell over the beach.

Alex slowly stood up.

The scratches were long and deep.

Something had damaged their boat.

Something strong.

Something that had been on the island.

Rachel whispered, “Do you think it was an animal?”

Alex looked at the dark jungle.

“I don't know.”

A loud roar suddenly echoed from somewhere beyond the trees.

Rachel grabbed Alex's arm.

This time, neither of them laughed.

Alex looked toward the jungle.

The sun was disappearing.

Darkness was returning.

And somewhere inside the island, something had noticed them.