Nir-Dweep Island

As soon as we landed, two men greeted us warmly. Karun shook hands with them, and they explained that they were here to escort us to the villa. They led us to a rugged jeep, saying it was better suited for the bumpy road ahead than a luxurious car. Karun helped them with our luggage. He was more socially active than me, and within minutes of the ride, they were already laughing together. This wasn't new for me, so I let my mind wander.

We set off towards the villa. On the left side, the shore stretched out, the calm sea gently kissing the sand. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the sunlight danced on the water's surface. On the right side, dense trees lined the road, their leaves whispering in the breeze. The road itself was narrow and riddled with potholes, making the jeep jostle and bounce.

One of the men turned to us and said, "The villa is also by the sea." My gaze was fixed on the shoreline as he continued, "At night, we can hear the waves clearly. It's a beautiful sight." I nodded, captivated by the serene view of the sea, imagining the soothing sound of waves at night.

The ride to the villa seemed to take forever, but the stunning scenery kept me entertained. The dense trees on the right occasionally parted to reveal glimpses of wildlife—colorful birds fluttering between branches and small animals scurrying through the underbrush. The air was fresh and salty, carrying the scent of the ocean mixed with the earthy aroma of the forest.

As we bounced along the road, I noticed the jeep's tires kicking up small clouds of dust. The path was rugged, with sharp turns and sudden dips that made the ride feel like an adventure in itself. Karun and our escorts seemed unfazed by the rough terrain, continuing their lively conversation and laughter.

After what felt like an eternity, the trees began to thin out, and the road smoothed slightly. Up ahead, I could see the outline of a grand villa perched on a small hill overlooking the sea. Its white walls stood in stark contrast to the deep blue of the ocean and the vibrant green of the surrounding foliage.

As we approached, one of the men pointed out, "There it is, your home for the next few days." The excitement in his voice was contagious.

The jeep took a sharp turn, and suddenly, before us stood massive gates guarding what could only be described as a mansion. This was no ordinary villa; it was a grand estate surrounded by a towering 20-foot wall. My eyes widened in awe as I took in the sheer size and grandeur of the place. It was more than just a home; it was a palace.

A magnificent fountain adorned the front of the mansion, its waters sparkling in the sunlight, adding to the estate's regal charm. As we approached the gates, I couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the grandeur of it all. It was like stepping into a fairy tale.

As the gates swung open, revealing the opulent courtyard beyond, I noticed a line of maids and butlers standing in perfect formation, waiting to greet us. The sight made me feel a bit self-conscious; I was not accustomed to such grand welcomes.

After the jeep came to a stop, my brother busied himself with the luggage, instructing the staff on where to take it. Meanwhile, I grabbed my backpack and stepped out of the vehicle. The maids quickly sprang into action, carrying our belongings into the mansion.

Among the staff, a distinguished-looking woman of around 45 to 55 years stepped forward, her demeanor commanding respect. She introduced herself as Hemma, the head maid, her voice warm and welcoming. Despite my initial embarrassment, her kind words put me at ease, and I found myself smiling in return.

As Hemma led us into the mansion, she explained that she had already prepared our rooms and urged us to rest until breakfast would be served. The interior was a sight to behold, with marble floors gleaming under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. A grand staircase, adorned with intricate carvings and lined with velvet ropes, wound its way up to the upper floors. Beside the staircase, a golden lift beckoned, offering a luxurious alternative for those who preferred not to climb.

Upon reaching the third floor, Hemma guided us to our respective rooms. She first showed Karun his room, instructing him to rest before breakfast. Then, she gestured towards the room beside his, indicating that it was mine. As I stood there, feeling slightly awkward, Hemma broke the silence.

Hemma: "Allow me to show you around your accommodations. Your comfort is our top priority."

I followed Hemma as she guided me through the room. Hemma smiled warmly at me as I glanced around my room in astonishment, taking in the opulent furnishings and decor. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of the sea, while elegant furniture adorned with plush cushions invited relaxation. A delicate crystal chandelier cast a soft, warm glow across the room, adding to its luxurious ambiance.

Hemma noticed my awe and approached the window, drawing back the curtains to reveal a breathtaking view of the sea.

Hemma: "I thought you might appreciate this view, Miss Kathy. The villa is very close to the sea."

As I stepped closer to the glass wall, I could see the waves crashing against the shore. Unlocking the sliding door, I let in the soothing sound of their rhythmic motion, feeling my nerves ease with each gentle wave.

Kathy: "Wow, this is amazing. Thank you, Hemma."

Hemma: "You're welcome, dear. Please feel free to relax and enjoy the tranquility. Breakfast will be served shortly. I'll leave you to settle in. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask."

With that, Hemma turned back, leaving me to the room.

With a warm smile, Hemma left me to soak in the view. As I listened to the gentle sound of the waves and felt the cool breeze on my skin, all my earlier nervousness melted away. I was finally beginning to feel at ease in this grand mansion by the sea.

After sleeping well the night before, I found myself too excited to rest for long, especially in new surroundings. Setting aside the idea of further rest, I felt a strong urge to explore. I quickly took a refreshing shower and then indulged in the delicious breakfast that Hemma had prepared. Despite her age, she was easy to converse with, and I found myself sharing all about our journey with her. Meanwhile, Karun, who joined us late, seemed to doze off frequently while eating. It was evident that he hadn't gotten much sleep and looked weary. When I mentioned that I was going out to explore, Karun nodded in acceptance, adding that he needed to rest a little longer but would accompany me later.

After sleeping well the night before, I found myself too excited to rest for long, especially in new surroundings. Setting aside the idea of further rest, I felt a strong urge to explore. I quickly took a refreshing shower and then indulged in the delicious breakfast that Hemma had prepared. Despite her age, she was easy to converse with, and I found myself sharing all about our journey with her. Meanwhile, Karun, who joined us late, seemed to doze off frequently while eating. It was evident that he hadn't gotten much sleep and looked weary. When I mentioned that I was going out to explore, Karun nodded in acceptance, adding that he needed to rest a little longer but would accompany me later.

After a short while, I set off alone with a maid to explore the surroundings. She guided me into the woods, and as we crossed over a waterfall, I couldn't help but marvel at the crystal-clear water that resembled the sky. My heart danced to the rhythm of the falling water droplets as they hit the ground below. 

Moving deeper into the forest to the west, we stumbled upon a hidden path that seemed to be swallowed by the dense foliage. The towering old trees formed a canopy so thick it felt like entering a green cave. Walking through this natural tunnel, we eventually reached a massive cement wall, standing almost 20 meters high, with a towering gate at its center.

The maid halted at a safe distance, cautioning me, "The resort's boundaries end here, as this forest is the well-known homeland for many wild species. The wall guards the villa from them." She warned of the danger beyond and hesitated to step further.

I nodded in understanding, acknowledging the risks. "Okay, I won't venture further. I'll just take a peek through the gate."

Despite the warning, I couldn't contain my excitement. The imposing wall and gate reminded me of scenes from a typical horror-fantasy.

As I approached the gate, a sudden thrill of excitement coursed through me. Peering out, I was met with a rugged and untamed landscape. The surroundings beyond the gate appeared rough and dense, contrasting sharply with the manicured grounds inside the villa walls. The area seemed wild, with tangled undergrowth and fallen branches littering the ground. Dim light filtered through the dense canopy, casting eerie shadows that danced among the trees.

A cold gust of wind swept through the forest, stirring up dry leaves and sending a shiver down my spine. With each detail I observed, the forest seemed to embody the very essence of danger, much like the descriptions I had heard in the news.

My initial sense of excitement waned, replaced instead by a feeling of intrigue. Despite the unsettling atmosphere, there was a strange allure to the untamed wilderness beyond the gate.

Amidst the spine-chilling thoughts, I could vaguely hear the maid's voice, explaining that the path led deeper into the Avikaranya Forest, where we would venture later. Her words served as a reminder of the mysteries that awaited us in this untamed realm.

The dense foliage cast a shadow over the path, even in broad daylight, creating an eerie atmosphere that heightened my senses. As I peered curiously into the darkness, an instinctual feeling of someone approaching washed over me. Before I could fully comprehend it, a hand was about to land on my shoulder, prompting a swift reaction. I instinctively retraced a step back, delivering a sharp slap to the person's face.

To my surprise, it was my brother, Karun, who hissed in pain and anger. Dumbfounded, I looked at him as he questioned, "Why do you want to fight all of a sudden?" I grinned awkwardly, realizing the gravity of my actions.

Compared to Karun, my sensing instincts were sharper. Our martial arts master often acknowledged that I had a natural aptitude for fighting, though I wasn't as skilled as I appeared. It felt as though my body had acted on its own, reacting instinctively to the perceived threat. However, there were limits to my abilities, especially considering the life-and-death mission we were embarking on.

Attempting to soothe the tension, I smirked and retorted, "Ah, no, I don't fight with losers like you. Why are you here?" 

Karun's response was swift and sharp, "Loser? Me? Well, since you're not coming back, I thought this dumb sister of mine must've lost her way!"

The banter between us eased the tension, albeit momentarily. As we continued our exploration of the mysterious forest, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air.