Chapter 8 : The deadly Jungle

Austin’s POV

The road led us to a small village at the edge of the rainforest. The buildings were wooden structures topped with tin roofs, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and ripe fruit. Children darted around, their laughter carrying through the warm breeze, while women carried woven baskets brimming with herbs and freshly picked produce. A few men stood near their homes, watching us with wary curiosity.

I parked the jeep near a towering tree, its branches stretching over a pair of men seated in the shade, talking in low voices. Vanessa stepped forward with her usual confidence.

“Good afternoon,” she said smoothly. “We’re looking for guides.”

One of the men, older with a weathered face, looked up. His sharp eyes swept over us before he grunted, “Guides for what?”

“Take us deep into the rainforest,” Vanessa replied, her voice calm but firm. “We’re looking for the Cave of Eteris.”

A heavy silence fell between them. The two men exchanged glances, their expressions darkening.

“That’s no place for outsiders,” the older man said flatly. “The jungle is dangerous.”

“We need someone who knows this place and its dangers,” Vanessa countered. “Without a guide, we’re lost.”

The man frowned but didn’t immediately refuse.

“We can handle danger,” she added, her gaze unwavering.

He hesitated.

Sensing his reluctance, Vanessa softened her tone.

“I understand your concerns,” she said. “But we’re not unprepared tourists. This is important.”

I took a step forward, forcing a smile despite the unease gnawing at me. “We’ll pay well,”

After a long, tense silence, the men exchanged another look, then nodded.

A deal was struck.

They climbed into the back of the jeep, and I turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and we began our journey into the heart of the rainforest. My father’s journal map and the locals’ knowledge were our only compass.

As we drove deeper, the more the jungle felt alive. The trees above us stretched endlessly, blocking most of the sunlight.

A faint rustling echoed from the undergrowth.

I could feel that Something or someone was there.

I tightened my grip on the wheel. My pulse quickened.

“Are you sure this is the right way?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Yes,” the guide answered curtly. “But I must tell you, this part of the forest does not welcome anyone. They say the guardians protect this sacred place. Outsiders rarely leave unharmed.”

“Guardians?” Vanessa asked.

“They are men, yes,” the guide admitted. “But not like us. They do not live in your world. Their arrows speak louder than words.”

My stomach twisted.

“Then why are you leading us here?” I asked.

The guide’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror, his gaze unreadable.

“Because you paid us well. But money won’t save you from them.”

His words were a warning.

A chance to turn back.

But it was already too late.

Thwunk!

The jeep jolted violently. I slammed the brakes, heart hammering in my chest.

“What’s wrong?” Vanessa asked sharply.

I stepped out and felt my blood run cold.

An arrow sleek, obsidian-tipped was buried deep in the front tire.

“Trouble,” the older guide muttered, drawing his machete.

Before anyone could react, a volley of arrows hissed through the air, embedding themselves into the ground around us.

“Hide! Now!” the younger guide barked.

Vanessa and I dove behind the jeep. I drew my pistol, hands slick with sweat.

“No sudden moves,” the younger man warned. “They’re watching.”

The jungle held its breath.

Then, the shadows shifted.

Figures emerged from between the trees silent, lethal. Their bare chests were painted in intricate patterns of ochre and charcoal. Their eyes were sharp, cold.

Their bows were drawn tight, arrows aimed directly at us.

Their leader stepped forward.

His presence alone commanded attention. His face was marked with symbols I couldn’t understand, his skin painted with streaks of black and red. A spear rested in his grip, adorned with feathers and bones.

The older guide raised his hands slowly, his machete clattering to the ground.

For a brief moment, I thought he was surrendering.

But then he spoke, his words quick, desperate—Portuguese, maybe. His tone pleaded for something.

The leader’s expression hardened. He spat a sharp command, and two warriors stepped closer, gripping their weapons tightly.

“What’s he saying?” I whispered to the younger guide.

“They say we’re trespassing,” he replied grimly. “And trespassers don’t leave alive.”

My throat tightened.

The older guide gestured toward Vanessa and me, then motioned for us to step forward.

I hesitated.

“Vanessa, are you sure about this?” I whispered.

She didn’t answer. Instead, she stepped forward, hands raised in a gesture of surrender.

What the hell?

Aren’t you the one with superpowers?

“We mean no harm,” she said, her voice steady. “We’re only passing through. We’re searching for something important.”

The leader’s gaze locked onto her.

His grip on the spear tightened.

Another sharp command.

Two warriors stepped forward, their spears pointed directly at Vanessa.

Instinct took over. I moved before I could think.

I drew my gun and stepped between her and the warriors.

The younger guide’s eyes went wide with panic. “Put the gun down! They think you’re a threat!”

I hesitated but reluctantly lowered it.

The older guide turned back to the leader, speaking in hurried tones. He gestured to Vanessa and me, then bowed his head slightly.

Finally, the leader spoke again.

“They say no outsiders can pass without offering something in return,” the guide translated.

“What kind of offering?” Vanessa asked sharply.

“Something valuable. A gesture of respect.”

I swallowed hard and removed my expensive watch, holding it out. “What about this? It’s expensive.”

The guide took the watch, presenting it carefully.

The leader examined it briefly.

Then, without hesitation, he tossed it aside like it worth nothing.

“It’s not enough,” the guide murmured grimly.

Vanessa stepped forward again, unshaken. “We’re here to protect what’s sacred, just as you are. Let us pass, and we’ll ensure no harm comes to your land.”

The leader studied her.

For the first time, his expression shifted—just slightly.

A long silence stretched between them. Then, finally, he barked a command.

The warriors lowered their weapons slightly.

The guide let out a breath. “They’ll let you pass,” he said.

Relief flooded me.

But then he hesitated.

“But...”

“But what?” Vanessa pressed.

“They won’t let us locals go any further. Only you two.”

I frowned. “What about the jeep?”

“You can’t take it,” the guide said. “You’ll have to go on foot.”