Chapter 78: Stranded on an Island

By dawn, the storm blows us far off course. We spot a small island—lush green, ringed by rocky shores. With the boat low on fuel, Zach has no choice but to beach it. We tumble onto the sand, drenched and exhausted.

Marta scouts inland while Elena and I unload supplies. The island appears uninhabited, dense jungle at its center. Zach mutters curses at the broken radio. We're stuck until we can fix the boat or find another option. A swirl of dread meets a sliver of relief—no sign of pursuers, at least for now.

Elena wipes salt water from her cheeks, gazing up at me with a fragile smile. "We might have just bought ourselves time," she whispers. I nod, but my chest feels tight. Every time we think we're safe, chaos finds us. Still, we cling to the hope that maybe, on this island, we can finally breathe.