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Erica Wiley, a 21-year-old procrastinator with a cynical streak, is stuck between avoiding life and facing it. When she impulsively offers to take her aunt’s miserable twins on a gap-year adventure, she has no plan—other than to be lazy. But when their simple hiking trip goes horribly wrong, the trio finds themselves lost in a strange village, caught up in bizarre encounters and a growing bond with Lee, a charming (and suspicious) merchant.

What begins as an unplanned journey soon turns into a series of misadventures that push Erica to confront both her past and the possibility of caring about others. With dangerous beasts, questionable decisions, and awkward moments, Erica must decide if she’s ready to face the responsibilities—and feelings—she’s spent so long avoiding.

A quirky adventure about finding yourself, even when you’re trying not to.

Traveling with the Reckless and Unmotivated

When Sydney returned to the group, breathless and wide-eyed, Erica frowned.

Sydney hesitated. Then, before she could answer, a voice interrupted—smooth, lilting, carrying an amusement that sent a shiver up Erica's spine.

Up close, they were even stranger. There was something otherworldly about them—too composed, too knowing. Like they could see through her with a glance.

"Erica Wiley," they said, as if testing the name. "I've heard so much about you."

Erica crossed her arms. "Yeah? Well, I've heard nothing about you, so let's skip the theatrics."

Victor Victoria chuckled, slow and deliberate. "Oh, I like you."

Lee, standing beside her, shifted. His entire demeanor darkened, eyes narrowing.

Victor Victoria glanced at him, lips curling in amusement. "Ah. The charlatan. You must be Leon."

Lee didn't respond. He just stared, expression unreadable.

Victor Victoria returned their gaze to Erica. "You're different from the others," they murmured, stepping closer. "The way you look at the world. That sharp edge, that disinterest in the hero's path. You don't believe in anything, do you?"

Because the truth was—they weren't wrong.

Victor Victoria tilted their head. "You could do so much more than follow. You could shape things. Turn the tide in ways these others never could." Their voice softened. "You don't have to be on their side, you know."

Then—Erica's lips twitched. "Yeah, see, here's the thing."

Victor Victoria leaned in slightly.

Erica met their gaze, deadpan. "I don't care."

For the first time, something flickered in Victor Victoria's expression. A subtle narrowing of the eyes, a brief stillness.

Lee tensed beside her. "We done here?" he asked, voice tight.

Victor Victoria smirked. "For now." They turned slightly, as if about to leave—then paused, glancing at Erica once more.

And then, with a deliberate slowness, they murmured, "We'll see each other again. Try not to miss me too much."

Erica, utterly unimpressed, turned back to the direction towards the village.

Lee, however, was not amused. That mood lasted the entire walk back to the place they were just enjoying a now cold meal in.

His jaw was tight, his grip on his fork white-knuckled.

Lee's tone was flat. "What a creep."

Sydney, from across the fire, grinned. "Ohhh, he's jealous."

Sydney leaned toward Erica. "So, what do you think? Into the androgynous mastermind type?"

Erica popped a piece of food into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully. Then, without looking up—

Lee exhaled slowly, shoulders relaxing just a fraction.

But Victor Victoria's words still lingered.

And Erica knew, deep down—this wasn't the last time she'd hear them.

Chapter 19: The One Who Knows Your Weakness