The ship had finally dropped anchor.We were on the island of Sakuraggio.
I carefully descended the gangplank, my boots leaving deep prints in the damp sand. The air here carried a different scent — a mix of seaweed, wet earth, and an ancient, almost sacred breath that whispered of forgotten times.
Barely had my feet touched solid ground when my thoughts drifted back — replaying our voyage at sea and the brutal attack of the marine beasts. The screams, the crashing waves, the shadow beneath the hull... it all lingered in my mind like a fading nightmare.
A hand rested gently on my shoulder.It was Sylena.
— "Jonady, you finally see me. You were somewhere else," she said softly.
I looked at her and gave a faint, apologetic nod.— "Sorry… I was lost in thought."
The crew, though well-trained, stood tense and alert. Everyone scanned the surroundings with cautious eyes. After all, many of them had lost comrades during the assault. The silence was heavy — oppressive even — and it didn't help the mood.
I broke it.
— "Listen up. Given the recent events, we'll be on our own here. No reinforcements are coming. It's possible this island harbors something… or someone hostile. We have to be ready."
I turned toward the commander.— "Smith, your group will stay here on the beach. Guard the ships."
— "Yes, Your Majesty," he replied firmly.
— "The rest of you, with me. We'll move inland. It's strange — no villagers, no smoke, no signs of life. Something's not right."
We formed a small unit and began moving into the forest.Dense undergrowth slowed our progress, the damp leaves brushing against our armor. The air grew heavier as we advanced, shadows flickering between the trees.
Then — a faint sound.Soft footsteps.
The crew froze instantly, faces hardening, hands tightening around their weapons. A shadow moved swiftly through the bushes ahead.
But what emerged was not a sea monster.Nor a spy.
It was a child — a little girl, no older than nine, running in panic.
I gestured silently to Nilyna.She moved swiftly, cutting through the foliage, and caught up with the girl. The child tried to scream, but Nilyna gently covered her mouth.
— "Shh… calm down, little one," she whispered softly. "I won't hurt you. My name is Nilyna. Tell me, what's your name?"
The child froze, trembling, her wide eyes glistening with fear. But when she saw Nilyna's gentle smile, her breathing slowed.
— "I… my name is Theresya, ma'am."
Nilyna stroked her hair tenderly.— "Theresya, that's a lovely name."
Our group approached carefully, weapons lowered.I bowed slightly.
— "So it's a girl, huh?" I said quietly, looking at her.
Theresya shrank behind Nilyna, clutching the edge of her cloak. Nilyna chuckled softly and patted her head.
— "Don't worry, none of us will hurt you."
— "Really?" the little one asked timidly.
— "Yes," Nilyna replied with warmth. "I promise."
I crouched down so our eyes met.— "Tell me, Theresya… where are your parents? A child like you shouldn't be alone out here. We saw you from afar — you were running. Were you fleeing from something? Or someone?"
Theresya hesitated, fumbling with her fingers.— "I… I was—"
But before she could finish, voices echoed through the forest.
— "She's somewhere around here! Don't stop — find her!"
Theresya's face turned pale. Panic filled her eyes.Nilyna immediately pulled her close, shielding her.
We exchanged a single glance — no words needed.Whatever was hunting this child…was about to find us instead.