Chapter 2: The Journey Begins
At dawn, Aarav packed a small bag — water, rope, a flashlight, some bread, and his grandfather's old compass.
He didn't tell anyone.
As the sun rose, the sea began to retreat, slowly revealing rocks that were usually hidden underwater.
And then he saw it.
A stretch of dark land rising from the mist.
Black Island.
It wasn't far — perhaps a thirty-minute walk across the newly exposed seabed. The path was slippery and uneven, but Aarav moved carefully, guided by the compass and the map.
Halfway across, he heard a strange sound — like a deep rumble.
The sea.
It was too quiet.
He knew he had limited time before the tide returned.
He hurried.