The Forgotten Island

The small boat rocked violently as the storm lashed against its sides. Sam gripped the wheel, his knuckles white as he fought the waves. Beside him, Elena held onto the railing, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination.

“This is insane!” Elena shouted over the thunder. “Why are we even doing this?”

“Because it’s the only way to find it!” Sam yelled back.

“It better be worth it!” Elena muttered, clinging tightly as a massive wave crashed over the bow.

Moments later, the storm cleared as if by magic, and the sea became eerily calm. Before them lay a massive island shrouded in mist, its towering cliffs covered in dense jungle.

“There it is,” Sam breathed.

Elena stared in awe. “The Forgotten Island… I thought it was just a myth.”

Sam smirked. “So did I—until I found the journal.”

They rowed ashore, their boots sinking into the damp sand. The air was thick with the scent of salt and earth, and the only sounds were the distant cries of birds and the rustling of unseen creatures.

Sam pulled out the tattered journal, flipping to a page marked with a crude map. “According to this, the Heart of Tahu lies in the island’s center. That’s what we’re here for.”

Elena frowned. “You mean the cursed jewel everyone talks about? The one that no one’s ever survived taking?”

Sam shrugged. “Treasure’s treasure.”

“Or a death sentence,” Elena muttered, but she followed him into the jungle.

The trek was grueling. Thick vines and thorny bushes clawed at their clothes, and the oppressive heat made every step feel heavier.

“Are you sure you know where you’re going?” Elena asked, wiping sweat from her brow.

Sam held up the map. “It’s just ahead. Look.”

Through the trees, they saw it—a massive stone temple rising out of the jungle, its surface covered in moss and carvings of strange, otherworldly creatures.

“Wow,” Elena whispered.

They approached cautiously, their footsteps echoing on the stone steps as they entered the temple. Inside, the air was cool and damp. The walls were lined with faded murals depicting battles, rituals, and what looked like a glowing red gem—undoubtedly the Heart of Tahu.

“There it is,” Sam said, pointing to the center of the chamber. On a pedestal sat the jewel, pulsing faintly as if alive.

“Don’t touch it,” Elena warned.

“Relax,” Sam said, stepping forward. “I know what I’m doing.”

As his fingers brushed the jewel, the room shook violently. The murals on the walls began to glow, and the carvings of creatures seemed to come to life, their eyes gleaming in the dim light.

“Sam! What did you do?” Elena shouted, backing away as a low growl filled the chamber.

The pedestal sank into the floor, and the ground split open, revealing a deep chasm filled with glowing red light. From the darkness emerged a massive figure—a guardian, its stone body cracking and shifting as it moved.

“Leave… now…” the creature rumbled, its voice echoing like thunder.

Sam clutched the jewel tightly. “We’re not leaving without this!”

Elena grabbed his arm. “Are you insane? That thing will kill us!”

“Not if we run!” Sam yelled, pulling her toward the exit.

The guardian roared, and the temple began to collapse. Stones rained down as they sprinted toward the jungle, the jewel’s glow lighting their way.

They burst out of the temple just as it crumbled behind them. The guardian’s roar echoed one last time before fading into silence.

On the beach, Sam and Elena collapsed, breathing heavily.

“You’re insane,” Elena said, glaring at him.

Sam grinned, holding up the jewel. “Insane and rich.”

Elena rolled her eyes. “Let’s just hope the curse doesn’t follow us home.”

As they rowed back to the boat, the island vanished into the mist behind them. The Heart of Tahu gleamed brightly in Sam’s hands—but deep in the jungle, the faint sound of the guardian’s roar echoed once more.