Chapter 118: The Isle of Echoes

The boat had a relaxing cruise over the flat sea, and now within view was Chloe and Liam's point. The island was shrouded in a mystical mist, and its rocky cliffs and thick forests were barely visible. They could feel the strange energy of the place coming from it—a sense of history and secrets to be found. "We're almost there," Chloe said, a hopeful tone in her voice. Liam nodded, his grip on the oars white-knuckled and portentous. "This island has felt different all along. Like, there's some meaning behind it all." As they drew nearer to the shore, the mist began to lift gradually, allowing the island proper to be seen. The beach of smooth white stones wound around the island, and the air brought that weird silence. It was as though the island was indeed waiting. "This place gives me the chills," Chloe said, stepping out of the boat and onto the shore. Liam followed suit, looking cautiously around. "Let's be very sober; there could be traps or sneaks." Following an overgrown t