The dawn broke gently over the island, the light diffusing through the trees and casting long shadows on the ground. Jude woke to the sound of birds singing and the faint rustle of leaves. He rose quietly, not wanting to disturb Nefertari, Sophie, and Lucy, who were still asleep beside him.
He walked to the edge of the camp and looked out over the ocean. The ghost ship was gone, and the water was calm and serene. Jude took a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace that had been absent for so long.
Ethan joined him, his face still marked with the exhaustion of their recent trials but also carrying a hint of optimism. "Morning," he said.
"Morning," Jude replied. "I was just thinking about everything we've been through and how far we've come. It's almost hard to believe."
Ethan nodded. "It is. But I think we've only just begun to uncover the island's secrets."
