On the shores of a remote island, a pristine white luxury yacht anchored near the sandy beach. A couple strolled along the small beach toward the forest, their loose clothing billowing as though they'd arrived by accident, completely unaware of what this place might hold.
"Darling? I know you have a high sense of adventure, but going inside might be dangerous," the wife said, brushing aside a large leaf, occasionally stumbling over rocks or roots as she followed her husband, who was a few steps ahead.
"Our chances of being lost at sea could go on for days, dear, so we need supplies, and this island might just have them," he replied, glancing back proudly at the long rifle that gleamed under the sunlight, a weapon seemingly pristine and unused.
"I understand, but don't you think this island feels a bit strange?" she asked, casting a wary glance at the sky and the glow emanating from the massive volcano in the center. Her husband continued his search for trees that might bear fruit, but his foot landed on something brittle, catching his attention.
It was a white, old, and fragile bone. Raising an eyebrow, he looked around and saw a human skull beside several other bones. Silence didn't last long; his wife arrived at his side and screamed in terror before he quickly covered her mouth.
"It seems there are cannibals around…" he whispered to her as her eyes filled with tears. He let go, allowing her to breathe in frightful gasps.
"Then let's leave! Staying here is suicide."
"You're right… whoever did this is likely nearby," he whispered, looking around with determination to return swiftly. But fate was quicker; a dark creature pounced on him with lightning speed, tearing him away from his wife's sight. The husband's screams cut off abruptly, ending with his last breath.
The creature was busy tearing into the man's flesh while the wife stood frozen in horror, unable to run or look away. Then, suddenly, the beast rose from the body, glancing at her with its dark eyes. Its face was somewhat like a hyena, but distorted, closer to terrifying monstrosities.
She quickly crouched to pick up her husband's fallen rifle, gripping it tightly, but the creature lunged at her, knocking her to the ground. Its horrifying mouth opened, revealing numerous fangs. Suddenly, a shot fired from the rifle, piercing the creature, which collapsed on top of her.
With immense effort, she pushed the dead creature off her. Bleeding from a deep wound left by its fang, she slowly and painfully made her way back to the yacht. She climbed aboard, intending to start the engine, desperate to escape. But just as the boat began to move, a giant shark-like creature with a torn body and hollow eyes emerged from the water, swallowing the boat whole, dwarfing even the size of a whale.
---
The towering building that seemed to touch the sky reflected golden sunlight off its windows, standing proudly with the inscription "Pyramid Labs" above its entrance—a clear indication of its geographical location. Inside, people from all fields busied themselves, working in perfect harmony, a sight inspiring awe and respect. This was the impression everyone had, except for a young red-haired woman at her desk, resting her elbows as she sighed in frustration before her computer screen, only to be interrupted by a voice from behind.
"Miss Layla, the director wants to see you in his office immediately."
The man left right after, prompting a louder sigh from Layla that caught the attention of her desk neighbor—her best friend, or so she thought—who prided herself on knowing all about Layla's affairs and loved teasing her about them.
"What's up? Why does the director want to see you first thing in the morning? Is he planning on giving himself a headache?"
"Oh, Sara, please. I don't need your commentary right now. Today's already off to a bad start."
Sara smirked slyly, tilting her head as if pondering something, ignoring Layla's plea.
"Look, I was just asking. If you want, I could come with you. You know, the director and I are like–"
Before Sara could finish, she looked up to find Layla gone. Layla, in no mood for her colleague's endless chattering, was already on her way to the director's office, praying that the meeting would go smoothly for once.
Walking quietly, Layla's high heels echoed ahead, announcing her presence even before her hand touched the door handle. Her heart raced with nerves as she entered the office, feeling her breath tighten with every step. The room was bathed in morning light, and on the other side, the director sat, fully engrossed in reviewing a pile of papers, not even glancing up as her footsteps halted by his desk.
She stood there, studying his absorbed face, until he finally looked up slowly. He was a young man with ruggedly handsome features, a neatly trimmed beard, and carefully styled black hair slicked back, giving him an elegant appearance befitting a man who knew exactly how he wanted to present himself to the world. He leaned back in his chair, removed his glasses, and fixed his gaze on the woman standing before him.
"You wanted to see me?" she asked.
"Yes, Layla, I needed to discuss something important. Please, have a seat."
"Look, I know I've been late a lot, and I have too many excuses, but I–" she started, nervous, her hands fidgeting in a childlike apology that erased all attempts at professionalism.
The director interrupted her, struggling to maintain his patience, and gestured to the chair with an exasperated look.
"Please, Miss Layla, take a seat! That's not what I wanted to talk to you about."
Layla quickly sat down, her mind racing to guess the reason he'd called her. She didn't want to risk losing her job soon.
"I know why you're calling me in. I swear, I was only delayed with my reports because I was helping my colleagues with their tasks. There's really nothing–"
"Layla, can you just stop talking!"
Layla immediately fell silent, noting the frustration on the director's face. He sighed heavily, pressing a hand over his eyes, exhausted by the headache her chatter had caused.
"Miss Layla, I received a file from an American scientific research company. According to this file, they're requesting a representative from us to go on an exploratory mission to an unknown location. And, in my full senses, I'm nominating you for it."
"Really? I'll go to America! I'll be famous and everything! Wow, I won't let you down; they'll love me because, obviously, I'm unmatched!"
"Miss Layla, I chose you based on your skills and work performance, not your eye color!"
"What's wrong with my eyes?"
The director sighed loudly, fully aware he might regret sending her there, as her cluelessness outweighed her other qualities. Yet, he saw it as a good opportunity to finally rid himself of the curse that haunted his office.
"Your eyes are beautiful, Miss Layla. Now, do you agree to go, or shall we keep talking?"
"First, I know my eyes are pretty. Second, of course, I agree—who would say no?"
"Great, now get out of my office!"
"Are you kicking me out?"
"No, Miss Layla, I'm telling you to leave so you can make it to America on time. Don't you want to go?"
Layla nearly jumped from her chair, practically flying with excitement. One more dream from her fantastical list had come true; all that was left was to marry one of her favorite anime characters.
"Of course, see you in America!"
She left, waving as the director silently regretted the day he hired her, though he now celebrated finally being free of her. Meanwhile, Layla walked back to her desk with a bounce in her step, already imagining her life on an adventure like those in movies: going to America, meeting English speakers, and talking to them. It was a dream come true.
-_________-
Hello to everyone who read the chapter, I hope you liked it or whatever your feelings towards it, I am an Arab writer yes from Egypt and I wanted to share my novel here in English. I am a beginner somewhat and you may read some mistakes in the writing , I would be grateful if you could help me edit it and if you have any ideas I would be happy to read them.
I think I will post two chapters every week, the novel is half finished I have many chapters ready already.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling, nice to meet you readers <33
Cay!