The Islands Awaken

The morning began like any other in the quiet seaside village of Mirehaven. Ria sat on the edge of the rocky shore, gazing out at the endless blue expanse. Her favorite spot was a perch overlooking the sea, where she could watch the waves crash against the cliffs below. Ren was sprawled beside her, lazily tossing small stones into the water.

“You’ve got that look again,” Ren said, breaking the silence.

“What look?” Ria asked, still staring at the horizon.

“The one that says you’re dreaming of something bigger than this village,” Ren replied with a grin. “You’re always staring at the sea like it’s hiding secrets.”

“Maybe it is,” Ria said softly. “The elders say the ocean holds stories older than time itself. Don’t you ever wonder what’s out there?”

Ren shrugged. “I wonder, sure. But I’m not about to go chasing after it. This village is safe, predictable. Out there...who knows what you’ll find?”

Ria smiled, shaking her head. Ren had always been practical, content with the familiar, while she yearned for adventure.

Just as she was about to reply, a strange rumbling sound filled the air. The ground beneath them trembled, and the waves seemed to freeze for a moment before pulling far, far back from the shore.

“Ren, look!” Ria shouted, jumping to her feet.

The ocean had receded, revealing a series of jagged islands rising from the seabed. They were unlike anything she had ever seen, their dark, craggy surfaces glinting with veins of what looked like silver and gold.

“What in the world…” Ren murmured, standing beside her.

“It’s the Celestial Bloom,” a voice said behind them.

They turned to see Julian, the village’s wandering scholar, approaching with a leather-bound journal in hand. His dark cloak billowed in the breeze, and his sharp green eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“The Celestial Bloom?” Ria asked.

Julian nodded. “A rare event. The alignment of the moons causes the seas to retreat, revealing the Hidden Isles. It only happens once every hundred years.”

“And you just happened to know this?” Ren asked, raising an eyebrow.

Julian smirked. “Some of us read more than fishing charts, Ren.”

Ria ignored their banter, her heart racing with excitement. “Do you think anyone’s ever been to those islands?”

“Not that we know of,” Julian said. “They’ve been hidden for centuries. There are rumors of ancient relics, forgotten magic...and dangers.”

“Dangers?” Ren repeated, frowning.

Julian shrugged. “Every legend has its warnings. The Isles are said to be protected by an ancient force. But no one’s ever returned to confirm the stories.”

“That’s because no one’s been brave enough to try,” Ria said, her eyes fixed on the islands.

Ren groaned. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to go out there.”

“Of course I am,” Ria said, her voice firm. “How often does something like this happen? We can’t just ignore it.”

“We?” Ren asked, pointing to himself. “I didn’t agree to anything.”

“You’re coming,” Ria said confidently. “I’ll need someone to carry my supplies.”

Julian chuckled. “Count me in. I’ve been studying these legends my whole life. I’m not missing the chance to see them up close.”

Ren sighed, shaking his head. “Fine. But if we get eaten by sea monsters, I’m blaming both of you.”

As the three of them hurried back to the village to prepare, they didn’t notice the figure watching them from the cliffs above. Jack, a sailor known for his reckless charm, leaned against a tree, his arms crossed.

“Looks like we’ve got ourselves some treasure hunters,” Jack muttered, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Might as well join the fun.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***