Chapter 1: Abandon Ship!
"Fuck... that hits the spot,"
Lucas Carter leaned against the ferry's railing, his hands gripping the cold metal as the wind whipped through his messy dark hair.
The rhythmic crashing of the waves below had a soothing, almost hypnotic effect.
The sun hung low on the horizon, its warm glow reflecting off the endless expanse of ocean, making it seem like the ferry was slicing through liquid gold.
"Hard to believe I'm actually here," Lucas muttered under his breath, staring into the depths below.
This trip was supposed to be the highlight of their senior year — a two-day excursion to a resort as part of some "team-building" project dreamed up by the school board.
He wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea of spending an entire weekend surrounded by classmates he barely talked to, but it was better than being stuck at home with nothing to do. Besides, the promise of adventure — exploring caves, hiking through the jungle, maybe even swimming in crystal-clear waters — had been enough to pull him out of his usual routine.
And, of course, there was another incentive.
Lucas's eyes flicked toward the upper deck, where a group of girls stood chatting and laughing.
He immediately recognized Sophia, the girl everyone — including him — had a crush on. She was radiant as ever, her golden hair catching the sunlight in a way that made her look almost angelic.
Beside her was Nina, the star athlete, her toned frame leaning casually against the railing as she gestured animatedly.