Chapter 3: Abandoned Island
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the makeshift campsite.
By now, the tents were all set up — though "tents" might have been a generous term.
Most were lopsided, hastily assembled, and looked one good gust of wind away from collapsing. But for a bunch of stranded students and teachers, it was home for now.
Lucas wiped the sweat from his brow and surveyed their work with a mix of pride and exhaustion. "Well, it's not exactly a five-star resort, but at least it won't fall on our heads... probably."
Leo, who was standing nearby, let out a dry laugh. "Speak for yourself. My tent looks like it was designed by a blindfolded toddler."
Lucas grinned. "Then again, that's about the level of your engineering skills, so I'm not surprised."
"Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence," Leo shot back, rolling his eyes.
The two of them wandered away from the main camp, drawn by the sound of waves crashing against the shore.
The beach was quieter now, with most of the group focused on settling in for the evening. A few students lingered near the water, chatting in low voices or simply staring out at the endless ocean.
Lucas kicked at a stray pebble as they walked, his thoughts drifting.
It had been an insane day — one that felt more like a fever dream than reality. Yet here they were, stranded on some abandoned island, their survival hanging by a thread.