Chapter 2: A Rope Between Life and Death (Part 13)

“Hold on!” Juno yelled as she fought the wheel, her face set with grim determination, steering them closer to the shadowy outline of the shore. Her eyes flicked to Kai, who had just untied the rope, his face pale with worry.

But with the waves growing higher and the island shrouded in darkness and mist, the chance of finding Finn seemed slimmer by the second. The island loomed closer, dark and foreboding, almost as if it were reaching out for them. And though they were only a heartbeat away from land, the storm showed no mercy, as though warning them that some places were not meant to be found.

The boat lurched again as another wave crashed against it, nearly wrenching the helm from Juno’s hands. She gritted her teeth, fighting for control. “Kai, get that rope ready. We’re not leaving him out there!”