Where the Tide Returned

I couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to this island. Everywhere I looked, I found empty houses with all the appliances still intact, old fishing boats, a broken church, rusted vehicles, an abandoned lighthouse, and many other things—but not a single soul. It seemed as though everyone had fled in a hurry and never looked back.After spending the entire day exploring the island, all the joy I had felt earlier disappeared. Exhausted from everything I had been through, I settled into one of the abandoned houses and fell asleep.But the little peace I found didn’t last long.I was jolted awake by the sound of objects being hurled around by the wind.The island screamed.The wind howled through the trees like a wounded beast, and every crashing wave sounded as though the ocean itself was trying to tear the land apart. At first, I thought some terrifying creature had awakened. I cautiously stepped toward the window, but a deafening crash stopped me.A tree branch slammed into the gla

Then the real training began.The island had become my training camp.At first, I thought it was a joke.Until, before daybreak on the very first morning, the old man knocked on my door.“Your training begins now,” he said.“And remember, this is the last time I’ll come to wake you up. From tomorrow onward, you must be outside before I arrive.”Before I could even process what was happening—or wonder how he knew exactly where I was staying—he grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the house.Half-asleep and still struggling to keep my eyes open, I found myself jogging across the island’s highlands.For three hours.By dawn, my legs felt like they were about to fall off.Without giving me a chance to rest, Zeno led me to an old warehouse and pushed open its creaking doors.I expected cobwebs and dust.Instead…I found order.Thick ropes hung from the rafters. Wooden dummies, scarred by countless blows, stood in neat rows. Rusted chains dangled from iron beams, while heavy sandbags, sewn

Facing me, he asked, “So, how did you end up here?”I looked at him and replied, “What if I told you I don’t know either? Would you believe me? The last thing I remember was catching my father and his mistress together just after my mother died.”He scoffed.“It seems you’ve had it even rougher than I did, especially for a naïve young lady like you.”He paused for a moment before continuing.“I’ve been thinking… how about joining the Eclipse Syndicate? Many elites and politicians are part of the organization, so there’s nothing to be afraid of. I want you to take my place as its leader. I know you’re more than capable.You see, I’ve been worried about you. How do you intend to survive if you ever leave this island? Surely you don’t plan on returning to your family. I’m certain that’s the last place you’d want to go.”I sighed.“Honestly, I don’t know what I want to do after leaving this place. But I don’t think I’m interested in joining the Eclipse Syndicate or taking your position.”

I became restless and started pacing back and forth.“Zeno, please let me borrow your laptop,” I said.Zeno sighed.“You… I almost forgot that the faster you learn, the faster you forget.”He shook his head.“What did I teach you about your facial expressions and actions? I’ve always told you to remain calm, no matter the situation you’re facing.”He snorted.“Besides, I don’t think it’s wise for you to check it now. Why don’t you wait until you’ve left Tempest Isle?”He waved his hand dismissively.“Enough talking. Go back to training. From today onward, you’ll be training by yourself.”He paused before continuing.“I’ll try to get in touch with one of my loyalists to get you off this island.”I panicked.“I thought you said it would be dangerous if you were exposed.”Zeno smiled faintly.“But I can’t stay hidden forever. Besides, you’re the only one leaving. I’m already old. I just want to live the rest of my life in peace before I die. I can’t let you remain trapped here with me. Y

Then Zeno faced me and said, “You know, a few weeks ago, I told you that I would find a way for you to leave this island. Enzo is here to help you. It won’t be easy, but I trust his capabilities.” He said this while tapping Enzo on the shoulder.Enzo looked shocked.“Old man, I thought you invited me so I could help you out of this miserable place. Don’t tell me you want to continue living all by yourself. It will be very risky, and the fact that I came here means the Serpents”—the code name for their enemies—“will start to suspect something and may discover that you are here. This place is no longer safe,”** Enzo rambled.“Old man, I know we’ve discussed this before, but still, what Enzo said is right. This place is no longer safe. You would be better off with us than staying here. We can actually see you and protect you,” I added.But the old man remained adamant.He said in a firm voice, “Thanks for the concern, but I am staying here, and that’s final.”Silence descended over the r