The train whistle echoed through the station, signaling the end of their short break. Ava and her friends hurried back onto the train, laughter, and conversation still buzzing after their surprise reunion. As they found their seats, Ava couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. What was supposed to be a solo trip had turned into a full-fledged adventure.

After everyone settled into the train car, the gentle rumble of the tracks beneath them provided a comforting rhythm. The golden afternoon light filtered through the windows, casting warm hues across the cabin. Ava plopped down into her seat, camera in hand, smiling to herself. She was still processing how lucky she was to have her friends with her on this mysterious journey.

Rai, sitting across from her, leaned forward with a grin. “All right, so let’s figure out how we’re getting to Zyla Beach tomorrow. We’re getting off at Drakeport Station, right?”

“Yeah, that’s the one,” Zaire chimed in, pulling out his phone to check the map. “It’s the closest station to Zyla Beach, but there’s still a long way to go. No one goes there, so we can’t just walk. It’s, like, way too far.”

Samera, sitting next to Ava, nodded. “We’ll have to rent a car to get from Drakeport to the beach. It’s pretty isolated, so we’ll need private transport.”

Ava raised her eyebrows. “Is it going to be expensive?”

                                                                                                                                                                 (Truvale Astra)

“Super expensive,” Zaire replied dramatically. “No one wants to go near Zyla Beach. Most drivers avoid the area because of the rumors. So, they charge a fortune if you ask them to take you close to it. We tried to find a taxi service, but it’s just too sketchy.”

Dionne, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. “That’s why we’re lucky. Samera’s boyfriend—” he nodded toward the empty seat where Samera’s boyfriend had been sitting before heading to the restroom “—already arranged the car rental. We’ll have it waiting for us when we get to Drakeport.”

Ava's eyes widened. “Wow, that’s awesome. So, we don’t have to worry about the transport at all?”

Samara smiled proudly. “Yep, he’s got it all set. And not just the car—he also booked a place for us to stay nearby. It’s a small house, nothing fancy, but it’s close to the beach.”

“That’s perfect,” Ava said, her excitement building. “So, the plan is, we get off at Drakeport, grab the car, and drive to Zyla Beach. How long is the drive?”

“About an 6 or 7 hours,” Rai replied. “The road gets pretty rough as you get closer to the beach, so it’s slow going. But it’s not too bad. We should get there by late afternoon.”

Ava pulled out her camera and started filming a quick update for her followers. “Hey guys! So, here’s the deal. We’re heading to Zyla Beach, and I just found out my friends surprised me by joining the trip! We’re going to reach Drakeport Station tomorrow morning, then grab a rental car and drive the rest of the way. It’s gonna be a wild trip—stay tuned for all the details. I can’t wait to see this place!”

Zaire leaned into the camera with a grin. “Tell them about the creepy rumors, Ava. We’re about to step into some real spooky territory.”

Ava laughed nervously but turned the camera toward Zaire. “Yeah, you guys already know the stories—Zyla Beach is infamous for all the weird stuff that happens there. People disappearing, strange paths appearing out of nowhere... it’s gonna be crazy.”