As the train rumbled along its track, the sunlight filtering through the windows cast a warm glow over the compartment. Ava and her friends were scattered throughout the compartment, each absorbed in their own pre-trip rituals.

Ava had her camera set up for a quick livestream, sharing her excitement with her followers. “Good morning, everyone! We’re on our way to Drakeport Station, and I’m so excited for our journey to Zyla Beach. The plan is to reach the station, pick up our rental car, and then head straight to the beach.”

Samera and Ignatius were seated together, chatting about their plans for the beach. “I’m looking forward to the boat ride,” Samera said, her eyes sparkling. “It’s supposed to be amazing.”

Meanwhile, Dionne was engrossed in a book about local legends, while Rai and Zaire were discussing potential activities and exploring their options. The conversations were light-hearted, but an undercurrent of anticipation buzzed through the group.

As the train approached Drakeport Station, Ava noticed a shift in the atmosphere. Dionne, who had been quietly reading, looked up with a thoughtful expression. “Does anyone else get the feeling that something’s not quite right?”

Rai glanced over. “Like what?”

Dionne shrugged. “I don’t know. Just a feeling. Maybe it’s just nerves.”

Samera looked up from her phone. “There’s a lot of hype about Zyla Beach. I read something about it being more crowded than usual this time of year.”

Ava checked her phone, scanning through comments from her live-stream viewers. Many were excited for her, but a few had posted unsettling messages about safety and warnings. “Some of my followers are a bit worried about the beach. They’ve heard rumors about it being dangerous.”

The train came to a halt at Drakeport Station, and the group gathered their things. As they disembarked, Ava’s phone buzzed with a notification. It was a cryptic message from an unknown number: “Be careful. Zyla Beach hides more than you know.”

They shrugged off the message, attributing it to a prank. The group made their way to a nearby café, where they planned to wait for their car rental. The café was bustling with activity, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

While waiting, Ava decided to take the opportunity to interview some locals about Zyla Beach. She approached a few patrons, asking about their experiences and any tips they might have. The responses were mixed—some spoke of its beauty, while others hinted at its mysterious nature.

One elderly man, with a weathered face and piercing eyes, gave Ava a knowing look. “The beach has its own way of showing what it wants. Be cautious.”

The group was about to leave when they noticed a well-dressed man standing by a sleek car, eyeing them with a curious expression. He approached them with a polite but firm demeanor. “You’re headed to Zyla Beach, I presume?”

Ava nodded. “Yes, we are. Do you have any advice?”

The man’s gaze was inscrutable. “Just remember that not everything is as it seems. Some things are better left undiscovered.”

With that cryptic warning, the man turned and walked away, leaving Ava and her friends with a sense of unease.

The car arrived, and the group piled in, heading toward Zyla Beach. The drive was filled with laughter and chatter, but the mysterious encounter and the unsettling messages lingered in their minds.

As they neared the beach, the excitement was palpable. But with every mile they drove, the sense of anticipation grew, mingled with a hint of dread about what awaited them.

                                                                                                                                                                                (Truvale Astra)