Chapter 68: Race Against Time
Author: LORI D. LEE
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

The sun was climbing higher in the sky, and the warmth of its rays was a stark contrast to the turmoil we had left behind. But our relief was short-lived. As we sailed towards the mainland, a sudden, powerful tremor shook the island, triggering a chain reaction that sent the entire archipelago into a catastrophic collapse.

"We need to move, now!" Elias shouted, his voice cutting through the rising panic.

The boat rocked violently as another tremor hit, the sea churning and tossing us like a toy. We were still within the influence of the collapsing archipelago, and the stronghold—the heart of the shape-shifter’s power—was disintegrating rapidly.

"Everyone, get ready!" I commanded, mustering what strength I had left. "We need to get off this island before it takes us down with it."

Lena and Mara scrambled to secure our remaining gear, while Elias steered the boat with all his might. The shoreline was crumbling, massive chunks of rock and earth falling away into the ocean. The path we ha
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