Mark, his eyes gleaming with ruthless intent, stands at the edge of the jungle, clutching a spear as he surveys the chaos. Around him, his tribe of hunters gather—Corby, sharpening a stick at both ends with a devilish grin, and the rest, faces painted with ash and malice. "If the smoke doesn't get Edward, the fire will. Keep it burning. He won't last long," Mark commands, gesturing deeper into the inferno.
Hidden in his thicket, Edward jolts awake, coughing as smoke stings his lungs. His eyes widen in terror as he sees fire creeping closer, licking hungrily at the tangled branches. Scrambling to his feet, he bursts from his hiding place, desperate for escape. Suddenly, Victor appears, spear raised, charging through the smoke at Edward.
Edward dodges Victor's attack, shoving him aside as Victor tumbles to the ground. Heart pounding, Edward sprints deeper into the jungle, branches whipping his face. Victor scrambles up, just as Mark emerges from the smoldering thicket, his face twisted in fury. The tribe rallies, spears glinting, their shouts echoing through the inferno.
Edward dives beneath the tree, holding his breath as footsteps approach. Sawyer and Earl, identical twins with wary eyes, spot Edward but exchange a silent glance. Mark storms over, demanding answers. "We saw nothing, Mark. Just smoke and shadows," Sawyer lies, while Corby scans the roots, suspicion blazing in his eyes. Suddenly, Corby shouts, "Mark! He's here! Under the tree!"
Edward bolts from his hiding place, sprinting across the sand as the tribe erupts behind him, spears raised, screams filling the air. He stumbles, falling face-first onto the beach, his breath ragged. Gasping, he lifts his head to see a tall figure in crisp uniform—British naval officer—standing before him, the glint of medals and polished boots stark against the chaos.
"My ship spotted the smoke. Is everyone all right?" The officer asks, his voice calm but commanding. Edward collapses, tears streaming down his face—relief mingled with grief. The hunters, Mark, Corby, Victor, Sawyer, and Earl, shuffle behind, faces streaked with tears, the weight of their actions crashing down as the fire dies and silence falls over the island.
















