Chapter 1

The sun blazed overhead as Kiri and Margo stepped off the ferry cruise ship onto the shores of Monster Island, their excitement palpable. The island's tropical air was thick with a heady mix of salt and sandalwood. As they stepped onto the wooden planks, Kiri's untamed shoulder-length blonde hair stirred gently in the ocean breeze.

"Can you believe we're actually here?" Margo rushed forward, her curly red locks bouncing as she gestured toward the sign that greeted them: ‘Welcome to Monster Island!' She twirled, her fashionable sundress flaring outward, her vivacious energy infectious. "Finally! We're here! I was starting to lose faith that we would never get here."

"I told you it would take all morning, Mar," Kiri replied, grinning at her friend's enthusiasm. She adjusted her sunglasses and scanned the bustling docks for their first stop on their itinerary for their contracted job. "But I agree. Finally stepping foot onto the island feels nice. Makes it more real."

As they made their way toward the car rental booth, Kiri admired the rustic structure adorned with an assortment of keys hanging by various fruit-shaped keychains from toucan beak-shaped hooks coming out of a jungle mural on the wall. The booth seemed to blend the quaint charm of vintage aesthetics with a fun tropical theme. Not cheap, like tropical decorations for a pool party, but a classic elegant design to welcome guests to an exotic vacation.

And yet, Kiri was assigned to capture the picturesque mountain forest landmarks and Margo was given the desert cliff side that overlooked the ocean. None of the locations screamed luxury or something a human would book for a gataway trip, unless they enjoyed backpacking, which Kiri was totally against.

"Welcome to Monster Island, Kiri and Margo," the friendly orc behind the desk greeted, handing them their keys with a smile that seemed strained, as if he were making an extra effort to appear welcoming. His tusks peeked out as he grinned widely, his green skin glistening under the sun. "And before you ask, yes, I already know who you are. Most of the island does."

"How?" Margo asked, scanning the booth. "I don't see any surveillance."

"Your firm informed us about your arrival and your destinations when they booked your trip." He gestured to his computer. "You are the only humans arriving today. I would be providing poor customer service if I didn't know who you were and what your firm ordered for you."

"That makes sense." Margo frowned slightly, tilting her head. "It's kinda like the hotel staff knowing my name whenever I stay at an extended stay."

"Exactly, Margo," Kiri confirmed, trying to help the poor orc out. She knew how her friend could talk anyone to death if they'd let her. "How about we grab our keys and get going? It's going to get dark soon enough, and I don't know about you, but I don't want to be lost in the middle of nowhere. Who knows what lurks in the dark?"

"There are plenty of nocturnal monsters, like the certain gargoyles and predators, that go about their business as soon as the sun starts setting."

Margo covered her mouth and gasped.

"But you have nothing to worry about!" the orc worker urged, raising his hands in a pleading gesture. "We may be monsters, but we don't eat humans."

"That's refreshing." Kiri sighed, shaking her head. "The last thing I want is to help recruit humans to visit, only for them to meet their fate and be eaten."

"There's only one way for you to be eaten, so you have nothing to worry about." He nodded as his dark gaze scanned their bodies. "I hope you find what you're looking for and enjoy your stay here."

"Thanks!" With a grateful smile, Kiri accepted the kiwi keyring, wanting to get on the road as soon as possible. Their conversation was dissolving into something she wasn't interested in, especially when she was confused as to whether he was actually trying to calm them or was attempting to hit on them.

She turned her head in the direction of his pointing finger, her gaze landing on a bold lime green jeep in the parking lot, adorned with fierce monster paws painted along its sides. The vibrant colors and playful design immediately caught her attention, something that custom painted sports cars typically had, as the bright sunlight glinted off the polished metal.

She couldn't wait to take it for a spin, hoping her off-road vehicle could handle the island's unpredictable terrain to get her to her destination: some lycan village in the middle of the mountains.

"Thank you!" Margo beamed at the orc, taking her melon keyring, as he pointed to the sleek black convertible adorned with neon green dragon scales parked beside Kiri's assigned vehicle.

"Thank you for renting with Dock n Drive Rentals," the orc added, his deep voice rumbling with genuine warmth despite a hint of unease in his eyes. "I hope to see you again."

Kiri scanned the vibrant hues of the exotic flora surrounding the dock village, grinning at the thought that they were about to begin their groundbreaking mission to integrate humans into the monster community.

And get paid very handsomely for doing so.

"Looks like we'll be turning some heads on this island," Margo remarked, running her fingers over the smooth leather seats. "Especially since we are a few of the only visiting humans on Monster Island, at the moment."

As they stood beside their respective cars, Kiri pulled Margo into a tight hug, her excitement momentarily replaced by the bittersweet realization that they would soon be parting ways. She couldn't believe that they were assigned to different locations on the opposite side of the island, and neither knew when their contracts would end.

And the money was too good to walk away if there was still work to be done.

"I'm going to miss you so much," Kiri whispered, the weight of their impending separation heavy in her chest.

"Hey, I'll miss you too, but we've got this,' Margo reassured her, squeezing back. "Remember, you're like the smartest person I know, and I'll only be a vidcall away. Besides, we'll be sharing stories over tea and coffee before you know it. Just think of all the amazing stories we'll have to share when we talk again."

With a final squeeze, Kiri released her best friend and shared a reassuring smile. As Margo climbed into her car and drove away, Kiri took a deep breath, turned toward her assigned vehicle, and placed her bags in the backseat. Swinging the driver's door open, she slid behind the wheel, her hands automatically reaching for the controls.

As she turned the key, the engine let out a contented growl, and Kiri felt her determination surge.

She could do this.

"Bring it on, Monster Island," she whispered, pressing down on the accelerator and driving toward the gigantic mountain ridge, its jagged peaks disappearing into the clouds. "Let's see what you got."

She had always been resourceful and independent, but this work trip would demand even more from her. Gripping the steering wheel with confidence, she navigated the unfamiliar roads of Monster Island, staring at the scenic view of lush mountains, rolling fog and a few speckles flying amongst the clouds.

As she drove deeper into the heart of the island, Kiri's mind raced with thoughts of the monsters she might encounter. She had always been fascinated by monsters and their unique abilities, and this mission was the perfect opportunity for her to learn more about them and why they weren't allowed to leave Monster Island.

But as much as she was excited to meet these creatures, a small part of her couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear. She had heard stories about dangerous and unpredictable monsters living on this island, and it was only natural for her to be a little apprehensive.

There was something about the orc's teasing about monsters wanting to taste them that kept repeating in her mind. Not that she was against being romanced… it just was never a thought she had.

Nevertheless, Kiri pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the road ahead.

As she made her way through the winding roads, she marveled at the island's diverse flora and fauna as she came across several small villages scattered throughout the island. Each one had its own unique architecture and seemed to have its own set of rules.

She saw a group of harpies flying above one cliffside village, their colorful wings glinting in the sunlight as they flew between stone cut outs along the crag and wooden tree huts.

A few miles down the road, she passed by a troll village surrounded by towering trees that seemed to form a protective barrier around it. Their homes were carved into the trunks of these trees, making them blend seamlessly into their surroundings. The trolls themselves were hulking figures, with muscular bodies and large, sharp fangs protruding from their mouths. Their beady eyes followed her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion as she passed through, driving deeper into the mountains.

Despite their differences, all these creatures seemed to coexist peacefully with each other. It was a stark contrast from what Kiri had grown up believing about monster communities—that they were chaotic and violent.

Kiri's tires crunched over the gravel road as she ventured deeper into the heart of Monster Island—a ribbon of cracked asphalt that snaked through the towering forest.

Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel as she navigated each curve with a careful precision, the dense canopy above filtering the afternoon sunlight into an ever-shifting pattern of light, their twisted branches casting eerie shadows on the winding path that lay ahead.

The hum of the engine was the only comforting companion she had in the growing silence besides the occasional call of unseen creatures hidden within the dense mountain forest.

"I can't believe something like this exists," Kiri muttered, her pulse quickening as her gaze darted from side to side, scanning the undergrowth for any signs of movement or life, watching how the forest was slowly enveloping her the farther she traveled. "This place is like something out of a fairy tale."

Monsters were just misunderstood creatures, right?

As if sensing her worries, the jeep sputtered and choked, the engine coughing violently before coming to an abrupt halt. "Or a nightmare," she added under her breath, as she slammed her fist on the dashboard, cursing the unreliable rental vehicle.

"Come on, you piece of shit!" she growled, turning the key in the ignition. The engine wheezed and groaned but refused to come back to life. Panic began to gnaw at the edges of her resolve, but she fought it back with a deep breath.

"Don't you dare do this to me now," she demanded, her voice edged with frustration as she attempted again, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of her stomach. The vehicle responded with nothing but a stubborn cough, leaving her stranded in the embrace of the colossal trees.

"Great," she huffed, smacking the steering wheel with the heel of her hand. "Just what I needed." Her mind raced for solutions, yet she knew better than to let panic take root. There had to be a way to fix this, or at least, find someone who could.

"Okay, think, Kiri." She growled, running a hand through her blonde hair. Her resourceful mind raced through possible solutions, searching for a way to get back on track as quickly as possible. "You've handled worse. You can handle a little car trouble."

"Maybe it's the battery?" she mused, popping the hood of the car and stepping out into the shadowy forest. As she peered at the unfamiliar tangle of wires and metal, she realized with a sinking feeling that she was out of her depth.

"Of all the times for this to happen," she muttered, slamming the hood shut. "I'm stranded in the middle of a monster-infested island, and I can't even get my damn jeep to start."

Kiri rummaged through her leather tote, fingers brushing past her compact survival kit to land on the cool surface of her phone. With a swift motion, the device sprang to life, casting a pale glow against the encroaching darkness with its screen.

"Come on," she mumbled, eyes darting between the unresponsive bars and the dense foliage surrounding her. The distant calls of unknown creatures filled the air, closer this time, leaving Kiri feeling more vulnerable than ever. Her heart sank when the phone obstinately displayed the dreaded ‘No Service' icon at the top corner.

"Damn it," she cursed under her breath as her attempts to secure a connection proved futile. She glanced back at her rental jeep, now nothing more than a hulking mass of metal and frustration, like her phone. With a sigh, Kiri shoved the useless device into her pocket and stepped away, her boots crunching softly on the bed of fallen leaves that carpeted the roadside.

Kiri scanned her surroundings, taking in the unique features of the towering trees that reminded her of Giant Sequoias and California Redwoods—massive and reaching for the sky with their outstretched branches. The bark had a dark hue, almost black, but with vibrant patches of color that looked as if someone had splashed shiny rainbow paint over them.

The trees overhead provided a canopy of green and brown, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. The ground was damp from recent rain, and small wildflowers peeked out from between the fallen leaves.

Each breath she took was rich with the earthy scent of wet soil mingled with the heady aroma of blooming flowers and the sharp tang of salty ocean air in the distance.

"Okay, Kiri, you can do this," she reassured herself aloud. "Maybe there's a house nearby? Or a park ranger station?"

With a deep breath, Kiri grabbed her travel bag, slinging it over her shoulder. It was laden with essentials—water, snacks, and a first-aid kit—along with her wheeled suitcase. With a zip and a snap, she secured her emergency bag across her body, the strap cutting a diagonal line across her chest.

"First things first, I need to find high ground," she reasoned, scanning the tree line for any hint of elevation. "Maybe I can get a signal there."

She cast one last longing glance at the unyielding rental before turning her attention to the path ahead. Her hand closed around the strap of her bag, grip firm, as if holding on to it would grant her protection from the unknown.

She knew that venturing deeper into the forest was risky, but it was her only chance at finding help. Hopefully, she would come across a helpful monster, like the orc, who knew how to repair vehicles, but she knew her luck was already running thin for that to happen.

"Let's do this."

The sun was beginning to set, casting an eerie orange glow through the trees as Kiri trudged deeper into the forest. Each step she took felt heavier, her feet sinking into the soft ground with every crunch of leaves beneath her boots.

Her heart raced from the rustling of leaves teasing her ears and the occasional distant animal call breaking through the stillness.

As she walked deeper into the forest, Kiri couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched, like invisible eyes were following her every move.

She quickened her pace, wanting to reach higher ground before nightfall.

The shrieking call of an unseen creature echoed through the forest, causing Kiri to freeze. The sound was foreign—neither bird nor beast—sent shudders down her spine. Could this be one of the island's monstrous inhabitants? If so, were they friendly or hostile?

Would she be considered an intruder or guest in this monster-infested land? The urge to announce herself tugged at her—but what if it would invite danger instead of assistance? If monsters did lurk in these woods, she didn't know whether they would consider her voice a plea or a trespass.

Suddenly, a loud snap echoed through the air, causing Kiri to jump in surprise.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she scanned her surroundings for any source of danger. Kiri tensed, gripping at the straps of her backpack, straining her eyes for any sign of movement. But all she could see were shadows creeping up from the darkness.

"Who's there?" Kiri called out, trying to keep her voice steady.

Fear gripped at Kiri's chest as she slowly turned around to face whatever was approaching her. She reached for a large branch lying nearby and held it tightly in front of her like a makeshift weapon.

She strained her ears, listening for any sign that she wasn't alone in the forest but found none.

"Maybe it's just a squirrel or something," she mused, clinging to the hope that it wasn't an angry monster…or a scary predator like a cougar stalking her.

Unidentifiable calls and hushed whispers seemed to be carried by the wind, teasing her ears.

Each small noise sent her imagination into overdrive, picturing a myriad of fantastical creatures that might call this place home. The orc did say that there were many nocturnal monsters that lived on the island… were the noises coming from one of them wondering who she was and why she was there?

Yet, despite the fear that clawed at her throat, Kiri couldn't deny the possibility of meeting another monster, out here in the middle of no where. They could be a naga, werewolf, or even a spidae, she didn't care, as long as they could aid her.

The sun was setting lower, leaving streaks of amber and scarlet flowing through the treetops and painting the sky with the hues of fire. It wouldn't be long before it was nightfall, and she would be stuck on a mountainside with no shelter, food, or water—and the only warmth she had was what was inside her wheeled suitcase and leather tote bag.

Kiri cursed herself for deciding to go on this nature hike in hopes to get to a location high enough for her smartphone to get a signal. It would probably have been a better idea to stay within the rental jeep with her hazards on and hope a passerby would stop to aid her. But the farther away from the coastal village she drove, the fewer vehicles she came across, making her wonder who—and what exactly—dwelled in these parts.

And when was she supposed to come across the lycan village?

For a brief moment, the rustling stopped, only to resume again, closer this time. Kiri clenched her fists, refusing to let fear take hold of her.

"All right, enough of this," she muttered, her determination resurfacing. "I'm not going to let some creepy noises scare me off."

Suddenly, the rustling sound was right in front of her. She skidded to a halt, her breath hitching. Blood drained from her face as she stiffened in suspense, her pulse racing as she curled her hands into fists.

Slowly, a small black and white creature waddled out from a cluster of ferns, blinking at her with curious eyes.

It was a skunk—a creature from her nightmares. Something she never wanted to encounter in her lifetime.

"Oh!" She gasped in relief and surprise, hand fluttering to her chest. But in her haste to back away, she missed the tell-tale lift of the skunk's tail. Panic surged through her as the creature sprayed its infamous foul-smelling scent, the sharp odor hitting her like a solid wall.

She recoiled, stumbling backward and tripping over an exposed root. She plummeted down the mountainside, the world spinning in an incomprehensible whirlwind of green and brown. Rolling helplessly downward, rocks jabbed at her, leaves crunching beneath her, and bracken and thorns ripping at her clothes, each impact jarring through her body.

Kiri let out an involuntary gasp as her descent was forcefully halted. Something sharp dug into her left leg—an agony so raw that it shot through her that made her stomach roil with nausea. The sensation was white-hot, searing its way up into her hip before erupting in anguish that stopped all reasonable thought.

Exhausted and reeling in pain, Kiri lay sprawled out on the mountainside in the fading light of day. She clutched at the moss-covered ground beneath her, teeth gritted against the all-over throbbing pain. Her hand shakily reached down to grasp at her leg, wincing with each attempt to move it. The ankle was swollen and unresponsive beneath her touch—an injury far worse than anything she had ever encountered.

The pain was blinding, relentless; her heartbeat throbbed in her ears, each thump echoing the sharp sting in her leg.

Kiri's mind raced with grim possibilities—of infection, of blood loss, of being injured and stranded alone in the heart of the dense mountain forest ridge on an island filled with monsters. A cold chill of fear settled over her as she fought to keep herself from spiraling into panic.

"Damn this leg," she muttered under her breath, frustration mounting. She knew she was in trouble, with nightfall fast approaching and storm clouds darkening the sky in the distance.

Summoning every ounce of her stubborn determination, Kiri pushed herself upright with shaky hands, the world around her swimming in dizzying circles. She bit down hard on her lower lip to keep from crying out, her eyes squeezed shut against the pain. After what felt like an eternity, the spinning slowly lessened, and she cautiously allowed her eyes to flutter open.

Kiri looked around and found that she'd landed on a trail at the edge of the clearing, her gaze drawn to the narrow path that snaked its way to a serene lake embraced by the dense forest, protected by mountains.

"Wow." Kiri's eyes widened at the sight, the beauty of it stealing her breath away.

The picture-perfect scene was marred only by the gathering storm clouds on the horizon, the first rumbles of thunder echoing ominously across the lake. Night would fall soon, and with it, the rain. Shelter was imperative; being caught in a downpour, especially in an unfamiliar forest, in her current condition could be dangerous.

"Okay, focus," she told herself, scanning the edges of the clearing. "There's got to be somewhere to hunker down."

Her heart pounded in her chest as she heard a rustle echoed throughout the forest, sending a flock of birds squawking into the evening sky. The sound of heavy footfall crashed behind her—rhythmic thuds growing louder and steadier as it approached.

Slowly turning her head toward the sound, Kiri's breath hitched in her throat as she caught a glint of something sharp amidst the undergrowth.

Her eyes widened as she made out the form of a minotaur standing before her with an imposing double-edged axe in hand.

Kiri's breath hitched as she took him in. He was massive and powerful, muscles rippling beneath his tanned hide, yet despite his formidable presence, his dark eyes held no malice. Rough scars traced patterns over his body, signs of past battles hard won. His hair was wild and unruly like the forest around them, and he wore it pulled back from his face in intricate braids.

Their eyes locked for what seemed like eternity—each assessing the other with caution.

Suddenly, his nostrils flared, and she knew he caught wind of her scent: human, vulnerable, and wounded.

Her first day on Monster Island, and here she was, a hopeless prey lying injured at the mercy of a battle-worn predator…