Chapter 3

Every detail of the villa screams luxury, with thoughtful touches catering to monsters and humans alike. I find myself marveling at the open floor plan, the double-wide doors that could easily accommodate any size or shape of guest.

The furniture, too, is thoughtfully designed—the stools instead of chairs, considerate accommodation for guests with tails and wings.

And the bed… Well, it's enormous. The kind of bed that you could lose yourself in, fit for a fairy-tale princess and her seven monster companions.

I'm astounded by how silky soft the cyan comforter is as I comb my hand over it. I've never felt anything this exotic before, especially since I've always bought the generic and low-cost versions of everything.

I blame it on my need to save money for emergencies and extravagant vacations like this one.

After unpacking my luggage and setting up the villa to my liking, I feel a pang of wanderlust. It's the perfect time to explore the beach, soak in the sights and sounds, and make the most of the day before it gets too late.

I slip into my purple bikini, throwing on a matching shawl. The silky fabric billows out behind me as I tie it around my waist. I slip my feet into my flip-flops, grab a towel, and I head out, ready to discover the joys of Starlight Resort's private beach.

The warmth of the setting sun hits my skin as I step outside, the cool sand beneath my feet a welcome contrast.

As I stroll along the beach, the rhythmic lull of the waves washing over me, I admire the diverse group of monsters around me.

Some are playing in the water, their laughter echoing across the beach, while others lounge on the sand, soaking up the last rays of the day. I feel their eyes on me as I pass by, their curious gazes lingering a little longer than usual, but they quickly return to their activities, their interest fleeting.

A group of Orcs are deep in a heated girls versus boys volleyball match, their competitive banter echoing along the beachfront. I pause to watch them for a moment, their game drawing a crowd of onlookers who are clearly enjoying the show.

Nearby, a flock of Birdmen are swimming, their wings skimming the water surface with effortless grace. Some Gargoyles and werewolves join them, their lively splashing adding to the ambience.

Off to the side, a lone Catman is sunbathing on what appears to be a beach bed designed for a cat, of all things. A line of empty lounge chairs stretches beside him, their umbrellas closed and waiting to shield guests from the sun.

I gather my courage and stride toward one of the vacant chairs, placing my towel beside the sunbathing Catman. His white fur is stark against the bold colors of his beach bed, and he raises a single eye to glare at me.

"I'm not doing signatures," he grumbles, turning his face away.

Caught off guard, I blink at him in surprise. "I… wasn't going to ask for one," I assure him. "Just wanted to put my things here before I go swimming."

His glare softens into a curious gaze, replaced with a look of surprise, and he sits up, eyeing me with a new interest. But he doesn't say anything else, instead stretching out on his beach bed once more.

Well, that was an unforeseen encounter. Not the warmest welcome, but I'm not deterred. Shrugging off the odd interaction, I remind myself that I'm not the friendliest person when startled awake either.

Shaking my head in amusement, I kick my flip-flops off and turn my gaze toward the beckoning sea.

Twisting the resort bracelet around my wrist, I approach the water's edge. It's fashionable and functional, holding all the necessary information for my stay.

I glance at the bracelet, hoping that it's waterproof. Given the technological advances these days and the fact that I'm at an expensive tropical resort, it should be.

The soft lapping of the waves and the warm sand beneath my feet are a gentle invitation. I wade deeper, enjoying the pleasant push and pull of the waves around my legs, inviting me to go deeper.

Each step deeper brings a thrill of joy. Swimming… how I've missed it.

I haven't been swimming in so long, not since I moved to the city for work. Growing up, swimming in the rivers and lakes with my friends was a beloved pastime, a slice of freedom we cherished.

Now, in the welcoming embrace of the sea, I let myself go, like a part of me I'd forgotten was suddenly reawakened.

The water wraps around me like a silk blanket as I float on my back, staring up at the vast canvas of the sky. My limbs move languidly, caressing the water, carrying me farther from the shore. The sounds of the resort fade into a background hum, replaced by the gentle whispering of the waves.

Closing my eyes, I immerse myself in the surrounding sounds, letting the rhythm of the sea lull me into a tranquil state. The faint laughter from the beach, the gentle push and pull of the waves, and the distant sounds of the resort all blend into a harmonious lullaby. I let the world wash over me, the water's sway lulling me into a serene state of relaxation.

Each wave that caresses my skin carries with it a sense of liberation, washing away the stress and demands of my daily life. The absence of buzzing technology, towering skyscrapers, and the constant hum of city life allows me to fully embrace the beauty of nature. The weight of deadlines and responsibilities melts away, replaced by a profound sense of freedom and release.

With each breath, I inhale the crisp salt-tinged air, cleansing my spirit and inviting a renewed sense of clarity.

I'm jolted out of my peaceful reverie by a sudden wave washing over my face. Spluttering, I wipe the water from my eyes and flip upright, treading water. I gasp when I realize how far I've drifted away from the beach. It seems that while I was basking in tranquility, the ocean and the sky had other plans.

What was once a peaceful, picture-perfect sunset rapidly transforms into a brooding storm. The once golden sky is turning an angry gray, mirroring my growing sense of panic as dark clouds roll in, obscuring the last traces of the setting sun.

The distant shoreline seems to be moving farther away, the only sign of life is the group of Orcs still lounging near the volleyball court.

I wave frantically, attempting to scream for help, but my cries are swallowed by the roaring sea. Each wave that crashes over me is stronger than the last, filling my mouth with briny water and silencing my calls.

The more I struggle, the farther I seem to drift from the shore. Every powerful wave drains me, stealing my strength and pulling me further out to sea. Panic sets in, clouding my thoughts.

As the waves continue to batter me, my desperate eyes catch sight of my resort bracelet. With my remaining strength, I press the emergency button, my heart pounding in sync with the raging sea around me.

A final wave, larger than the ones before, washes over me. It pulls me under, and as the water closes over my head, I am engulfed in darkness, my breath stolen by the cold embrace of the sea. The last thing I remember is the haunting glow of my bracelet beneath the waves.