The helicopter’s blades hammered against the sky, each thrum echoing inside my ribcage like a warning. As we dipped toward Elysian Haven, the island unfurled beneath us—turquoise waters, emerald swells of forest, white villas glowing under the late afternoon sun—but none of it softened the tightness in my chest. Beauty like this should’ve felt soothing, should’ve pulled a smile from me, but instead it only sharpened the unease crawling under my skin.
The villas perched over the water looked almost unreal, too perfect, too serene, their glass walls catching the light in blinding flashes. The central pavilion shimmered like a polished jewel… yet all I could feel was the ghost of that nightmare clinging to me. Those hands, those shadows. The sensation of being trapped. Even now, surrounded by sunlight and open sky, it lurked at the edge of my mind, waiting.
Theo sat beside me, eyes wide with boyish excitement, while Vanya and Steven chatted across the aisle. Riley, sitting diagonally behind me, was scrolling through her phone with perfectly manicured nails, a glossy pout on her lips.
“God, look at this place,” she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Keith has his empire. But men like him always lose focus when I walk in.”
Theo didn’t miss a beat. “Right,” he said dryly, flashing her a grin. “Just try not to make him propose before dinner, girl. We don’t want HR involved on day one.”
Riley shot him a sharp look, then smirked. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Theo.”
He laughed. “Oh, sweetie, I’m not jealous. I’m just mentally preparing the apology email you’ll have to send later.”
Her eyes rolled so hard I thought she might sprain something. I turned toward the window, suppressing a smile.
Soon enough the helicopter touched down smoothly on a helipad carved into the island’s edge, the wind from the slowing rotors whipping my hair into a tangled mess. I tied my hair while stepping out into the warm, salt-laced air. The scent of tropical blooms, jasmine and hibiscus, mingled with the ocean’s briny tang, grounding me in the moment. A man in a crisp black suit approached, his stride confident, his sharp features softened by a professional smile. He was tall, lean, with a hint of gray at his temples and an accent that gave his words a clipped precision.
“Welcome to Elysian Haven,” he said, extending a hand to help us disembark. “I’m Victor, Mr. Krogen’s assistant. I’ll be your point of contact during your stay.”
We gathered our bags, laptops, sketchpads and a few personal items stuffed into carry-ons, and followed him along a paved path lined with swaying palms. The island was even more breathtaking up close Pathways wound through vibrant gardens, the lagoonsparkled like liquid glass, and the distant crash of waves provided a soothing rhythm. Theo nudged me, grinning. “Riley’s already planning her wedding hashtag.”
I elbowed him lightly, but couldn’t help laughing.
“This place is unreal, Aurelia. We’re basically in paradise.”
I managed a small smile. “Yeah, it’s... something else.”
Riley adjusted her sunglasses, her tone casual but edged with curiosity. “So, Victor,” she drawled, “when’s Mr. Krogen planning to make an appearance?”
Victor glanced back as we walked. “Mr. Krogen’s arrival is uncertain at the moment. Business matters. You’ll begin work tomorrow. For now, let’s get you settled.”
The accommodations were a cluster of luxurious bungalows perched over the lagoon, their decks extending out like invitations to the water. Victor assigned us rooms efficiently. Theo and me in rooms directly opposite each other across a shaded, open-air corridor. My room was a sanctuary of elegance. Spacious, with a king-sized bed draped in crisp white linens, a marble bathroom with a rainfall shower, and a private balcony where sheer curtains danced in the ocean breeze. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a view of the lagoon, the water so clear I could see fish darting below. I dropped my bag on the bed, a flicker of relief easing the tension in my shoulders. Maybe this place could quiet the echoes of my nightmares.
I unpacked a few essentials. My sketchbook, a change of clothes, toiletries and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. I splashed some cool water on my face to washed away the travel grime, but the lingering unease is still there. My reflection showed the same pale skin, the same dark circles under my eyes, a testament to toomany sleepless nights. I brushed out my hair, letting it fall in loose waves, and changed into a light sundress in soft blue, its flowing fabric perfect for the island’s warmth.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Theo stood there, leaning against the frame, his dark curls still mussed from the helicopter ride. “Aurelia, I’m starving, babe.” he groaned, clutching his stomach dramatically. “That tiny bag of pretzels on the chopper didn’t cut it. Dinner?”
I glanced at my watch. Nearly 7:00 p.m. The sky outside had deepened to a rich indigo, stars beginning to pierce through. “Give me a sec to get ready,” I said. I slipped on sandals, checked my appearance in the mirror, and rejoined him in the corridor.
The resort’s restaurant was an open-air pavilion, its wooden tables bathed in the warm glow of hanging lanterns. The ocean stretched out beyond, a dark mirror reflecting the starlight. We were seated near the edge, the breeze carrying the scent of salt and grilled seafood. The menu was a celebration of the island. Fresh catches, tropical fruits, and vibrant spices. I ordered a salad with seared prawns, their delicate flavor balanced with a citrus dressing, while Theo went for grilled mahi-mahi, his enthusiasm for the food matching his excitement for the project.
As we ate, the conversation turned to work. “After dinner, let’s get everyone to my room,” I said, spearing a prawn. “We need a game plan before we dive in tomorrow.”
Theo groaned softly. “Everyone? Even Riley?”
I raised a brow. “Of course. She’s part of the team.”
He gave me a look over his drink. “Barely. She’s spent more time flirting with Victor than looking at blueprints.”
I tried not to smile. “Theo…”
He sighed dramatically. “Fine. But if she spends the entire meeting talking about how she could ‘handle’ Keith Krogen, I’m walking into the ocean.”
I laughed. “Duly noted.”
Theo smirked. “Good. Just make sure my last words are something poetic — like ‘he died doing what he loved: avoiding Riley.’”
We lingered over dinner, sharing a mango sorbet for dessert, the sweet-tart flavor a perfect end. By 8:30, the restaurant was buzzing with other staff and construction workers for the project, their voices blending with the soft clink of glasses. Theo headed off to round up the team, while I returned to my room, the path lit by soft lanterns that cast golden pools on the ground.
