A piercing cry shattered the steady rhythm of their footsteps.
"Doctor!" Someone shouted up the line. "We need the doctor!"
Mercer sprang into action, grabbing her medical satchel. "Lewis, with me!"
They abandoned their heavier bags as the crew cleared the path. Vivienne followed, heart pounding. When they reached the source of the commotion, a crewman, Tomas, leaned against a tree, clutching his stomach. His face was ashen, his breath coming in desperate gasps.
Dr. Mercer crouched beside him, her voice low and calm. "Hey, Tomas, let me take a look." She checked his pulse, her expression tightening. "Rapid, weak. Pupils dilated. He’s going into shock. Help me lay him down."
Lewis and the commander eased Tomas onto the ground. No sooner had he settled than his body convulsed violently. Mercer cradled his head, keeping his airway clear.
"What happened?" Thorne barked. "Animal? Insect bite?"
A sailor stepped forward hesitantly. "We… we picked some berries, is all."
Lewis’ head snapped toward him. "Show me."
The sailor unwrapped a handkerchief, revealing a handful of deep purple berries, so dark they were nearly black. A silent exchange passed between Lewis and Mercer.
"Nightshade," Lewis breathed, his face paling. "Highly toxic. It doesn’t take much to…"
Tomas’ breathing turned ragged, each inhale a battle against an unseen force clenching around him.
"Dr. Mercer?" Captain Garrett’s voice was measured, but the weight of his tone was unmistakable.
Mercer shook her head, her sable eyes relaying the unspoken truth. It was too late.
The captain knelt beside Tomas, taking his hand. "No sailor should be alone at the end."
Thorne turned to the crew, his voice slicing through the thick air. "If anyone else ate these berries, step forward now. If you have any, discard them immediately."
A few shaken sailors obeyed. Lewis swiftly dosed them with charcoal, hoping to purge the poison from their stomachs before it took hold.
Tomas’ trembling slowed. His wide, terrified eyes locked onto Mercer’s. She stroked his brow, offered a reassuring smile, then began to sing.
Her voice was unlike anything Vivienne had ever heard. It rang through the rainforest, clear and resonant, each note a wave cresting and falling with effortless grace. Though the words were in an unfamiliar language, their compassion and encouragement needed no translation. The crew fell silent, transfixed, as Tomas’ body languished. His eyes fluttered shut. He was gone.
Shock rippled through the gathered sailors.
Captain Garrett removed his hat. "Rest well, Tomas. May the eternal glade embrace you." His voice held firm, but the sorrow leaked through. "From now on, no one eats anything from this island without Lewis or Dr. Mercer’s approval. Understood?"
The crew muttered solemn affirmations.
A stretcher was fashioned from canvas and branches, and sailors prepared Tomas’ body for a proper burial.
Lewis stood frozen, guilt etching deep lines into his face. "I should have warned them sooner," he whispered.
Vivienne placed a hand on his arm. There were no words to make it better.
They continued the trek in heavy silence.
* * *
The tight-knitcanopy finally thinned as Cirrus led them into a clearing, small, but level enough for a base camp. Moss and sandy earth cushioned the ground, and towering trees arched overhead, forming a natural dome.
“We’ll make camp here,” Captain Garrett instructed.
Vivienne exhaled heavily, dropping her canvas pack and stretching out her sore muscles. Sweat clung to her like a second skin, and she’d never been so thirsty. Nearby, Lewis knelt, inspecting vibrant ferns and flowers thriving in the extra sunlight. A small smile flickered across her lips.Typical.
