Stuck in an Island with Twelve Beautiful Women
Chapter 620 - 622

Hours passed as the scouting party meticulously copied the carvings from the temple walls. Each symbol, each line of text, was carefully documented. The ancient language was complex, but they were determined to uncover its secrets.

Back at the shelter, Jude and the others pored over the notes that Nefertari had already made. They cross-referenced the symbols with their own knowledge and speculated on the meanings. The process was slow and painstaking, but they were making progress.

By the time Nefertari and the others returned, the sun was beginning to set. They were tired but hopeful, their notebooks filled with new information. The group gathered around the campfire once more, sharing their findings and debating their next steps.

"We think we have a lead," Nefertari said, holding up her notebook. "There are references to a ritual, a way to use the talisman to break the curse. But it's complicated. We'll need to perform it exactly right."

Jude nodded. "We'll practice it, rehearse every step until we know it by heart. We can't afford any mistakes."

The group spent the next several days preparing. They practiced the ritual, perfecting each movement and recitation. The talisman, always at the center of their efforts, seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, as if aware of its impending use.

Finally, the day came. They stood together on the beach, the talisman glowing in Jude's hand. The ghost ship was visible on the horizon, its skeletal crew watching silently. The air was thick with anticipation and fear.

Jude took a deep breath and began the ritual. The words flowed from his lips, ancient and powerful. The talisman responded, its glow intensifying. The others followed his lead, their voices joining in a harmonious chant.

As they completed the final step, a wave of energy surged from the talisman, spreading out across the island. The ghost ship shuddered, its skeletal crew disintegrating into dust. The ship itself began to fade, returning to whatever cursed realm it had come from.

When the light finally dimmed, the beach was quiet. The ghost ship was gone, and the talisman lay inert in Jude's hand. They had done it. The curse was broken.

Exhausted but victorious, they returned to their shelter. The island felt different now, lighter somehow, as if a great burden had been lifted. They knew there would be more challenges ahead, but for now, they could rest easy.

As Jude lay down that night, he felt a profound sense of relief. They had faced the island's darkest secret and emerged victorious. With his wives by his side, he knew they could face anything. And for the first time in a long while, he slept peacefully, free from nightmares.

The morning sun broke through the canopy of trees, casting dappled light across the forest floor. Birds sang in the treetops, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth. The island, freed from the curse, seemed to come alive with a renewed vibrancy.

Jude awoke feeling more rested than he had in weeks. As he lay in his hammock, he listened to the gentle sounds of nature around him. The tension that had gripped his body for so long had eased, replaced by a sense of calm and satisfaction. He knew they had accomplished something extraordinary.

He rose quietly, careful not to wake Nefertari, who slept beside him, her face serene. The others were still asleep, their exhaustion evident in their peaceful expressions. Jude stepped outside and took a deep breath, savoring the crisp morning air.

Walking toward the beach, he reflected on the journey they had undertaken. The island had tested them in ways he couldn't have imagined, but it had also forged them into a cohesive unit. Each member of the group had proven their strength, resilience, and determination. They had faced their fears and triumphed.

As he approached the shore, Jude spotted something unusual. A small boat, bobbing gently in the waves, was anchored just off the beach. He frowned, his instincts immediately on alert. They hadn't seen any signs of other people on the island since they arrived.

Jude jogged back to the shelter and gently woke the others. "There's a boat on the beach," he said quietly. "We need to check it out."

The group quickly gathered their gear and made their way to the beach. As they approached the boat, they could see that it was empty, but well-maintained. It looked like a vessel designed for short trips, perhaps from a nearby island or a larger ship.

"Do you think someone came ashore?" Serena asked, her eyes scanning the treeline for any signs of movement.

"It's possible," Jude replied, his mind racing. "But we didn't see or hear anything last night. Let's look for tracks."

They spread out, searching the sand for footprints or other clues. Nefertari found the first sign, a set of footprints leading from the water's edge into the forest.

"Someone was definitely here," she said, pointing to the tracks. "And they went inland."

"Let's follow them," Jude decided. "But stay alert. We don't know who or what we're dealing with."

The group moved cautiously, following the trail into the dense underbrush. The footprints were faint in places but clear enough to guide them. After about an hour of trekking, they reached a small clearing.

In the center of the clearing stood a man, dressed in weathered clothes and looking slightly disheveled. He appeared to be in his late thirties, with sun-bleached hair and a rugged demeanor. He held up his hands in a gesture of peace as they approached.

"Hello there," he called out. "I mean no harm. My name is Ethan."

Jude stepped forward, his posture wary but non-threatening. "I'm Jude. This is Nefertari, Serena, Sophie, and Lucy. What brings you to our island?"

Ethan smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I was shipwrecked not far from here a few months ago. I managed to survive on a nearby islet, but I've been searching for a way back to civilization. When I saw your campfire last night, I took a chance and came over."