Never Too Far Novel

The chamber was about eight feet tall, but Willow jumped anyway. Jasper caught her, and they clung to each other. With her arms wrapped around his neck, Willow felt safe in his embrace.

Jasper held up a lamp for Willow while she checked things out. A moment later, she found a metal box and opened it, revealing a few pieces of yellowing paper within. Even though it was probably a thousand years old, she could still make out the words. Some of the papers had broken down, however. Willow quickly took a few photos and made sure she didn’t make any noise. Once she was done, the papers started rotting as they had been exposed to the humidity in the air, and they turned into dust.

Willow heaved a sigh. Good thing I took the photos in time. She swiveled around, but someone covered her eyes and darkness overwhelmed her. “What’s wrong?”

“There are a few skeletons there. Are you scared of them?” Jasper asked, in case she got spooked if she saw the remains.

“If they’re just skeletons, then no,” said Willow.

Jasper pulled his hand back, and Willow shone her flashlight on the skeletons. She then crouched down and checked the items around them, and she noticed one of the skeletons holding a metal box. Hmm, the artifacts the islanders found must have been sold for money. They haven’t found this chamber yet, so I can keep a few things.

She picked up her backpack and unfurled a stretch of cloth. Carefully, she placed the metal box in the cloth and tied it up.

on the ship for three hours, and they gained a lot from the investigation. The team had lunch and went for

out at the cave’s entrance, shocking

find out what happened,”

back a moment later. “Someone blasted

the locals. What are they trying

to take all our stuff for themselves. You know how lawless this place is. They own the island. They can take everything we have

needed to. All

of assurance. No matter what, he would lead them to safety. “Everyone

up to search the cave for another exit, but an hour later,

have to stay the night in

an exit there.” Jasper pointed