Lost Paradise (The Savages of the Blue Lagoon)

21. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

How could they be so reckless? So careless of their own lives?

“Who else has been roaming the island on their own?” I ask as my gaze sweeps over the group. Jack seems completely oblivious, lost in his own world, and blind to the potential consequence of his actions by infiltrating the natives' territory on his own.

I can feel the tension coiling in my muscles, my frustration reaching new bounds. My fingers twitch, longing to reach out and shake some sense into them to make them understand the gravity of their choices. But I know that wouldn't solve anything. They’re a stubborn bunch, driven by their own desires and impulses, deaf to reason in the heat of the moment.

“At some point, curiosity would have wanted us to explore the entire island. We’re stuck here, and Astro says there are cannibals. Shouldn’t we at least have tried to confirm what he was saying was true?” Zane asks.

“That sacrifice altar is a clear indication that people once inhabited the island. What happened to those people?” Byron questions.

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes briefly, trying to steady my racing thoughts as this lot carry on as if this is some airsoft mission. I can't afford to lose control now, not when their lives depend on me keeping a level head. With a resigned sigh, I step forward, my voice cutting through the roar of the flames, edging my sanity.

"Enough," I bark, my tone sharp with authority. "We need to get out of here, now."

As I speak, frustration coils like a viper in my chest, threatening to burst forth in a torrent of words I can't take back. But even as I meet their gazes, I see the resistance, the stubbornness etched in the lines of their faces.

“Not without Astro,” Eve's voice cuts through the tension, her tone firm, her eyes blazing with determination.

My jaw tightens, a muscle ticking in response to her defiance.

“You’re going nowhere near the cannibals’ camp,” I reply, the words clipped with an edge of warning.

“Why? Because I’m a woman?” Her retort is sharp, laced with anger and accusation.

“Because I’m responsible for you,” I counter, my voice heavy with the weight of my duty. “You have no fighting skills. Those savages are strong, barbaric—”

“Screw you!” Eve's interruption is like a slap to the face, her frustration boiling over as she turns on her heel and starts walking away, her intense defiance moving with every step she takes deeper into the jungle.

“Eve!” I call out, desperation creeping into my tone, but she ignores me, her determination unyielding. “Evelyn Winters!”

With a resigned sigh, I steel myself for what needs to be done. As their leader, it's not just about keeping them safe; it's about guiding them, even when they refuse to see reason. Even if it means dragging them, kicking and screaming, away from the edge of disaster.

I break into a sprint, closing the distance between us in quick strides. Just as Eve turns to confront me, I act on instinct, disarming her with one swift motion and hoisting her over my shoulder before she can protest. After handing the spears to Zane, I directed everyone back to camp.

“Put me down, you imbecile!” Her voice is a mixture of anger and resentment, the sound echoing through the dense foliage of the jungle.

“Not a chance, darling,” I reply, my tone laced with a hint of amusement as I jog through the tangled undergrowth, her thrashing attempts to escape only serving to deepen the lines of frustration etched on my brow.

“I swear, Foster, I’m going to make you suffer.” Eve's threat hangs in the air between us, a reminder of the precarious balance between duty and defiance that defines our relationship.

“If it means ensuring your safety, then I’d suffer twice over.” I retort, my voice tight with frustration, my heart heavy with the weight of our argument.

“This is demeaning,” she spits out, her voice dripping with resentment

“It was demeaning the moment you decided to defy my leadership,” I shoot back, my tone harsh with the sting of betrayal. “I’d take the males down in a heartbeat, but you, as my lover, will get a different treatment.”

“Fuck you, Foster.” Her words are a venomous hiss, but beneath the anger, I can hear the fear, the uncertainty that clouds her usually fierce demeanor.

“Gladly, darling,” I reply, my voice softer now, “but now isn’t the time for it. If Astro has been kidnapped, we need to plan a rescue for him.”

“Please don’t keep me locked out of the group like some damsel in distress. I don’t want to be that girl. I’ve been wrapped up in cotton wool my whole life because of what I was born into, but I hated it.” As Eve's words cut through the thick jungle air, I feel a pang of guilt clawing at my insides, gnawing away at my resolve. Her plea is raw, unfiltered, and filled with a vulnerability I hadn't anticipated. “I don’t want to despise you, Foster. I want to love you, praise you for seeing me differently.”

Her words hang in the air between us, heavy with emotion, and for a moment, I'm rendered speechless. The weight of her honesty threatens to crush me, to suffocate me with the enormity of her revelation.

But rather than question it, I remain silent, my jaw clenched tight, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm in my chest. My steps never falter as I carry Eve through the dense jungle, her protests ringing in my ears like a relentless drumbeat of defiance.

As soon as we hit close to base, I let Eve down, expecting relief to flood through me at the cessation of her struggles. But before I can even take a breath, her hand connects with my cheek in a sharp, stinging slap. The force of it catches me off guard, my head snapping to the side with the impact.

Instinctively, I react, seizing her wrist in a vice-like grip and pinning her against the nearest tree. My heart pounds in my chest, a mixture of adrenaline and anger coursing through my veins as I tower over her, my body radiating with tension.

Thankfully, the others aren’t here yet to witness it .

"As your leader," I growl, my voice low and dangerous, "you are to obey my demands. Slap me again, and I'll have you tied up." My words hang in the air, heavy with the weight of their implication.

I can feel the tension crackling between us, the heat of our bodies pressed close in the dim light of the camp. With each breath, I can sense the defiance radiating off her in waves, but I refuse to back down. Not now, not when the safety of the group hangs in the balance.

"Just remember what you told me," I continue, my grip tightening on her wrists as I lean in closer, my breath hot against her skin. "We're no longer part of a civilized world. The rules and regulations we once hid behind don't apply here.

“If you’re expecting first-class treatment because of who your parents are, you can fucking forget it. That shit does not relate here or with me anymore.”

I can see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, the realization dawning on her that our reality has shifted, that survival in this unforgiving wilderness demands a different set of rules.

"Make sure you heed your own advice when addressing me in front of the others," I add, my voice softening slightly with a hint of warning. "When we're alone, do as you like. But you will never undermine my authority again."

As I gaze into Eve's eyes, searching for any sign of understanding, her expression remains inscrutable, a mask of unreadable emotions. The tension between us sizzles like electricity, thickening the air with anticipation and uncertainty.

In a sudden surge of impulse, I lean forward, closing the distance between us in a heartbeat. Our lips meet in a fierce, passionate kiss, a collision of desire and longing that leaves me breathless. For a moment, the world falls away, leaving only the heat of her lips against my own, the press of her body against mine.

Eve doesn't fight or push me away; instead, she responds with equal enthusiasm, her body melding seamlessly into me as if we were made for each other. In that moment, everything else fades into insignificance, leaving only the two of us bound together by the intensity of our connection.

Pulling away, I catch my breath, my chest heaving with the force of my emotions. "I only want to love you too, Eve," I murmur, my voice raw with sincerity. "And because of that, expect my possessive, caveman-like tendencies. I won't wrap you up in cotton wool, but I will protect you with my life if I have to because, without you, there is no me."

The weight of my words hangs in the air between us, a silent promise of devotion and unwavering loyalty.

“Okay.”

Her simple response catches me off guard, the weight of her words sinking in like heavy stones settling in the pit of my stomach.

“Okay?” I repeat, my voice tinged with disbelief and a hint of hope.

“I’m one hundred percent with you. I want you, Foster. If that’s what it takes to be the woman by your side, I’ll show more respect but as an equal to everyone else, not as a lover you want to keep behind you. I want to fight at your side.”

"Eve, I'm a fighter. It’s my nature," I respond, my voice thick with emotion. "It's difficult not to want to keep you from harm's way."

"Then try it," she challenges me, her gaze unwavering. "I've been an alpha my whole life, and I know the struggle of being on top in your given tribe. I'm willing to let go of my tendencies, but so do you with yours."

I feel a lump forming in my throat, the weight of her expectations pressing down on me like a leaden cloak. "I can't promise anything, Eve, but I'll try," I concede, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I'll take your trying," she replies softly, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. And in that moment, as we stand there, facing each other amidst the tangled undergrowth of the jungle, I know that no matter what lies ahead, we will face it together, united.

“Have you two sorted your differences? We got a lad to catch before they barbeque him,” Jack says eagerly, his eyes, as usual, locked on Eve. As much as I’d love to punch the living daylights out of anyone touching my woman, it’s not the agreement I’ve made with her.

I’m not sure how I’ll feel once we get off the island, but I doubt I’ll want to share her with anyone else. And there is no way I’ll give her up either.

This woman embodies perfection for me, and it's not just her beauty that captivates me. It's the fire in her eyes, the strength in her voice, and the unwavering courage in her heart. She's not just a lover or a companion; she's a force of nature, a beacon of light in the darkness, guiding me through the storms of this predicament we’re in.

It’s crazy. I’ve known her for about two seconds, and I feel as if I need her by my side in my life.

“Astro could do with his arse getting a little burnt. Teach him not to fuck off like he did,” I quip, unable to tear my gaze away from Eve as I throw her a lopsided, amused grin. Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the world falls away, leaving only the two of us locked in a silent exchange of understanding.

But before the moment can linger, she breaks the contact, her attention shifting effortlessly to her most recent lover, Byron. With a smile that could melt glaciers, she effortlessly redirects the conversation.

“Byron, I’m wearing all white, which is not a good idea when sneaking up on the enemy. Can you help me cut my jeans into shorts? I’ll wear Zane’s black hoodie as well.”

I can't help but admire her resourcefulness and her ability to adapt and thrive in even the most challenging of circumstances. She's a force to be reckoned with, a whirlwind of energy and charisma that sweeps everyone in her path along for the ride.

As I watch her interact with the others, I can't shake the feeling that she's meant to be by my side, a constant presence in my life that I never knew I needed until now. And as we prepare to face whatever challenges lie ahead, I find comfort in the knowledge that she'll be there, a guiding star leading me through the darkness.

As we trek through the dense jungle, the darkness envelops us like a suffocating veil, the only illumination coming from the faint glow of the moonlight cutting through the inky blackness.

We didn’t bring any torches for this ambush; the natives have a superior vantage point, knowing the island far better than we do. They likely have lookout spots where they could spot us approaching their camp.

Having been to their side of the island before, Jack leads the way up front, his senses finely tuned to the slightest rustle or shift in the undergrowth. I follow closely behind, the weight of our mission pressing down on me like a leaden cloak.

"This island is bigger than we thought," Jack's voice cuts through the oppressive silence, his words tinged with a hint of disbelief. "It's massive. You could wander it for days if you don’t know where you’re going."

“What if Astro’s not with them?” Eve asks.

I nod, my jaw clenched tight with determination. "We'll find him," I reply, my voice firm with resolve. "No matter what it takes."

"It's impossible," Byron chimes in from behind, his tone laced with skepticism, echoing through the dense foliage. "A place like this would have been discovered by now, mapped out, studied."

"I feel like we're in an episode of Lost ," Eve muses, her words hanging in the air like a lingering echo. "The plane crash and people disappearing, the mysterious border, all this weirdness around us, it's like we've stumbled into another world."

I chuckle at her comment; it feels like that. But that’s a series, and this is real. We’re right here, and it’s happening to us, and we need to find a way to survive.

“The Bermuda Triangle,” Zane muses. “Maybe there’s something similar on the coast of Africa.”

“It’s as much a legend as King Arthur, his knights of the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail,” Byron chimes in. “Many scientists and researchers argue that the Bermuda Triangle's alleged mysteries are likely the result of natural phenomena and human error rather than supernatural causes. Factors such as unpredictable weather patterns, strong currents, and navigational challenges in the region could contribute to accidents and disappearances.”

“Byron, you’ve just killed the mystique and the romance in your explanation,” Eve playfully retorts, but he just looks confused.

I turn to Jack, my mind racing with questions. "How many are there in the tribe?" I ask, my voice low with urgency.

"About twenty, maybe thirty adults," his response sends chills down my spine. "I saw them preparing one of their own dead. I think... I think they consume them."

"There have been reports of similar practices among Amazonian tribes," Byron interjects, his voice calm and measured amidst the chaos of our surroundings. "Anthropologists and researchers have documented instances of cannibalism in certain cultures as part of their religious or cultural rituals."

His words hang in the air, a sobering reminder of the harsh realities we face.

“None of us will be eaten by anyone or anything,” I say after a moment of silence, determined not to discourage anyone.

As Jack leads us through the dense undergrowth, the tension in the air is tangible, thick with anticipation and dread. The faint glow of firelight dances through the bushes ahead, as the smoke billowing the sky casts eerie shadows that flicker and dance in the night. The distant sound of chanting drifts through the jungle, a haunting melody that sends shivers down my spine.

We move with cautious determination, each step measured and deliberate as we draw closer to the source of the ominous sounds. The air is thick with the scent of smoke and sweat, the heat of the flames growing more intense with each passing moment.

And then, suddenly, we emerge from the dense foliage into a clearing, our breath catching in our throats as we take in the scene before us.

A ring of savages surround a roaring bonfire, their bodies painted with intricate patterns of swirling designs and symbols. Their chants rise and fall in a hypnotic rhythm, filling the night air with an otherworldly energy.

At the far end of the clearing, we see him. Astro, naked and vulnerable, sits huddled in a small caged box, his body covered in mud and filth. His eyes are wide with fear, his face drawn and pale as he gazes out towards the people who hold his life at stake.

It's clear from the looks on their faces that the savages intend to use him as a sacrifice, their intentions dark and sinister. But despite the terror that grips my heart, I refuse to give into despair.

As I take in the sight of the savages, their weapons gleaming in the firelight, a cold knot forms in the pit of my stomach.

Fuck. We’re so fucked.

My gaze lingers on the crude weapons the savages wield, their bows and arrows, their metal spears most likely scavenged from shipwrecks. It's a stark reminder of the vast difference in armament power between us and them.

"We're outnumbered," I whisper, my words heavy with the weight of our predicament. "And our simple bamboo fishing spears won't protect us against what they have."

"Eve," I say, turning to her with a sense of urgency, "you need to go back to the shore where it's safer. They've never bothered us there."

But Eve's response is swift and resolute, her eyes blazing with defiance as she rejects my suggestion with her expression alone .

“I'm not leaving," she insists, her voice trembling with determination. "I can fight. We can fight."

I shake my head, my heart heavy with the weight of our impending battle. "Killing someone is not as simple as you think," I argue, my voice tinged with a hint of sorrow.

And then, in a moment of realization, Eve's expression shifts, her eyes widening in shock as she comprehends the gravity of my words. She knows, in that instant, that I speak from experience, that I carry the burden of lives lost on my shoulders.

The truth hangs between us like a heavy shroud, casting a shadow over our already grim situation. But despite the pain it brings, I know that it's a truth we must confront if we are to survive the night ahead.

“We’ll have to kill,” I explain, my voice heavy with the weight of the truth. “I don’t want that on your conscience, darling.”

“I agree with Mr. Coldwell,” Zane adds, his voice steady and resolute.

“He’s right, Eve. You shouldn’t have to bear that kind of thing on your shoulders,” Byron adds, his tone somber and sympathetic.

In this unforgiving wilderness, survival demands sacrifices, and I refuse to let Eve bear the burden of such a terrible choice alone.

As we huddle together, discussing our options in hushed tones, Jack suddenly materializes from the shadows, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he brandishes a handful of weapons stolen from the savages.

I can't help but be startled at his sudden appearance, a pang of unease gnawing at my insides, and I realize I hadn't even noticed his absence.

How had he managed to slip away unnoticed?

And how the fuck did he not manage to alert his presence to the savages?

"If you were that close, why didn't you free Astro?" Eve's question hangs in the air like a heavy fog, her voice tinged with disbelief as she stares at Jack, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"I thought it would be more fun fighting," Jack shrugs nonchalantly, his expression unreadable as he offers a flippant response for us.

A ripple of discomfort passes through the group, a collective sense of unease settling over us like a dark cloud. Jack's cavalier attitude towards such a serious situation is unsettling, to say the least, and I can see the skepticism reflected in the faces of my teammates.

"Jack, it’s official, you're a basket case," Zane mutters under his breath, his voice tinged with exasperation.

Byron nods in agreement, his expression one of bemusement. "You're a regular bizarro, aren't you?" he adds, a hint of amusement coloring his words.

I can't help but feel a sense of unease creeping over me as I watch Jack, his casual demeanor at odds with the gravity of our situation. It's clear that he marches to the beat of his own drum, a wild card in our carefully laid plans. As we prepare to face the savages, I can't shake the feeling that Jack's unpredictable nature may prove to be our greatest asset—or our downfall.

“We’re all pretty bizarre,” Jack says, his voice calm and matter-of-fact. “Some of us are just better at hiding it; that’s all.”

Eve's fingers wrap around the metal weapon Jack offers, her grip firm and unyielding as she weighs it in her hand. The weapon gleams in the firelight, its polished surface reflecting the dancing flames with a deadly glint.

It's a stark contrast to the simple bamboo spears we had brought with us, a testament to the savages' superior craftsmanship and technological prowess. The sleek and menacing metal weapon, with its sharp and finely sharpened edges, serves as a stark reminder of the danger we face.

But as Eve clutches the weapon tightly, her eyes burning with determination, it's clear that she refuses to be intimidated. Despite the odds stacked against us, even with the danger lurking around every corner, she stands tall and unwavering, ready to face whatever challenges come her way.

I see a glimpse of the warrior within her, a fierce and indomitable spirit that refuses to be cowed by fear or uncertainty. She is not content to stand idly by while others fight for their lives; she is determined to be one of them, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her comrades and face the savages head-on.

“Jack,” I say directly, “You’re with me. We’ll make our way to Astro to free him.” He nods his understanding of our mission and hands me one of the spears he stole.

I turn to Eve and Byron, my voice low but firm as I outline our plan of attack. "Eve, Byron, I need you to keep watch," I instruct, my gaze sweeping over them with a sense of urgency. "Stay hidden and alert. If you see any sign of danger, signal us immediately."

Eve nods, her jaw set with determination, while Byron offers a solemn nod of understanding.

"And whatever you do," I continue, my voice tinged with a note of caution, "don't engage unless absolutely necessary. Our priority is to free Astro and get out safely. We can't afford any unnecessary risks."

As we finalize our plans, I pull Zane aside, my voice barely above a whisper as I relay my instructions. "Zane," I say, my tone grave with seriousness, "I need you to keep a close eye on Eve while Jack and I make our way to Astro."

Zane meets my gaze with a solemn nod, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of responsibility. "You can count on me," he assures, his voice steady and unwavering.

"If you sense any sign of danger," I continue, my voice tinged with urgency, "get her out of here immediately. I trust you to keep her safe, no matter what."

Zane nods, his jaw set with determination.

With a silent nod of gratitude, I turn back to the group, my heart heavy with the weight of our mission. As we prepare to face the savages and rescue our man, I know that I can trust Zane to protect Eve with his life, just as I would defend any member of our team.

As Jack and I stealthily make our way toward Astro's cage, the tension is thick, our senses heightened as we prepare to confront the savages who stand between us and our group member. The rhythmic chanting of the tribesmen echoes through the clearing, a haunting melody that sets my nerves on edge.

With a silent nod to each other, Jack and I spring into action, launching ourselves into the fray with calculated precision. We move like shadows, darting between trees and ducking behind cover as we close in on our target.

A male guard is taken by surprise. My movements are fluid, swift, and precise as I slice his throat with the precision of Jack’s knife and drop the body.

Jack follows me close behind, our senses on high alert as we engage the next unsuspecting savage. My weapon finds its victim with a deadly blow. The whites of his eyes bright and wild. Jack takes him and drags him aside, away from the main view.

I purge through, my heart pounding, determined to get my man back. With each passing moment, the odds are stacked against us, threatening to overwhelm us if the others discover us. It’s going to be challenging to fight them all.

Jack and I move like shadows through the darkness, our movements silent and swift. The flickering light of the bonfire casts long shadows across the clearing, providing us with cover as we inch closer to our objective.

As we reach the cage, we pause, our hearts pounding in our chests as we assess the situation. The savages are distracted, their attention focused on their rituals.

With a silent nod to each other, we set to work, our hands moving with practiced precision as we search for a way to free Astro from his captivity.

As we finally make it, what we find inside freezes us in our tracks. Astro sits huddled in the corner of the cage, his body covered in filth and grime, his eyes vacant and hollow. The stench of decay hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of blood.

It's a disturbing sight, one that sends a shiver down my spine as I take in the full extent of his suffering. He's been subjected to unspeakable horrors at the hands of the savages, his spirit broken and his body battered.

“Fucking bastards,” I say, gritting my teeth together with frustration. The binding on the cage is crude but sturdy, a testament to the savages' determination to keep their prisoner secured.

“Try this?” Jack hands me a sharp, jagged object.

Without hesitation, I take it from him and begin to slice through the rope binding on Astro's cage. My heart is pounding with anticipation to get this piece of shit cut.

Finally, the rope falls loose, and I manage to unravel it, the sound of it hitting the ground lost amidst the chaos of the clearing. With a sense of urgency, I swing the door open, my heart pounding with anticipation as I prepare to free our friend.

“Hey, mate,” Jack says softly, his voice filled with empathy as he takes in Astro's mental state. “Scott and Alan Tracy are here to rescue you.”

I can't help but chuckle at Jack's Thunderbird reference, though I know it falls on deaf ears with Astro. But even as we share a moment of fun, the gravity of our situation weighs heavily on us.

With a shared nod, Jack and I lean in, our arms outstretched as we carefully lift Astro from his cage. His eyes are vacant and distant, but there's a flicker of recognition in his gaze as he looks up at us.

"Come on, Astro," I say softly, my voice filled with reassurance. "We've got you."

Together, we carry him out of the cage, his weight heavy in our arms, but our spirits are lifted by the knowledge that we've succeeded in this part of our mission.

Now, to get the entire group back to safety at our part of the island.