Floating Island
The moment they are nearing the island, all the boat passengers can't believe their eyes. It looks like a floating island from afar. They all feel excited to finally step on that paradise. Arabelle is no different since it's her first time to go out of town. It's also her first boat ride which explains her excitement. If that island looks like a fantasy to her, how much more is the Invisible City?
She looks at Ralph who looks like a movie star with his sunglasses. He seems like he's used to seeing these types of places. There's no excitement on his face but he looks like he's in deep thoughts about something. She's not aware that he's already planning where to go before the blood moon shows up. Even Lily looks ecstatic to see that floating island. Her eyes sparkled while looking at it.
Arabelle decided to ignore everyone for now so she can enjoy the scenery. She can already imagine how the sand will feel under her feet. Even as a child, she never experienced going anywhere. She only watched movie scenes from the beach before. Now, she will be able to experience being into one. At least there's still something good happening. She needs to remind herself that this is not a vacation. It's an adventure which makes it better.
When the boat finally sailed on the shore, she suddenly felt nervous. What if they didn't find the Invisible City? If they find it, can they just take the things they need for the spell? Arabelle suddenly seems to have a panic attack. If she didn't find what she needed for the spell, her mom might not make it. The last time she talked to Amie, their mom was already getting worse than ever. She needs to get everything she needs from the Invisible City!
“Hey, are you okay?” Ralph asked her and held her hand.
“I'm trying to be.” she replied and held onto him.
“Don't worry, we're going to find it. Your mother will be okay soon.” he assured her.
“Thanks! I needed that.” she replied with a nervous smile.
They get off both hand in hand and follow Lily who looks irritated at them. She can't believe that Ralph is treating her maid as if she's his girlfriend. Lily can't stop feeling jealous at Arabelle. Although she had a plan in mind and executed that tomorrow. She's well aware that the blood moon will make vampires out of control. Why not take advantage of it? She will make sure that only Ralph and her can make it home after this trip.
She decided to just ignore the two being affectionate of each other. It's not easy but she needs to pretend that she doesn't care at all. She leads them to the cottage she arranged for their arrival. It's good that she has a way with travel planning. Thanks to her, they will have a place to crash before the blood moon. She already booked a boat for that tomorrow night. All she needs to do is to deal with those two and cast her spell tomorrow night.
When they arrived at the cottage, it looked like they were really on vacation. It looks like a hut with three small bedrooms inside. They immediately went to the common room and took their seats on the bamboo couch. It's literally made with bamboo lined with soft cushions. The cottage looks native and they all like it. After an hour in a boat, they all felt a little tired. The two women check the rooms while Ralph stays in the common room. Lily immediately chooses the biggest room available.
Arabelle just smiled at her and allowed her to do that. There's no point of choosing since they will only be staying there for one night. Plus, she didn't want it to end in an argument. She came here to find the things she needs for the spell, not to relax. Lily looks like she already settled on her room so she checks on the other one. It's smaller but still looks cozy. She entered the room and placed her bag on the small cabinet inside. It seems that all furniture around the cottage are all made of bamboo.
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Ralph decided to look around the cottage as well. There's already food on the kitchen table. It looks like a complimentary breakfast since they arrived early in the morning. He can't help but to remember some of his travels before. Every place he visited seems to be fancier than the last one. Although he always felt the emptiness inside of him. Whenever he tries new things, all he can think about is Sofia. It will be more enjoyable if she's still around. He also wishes he's still human.
He thought that he never enjoyed those travels before because he's already a vampire. Yet now that he's on the island with Arabelle, he suddenly feels excited. It's been such a long time since he felt something good. Not even when Cassie travels with him. She seems aloof whenever they are in the same room. As if she's still scared of him after knowing each other for years. For some reason, Arabelle seems comfortable with him. The moment they met, she never looked like she's scared of what he is.
“Whose there? Hello?” Ralph suddenly calls out as he feels a presence nearby the kitchen.
He became alert since he felt that someone is watching him. There's a movement from the kitchen windows but he can't seem to see it. That made him wonder how anyone could manage to move that fast. He's a vampire for crying outloud! He's a hundred times faster than any human and even from other beings. How can anyone lurks around without him seeing? Whatever it is, he knows that it's not an ordinary being. They have to be careful especially if he can't even see what it is. This place might be hiding dangerous creatures around.