"Spit up and search, stay alert. If anything happens, send a signal immediately!"

Luckily, Stephan had brought enough subordinates, and Felicia had previously sketched diagrams of the venomous creature they sought. Their spread-out forces increased their chances of finding it. Soon, the entire island was illuminated by the beams of their flashlights.

Felicia wandered until dizziness overcame her. She found a large rock, leaned against it, and opened a bottle of mineral water. Just as she was about to drink, a faint rustling came from the trees behind her.

The footsteps were cautious at first, creeping closer. Then, someone stepped on a dry branch, creating a loud cracking sound. The sound made Felicia instantly turn around. "Who's there?"

There was no response.

Stephan glanced toward the trees, his pupils narrowing as if he had seen something. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward the sound, sharply commanding his men, "Protect my wife!"

His men barely reacted before he disappeared into the forest.

Felicia immediately took charge. "You four, go after him. The rest of you, stay here."

"Yes, ma'am!"

At her command, four men followed Stephan while the remaining team stayed behind, their eyes sharp and watchful.

Felicia couldn't shake the eerie feeling that had persisted since their arrival. It felt as if unseen eyes constantly watched them; hidden figures lurking in the shadows, silently observing. She quickly messaged the rest of the search team, instructing them to pair up, stay alert, and prioritize their safety.

Their communicators crackled back with confirmations. Everything seemed normal.

However, two hours passed, and Stephan hadn't returned. Initially, Felicia waited, but as the hours stretched on, her patience waned. Just as she was about to follow Stephan's faint trail, a thick, white fog suddenly enveloped the island.

It was like the earlier storm.

Felicia took a deep breath and immediately felt their danger. The fog contained poison! She held her breath, grabbed her communicator, and urgently ordered everyone to cover their noses and retreat.

However, it was too late.

One by one, the men collapsed, their bodies falling with dull thuds. Felicia's vision blurred; the world spun violently. Despite her efforts, her eyelids grew heavy. She was so tired.

Just before losing consciousness, one regret flashed through her mind—she had prepared for everything except a poison mask! What a stupid way to die.

Right before her eyes closed, she glimpsed a pair of small, white leather shoes approaching. The person wearing them had slender ankles, their footsteps slow and deliberate.

Who was it? Was it someone from the island? So, someone was living here?

Felicia had so many questions but no strength left to ask them. She passed out.