Chapter 1: Drifted by the waves

"Where am I?"

As the first light of dawn breaks across the horizon, the tranquil melody of the sea fills the air. The sand, kissed by the morning light, glimmers like scattered. Amidst this serene landscape, a girl named Lily opened her eyes.

Lily seemed to be confused as she felt the scorching heat of the sun touch her face. Her eyes fluttered open, and she was greeted by the sound of waves crashing nearby and the sharp scent of salt in the air.

Groggily, she noticed the grains of sand clinging to her skin and realized she was lying on the shore. Panic bubbled up inside her as she struggled to recall how she ended up here.

From a distance, a few fishermen noticed her. They exchanged concerned glances before approaching her cautiously. Their clothing and mannerisms seemed oddly out of place.

"Are you well, miss?" one of the fishermen asked, his voice carrying a thick, unfamiliar accent.

Lily blinked at them, her mind racing. Why is he talking like that? she said to herself.

Something felt profoundly off.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Lily just gave her response.

"I beg your pardon, miss?" another fisherman asked, scratching his head.

Lily shook her head, trying to focus. "Did you see a boat? I was with some people... We were on a boat earlier."

The fishermen exchanged puzzled looks.

"We know not of any boat, miss. We found you here alone, lying by the shore," one of them explained.

Their archaic speech and unfamiliar surroundings made her wary. They offered to help her, but Lily felt a growing sense of unease.

One of the fishermen stepped forward, his expression concerned.

"Don't worry, we'll look after you. You look like you could use a warm meal and some rest."

Lily shook her head.

"Don't you fret now, miss. We'll take good care of you. Come with us, and we'll make sure you're alright. You're safe with us." another one of them tried convincing Lily.

"No, thank you. I need to find my friends," she insisted, her frustration mounting.

"Miss, we mean no harm. We promise to help you."

"I said I'm fine!" Lily snapped, her voice tinged with irritation.

She couldn't help but notice their confused expressions.

Lily was about to take a step out there when she noticed the sudden turning of heads of some fishermen behind their back.

The tension was broken by the arrival of a young man with brown hair and an older woman. The young man stepped between Lily and the fishermen, his presence commanding attention.

"What's all this commotion about?" he asked, his voice was calm yet authoritative.

"Stay out of this, Henry," one of the fishermen looked pissed as he turn to the young man who he recognized as Henry.

"We were merely offering assistance."

The young man turned to Lily, his eyes were gentle.

"Are you alright, miss? Do you need help?"

"I'm fine," Lily said quickly. "I just need to find the people I was with on the boat."

Now the older woman stepped closer, her eyes filled with concern.

"Which boat are you speaking of, dear?" she asked.

Lily repeated her story, but the older woman seemed just as perplexed as the fishermen.

"That sounds terrible," she said softly. "But if you wish, you may come with us. We promise to help you as best we can."

Lily hesitated, weighing her options. The fishermen's insistence had unnerved her, but the older woman's gentle demeanor somehow offered some comfort.

Reluctantly, she nodded. "Alright. I'll come with you."

The young man extended his hand to help her up.

"I'm Henry," he introduced himself with a reassuring smile. "And this is my mother, Margaret."

"Lily," she replied, taking his hand.

As she stood, a wave of dizziness washed over her, and she clutched his arm for support.

"Easy there," Henry said, steadying her. "You've had quite an ordeal."

Lily managed a weak smile, grateful for his help.

As they walked away from the shore, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong. The landscape, the people, even the air felt different. It was as if she had stepped into another world entirely.