Page 11 of Explorer’s Revenge

TEN

WILDER

O ur boat anchors off the south side of the island where a low beach heads into the jungle, which is the best place for insertion that I could see. Plans adapt and change, but I like to have the basics in my head, unlike the others.

Sometimes, plans might just save your life.

From here, the island looks dormant and forgotten. Overgrown jungle spreads up to the beach, and crashing waves hit the cliffs to our right, the water as blue as a gem. It’s a stunning sight, especially with the sun hitting it, and I know all too well that beauty hides secrets.

I can’t wait to devour the ones we find.

“We will go no farther, and we won’t wait here,” the captain calls. When I turn, he is eyeing the land with something close to fear.

“Why?” Rick asks curiously as he ties off his bag and stands, the boat rocking slightly in the waves.

“It’s cursed,” the captain replies. “That is why nobody goes here. The locals forgot about it, protecting it to stop the curse. You shouldn’t disturb it.”

“How would you know it’s cursed if no one ever comes here?” Aiyaret asks conversationally, his eyebrows raised.

The captain’s eyes narrow on him in irritation. “Some things, you don’t need to see to believe. The curse is real. Ignore me if you want to, but don’t come crying to us when it swallows you up.” He storms away, and I sigh.

Aiy smirks. “What? How could we cry to him if it swallowed us up like he said?”

“One of these days, your mouth will get us into trouble,” I mutter as I sling my bag over my shoulder.

“I wish mine would.” Logan sighs wistfully. “It’s been too long since I was in trouble. Do you think it would swallow us for fun or food?”

Way smacks him for me as he walks past, and we head to the edge of the boat as the captain reappears and throws something at me.

“Just because you don’t believe in the curse, doesn’t mean it doesn’t believe in you.

Wear that, it will keep you safe. Don’t ever go into the darkness alone, and you might just make it out alive.

” Lifting the necklace, I eye the green and black stone carving at the end.

It’s a face with teeth, and it’s a little terrifying.

Superstitions are often based on truth, so I drop it over my head and nod my thanks.

“Uh . . .” Rick lifts his hand. “Don’t I get one too? I’m all for swallowing in the right circumstances, but not this one.”

The captain smirks. “I only have one.”

“Well, shit,” Logan grumbles. “Guess we share the creepy necklace to keep us safe.”

“Alright, enough,” I warn them. “Game faces, boys. It’s go time. I want to be on that beach in five minutes. No diving or playing around. The sun is high, and we need to cover a lot of ground fast. Is that understood?”

“Sir, yes, sir!” Logan mocks with a salute.

“I’m surrounded by idiots,” I mutter as I turn to the water.

“Speak for yourself,” Way scoffs as he slings his legs over the edge of the boat. “Now, let’s go before the captain murders Logan or Rick and offers them to the gods or something.”

“I heard that!” the captain calls.

“Yup, time to go.” Waving at the captain, I throw myself backwards into the water, letting the waves consume me as I push away from the boat and resurface farther out.

With a whoop, Logan flings himself after me, and Rick flips in.

Way rolls his eyes and steps in, followed by Aiyaret, and before we are very far away, the boat speeds off into the distance.

“Guess he really believes in being swallowed.” Logan chuckles as he catches up to me and then turns to Rick. “Race you to the shore. Whoever loses will be sacrificed to the curse.”

“Shit, you’re cheating!” Rick shouts as Logan dives under and sets off before they even agree.

I watch them race away, but I hang back, waiting for everyone else to pass me before I start to swim.

I’m the team leader, so it’s my job to keep them safe, which means being first in the water and the last one out.

As soon as my feet hit the sand, I open my bag and slip on a shirt and hat as the others do the same and prepare.

I tie my boots on and sling my bag over my shoulder, peering up at the thick jungle.

The darkness within makes me think of the captain’s words, but I nod at my team and walk closer anyway.

I’m not afraid of a curse—it should be afraid of me.

I am going to find the lost city, and when I do, I’ll make the world forget all about Maeve Carter and those other phonies.

“I think we should enter the jungle up there,” I tell them as I scan the beach. “It seems less dense. We’ll waste energy hacking through it here.”

“Then let’s go up there.” Way shrugs. “Logan, tie your shorts. We don’t want your dick slipping out.”

“Boring,” Logan mutters, but he does as he’s told, and as a unit, we set off down the beach, our cameras capturing everything.

Logan and Rick film some short videos as well, playing in the sea and chasing each other. They also interview us as we walk. We let them, since our fans love it, and they keep us at the top of our game so we get to do what we love.

It’s why we give them almost complete access to our lives, even the personal side.

“Wilder, say hello to your loyal fans.” Rick shoves the camera in my face, pressing his cheek to mine so we’re more stumbling than walking.

“Hello,” I say, my eyes scanning the horizon.

“Our fearless leader is in work mode, but how cute is his new haircut?” Rolling my eyes, I let him film until I see something in the distance.

“What is that?”

They all turn to look, our eyes straining as we tread closer until we can finally make it out.

“Holy shit,” we say in unison.