The streets of Rivertown erupted into chaos as an explosion rocked the central plaza, sending debris cascading through the air. Shattered glass glinted like deadly confetti, and screams pierced the cacophony. Maddy, a skilled operative, ducked behind a crumbling wall, her heart racing. With a flick of her wrist, she activated her earpiece.

“Status report!” She barked, scanning the scene. Smoke b...

Under the old oak tree where they often studied, Clara’s heart raced as she watched Ethan laughing with their friends. The sun dipped low, casting a warm glow around them, but her heart felt cold. The moment had come. She took a deep breath, her palms sweaty, and approached him.

“Ethan, can we talk?” She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. He turned, surprise etched across his face, but ...

The salt spray stung Maya’s face, a persistent ache that mirrored the one in her chest. The ferry horn groaned, a mournful bellow that echoed the silent farewell she hadn’t been able to speak. She gripped the cold railing, her knuckles white against the rusted metal, and watched as the island slowly receded into the mist.

It hadn’t been a bad place, not really. Olas, with its craggy cliffs and t...