Chapter 1: All Hallows Eve| 10-31-24 ・It’s fall, Halloween night as children in spooky costumes run around the town laughing and collecting candy like goblins collecting gold. School had just gotten out a few hours ago as Alex, Jamie, Casey, and Taylor all meet up at the edge of the woods.

“Can you believe it’s Halloween already?” Alex exclaimed, a wide grin plastered on his face. “I can’t wait to check out the old boathouse. I heard the beach is even creepier at night.”

“Let’s not get too carried away,” Jamie replied, adjusting her glasses nervously. “We should stick to the plan and avoid anything too risky. The last thing we need is to get lost in the woods.”

“Come on, Jamie! Where’s your sense of adventure?” Casey chimed in, twirling a small flashlight in her hand. “It’s Halloween! Let loose for once!”

Taylor rolled his eyes. “Yeah, let loose so we can end up like those kids in horror movies—trapped in a haunted cabin. No thanks.”

As the group made their way through the forest, they continued to talk, the sun beginning to set. Soon, the trees parted to reveal a hidden beach, surrounded by towering hills and boulders, the sound of waves crashing filling the air. The old boathouse sat at the edge of the shore, a familiar sight from their childhood.

As they climbed up to the treehouse overlooking the beach, laughter filled the air, but a chill ran down Jamie’s spine. Something felt off tonight. The wind started to pick up, sending sand swirling around their feet—then… a quick flash of a huge tail appeared in the water, disappearing just as quickly.

“Did you see that?” Jamie asked, pausing at the top of the ladder.

“See what?” Alex shrugged, not fazed.

Before Jamie could reply, Casey leaned over the railing. “Let’s go steal some candy from the boathouse! Who knows what kind of spooky stuff we might find!”

As they prepared to descend, a low rumble echoed from the depths of the ocean. They exchanged glances, excitement shifting to an uneasy feeling.