By Manuell Estlick
I was rambling along, looking for a place to set up my tent for the night when I saw it. There, in a clearing surrounded by lush trees, was a sign that read: "Beware! Do not proceed unless you are prepared for the unexplained."
Well, that piqued my curiosity. I had always been fascinated by the paranormal, and I couldn't resist the urge to investigate.
As I stepped onto the island, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. The air was heavy with an eerie silence, and the trees seemed to whisper secrets to each other.
I followed a narrow path, my eyes darting left and right, searching for any sign of life. As I walked deeper into the island, the path began to narrow and the trees grew thicker.
Suddenly, I heard a noise behind me. I turned around, but there was no one there. Just the sound of my own heart pounding in my chest.
I continued walking, my nerves on edge. I couldn't tell if the noise had been real or just my imagination.
As I reached the center of the island, I came to a large clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a stone statue, its face weathered by time.
I walked up to the statue and touched its cold, hard surface. As I did, I felt a surge of energy coursing through my body.
Suddenly, the statue began to glow. A bright blue light emanated from its eyes, and I heard a voice in my head.
"Welcome, Manuell Estlick," the voice said. "You have come here seeking knowledge. But be warned, the knowledge you seek comes at a price."
"What price?" I asked.
"The price of your soul," the voice said.
I gasped, my heart pounding in my chest. I had not expected this.
"I don't want to give up my soul," I said.
"Then you must leave this island immediately," the voice said. "And never return."
I turned and ran, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't look back, not once, until I reached the edge of the island.
As I stepped back onto the mainland, I looked back at the island. It was as if it was shrouded in a mist, and I could see the statue's eyes glowing in the distance.
I don't know what happened on that island, but I know that I will never forget it. And I will never go back.
If you are ever offered the chance to visit that island, I urge you to think twice. The knowledge you seek may come at a price too steep to pay.