"What''s that? An ind?"


    "Yeah, your husband''s."


    "...You''re taking me there?"


    "That''s the n!"


    The closer they got, the clearer they could see. Though the ind was lush with vegetation, it had a deste look to it, almost like it was uninhabited. Elysia, intrigued, asked, "Is this your secret hideout?"


    "Yep." Tarquin parked the jet ski at the edge of the ind, helped Elysia off, then secured the jet ski before taking her hand and leading her onto the ind.


    As they walked, suddenly, a wolf burst out from the underbrush, baring its teeth menacingly at them.


    Elysia gasped, instinctively gripping Tarquin''s arm tighter.


    Tarquin chuckled and said, "Don''t worry, that''s Snow-Rage."


    Before Elysia could react, Snow-Rage wagged its tail and ran towards them, howling softly.


    Tarquin called its name, and Snow-Rage stopped, sitting obediently on the ground, tilting its head curiously as it looked from him to Elysia, its gaze darting back and forth.


    Tarquin proudly introduced his wife to Snow-Rage, who then led the way.


    Snow-Rage obeyed him, tail wagging as it ran ahead.


    Elysia asked, "You raised it?"


    "Not exactly. They''re the ind''s natives. We had a few scuffles when I first arrived, but after I showed them who''s boss, we became friends." Elysia pursed her lips, finally understanding where Evan got his fighting spirit from!


    It all made sense now!


    Just like his dad!


    "Why call him Snow-Rage?"


    Tarquinughed, "Because he hates snow. Ever since he was a pup, he couldn''t stand it. Whenever it snows, he goes berserk. So, I named him Snow-Rage."


    Tarquin cleared the branches ahead to make a path for Elysia,


    "I bought this ind years ago. The animals here are familiar with me. You don''t need to be afraid; they won''t hurt you."


    Elysia moved cautiously, looking down at her feet and then up at the canopy.


    The trees swayed, with monkeys jumping from branch to branch.


    Having lived in the wilderness for five years with her children, she wasn''t afraid of the environment, but the sight of unfamiliar animals still made her nervous.


    Seeing the monkeys, she couldn''t help but think of the phrase "wild monkeys" and wished she had a stick for protection!


    "Why buy such a deste ce?"


    Tarquin held her hand gently, making sure she didn''t trip over roots or get scratched by the branches,


    "When I was seven, I was thrown into the sea in a plot against me. By a stroke of luck, I survived and washed up on this ind. I lived here alone for a few days. Despite the harsh living conditions, I was incredibly happy.


    It was far better than living in the hellish cage of the Bradford family. Ever since then, whenever I felt down, I''d find a way toe here."


    He gave Snow-Rage a nod, indicating for it to keep moving.


    "Growing up, I was disillusioned. I didn''t like the people around me, nor the world itself. I wanted to escape, but I had unfinished business, too stubborn to just end it all. So, I endured life with the Bradfords, this ce bing my sanctuary. Whenever life got unbearable, I''d sneak away here to breathe, to cope.


    Eventually, when I had the means, I bought the ind outright. Now, it''s my private retreat."


    Elysia frowned at his words, spoken so lightly, yet she felt a deep pang of sympathy.


    What kind of harsh living conditions could make a seven-year-old boy find sce in a deserted ind?


    What kind of torment must one endure to feel disillusioned with life?