Chapter 1
Shadow Gate
by Mehedi Hasan
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Chapter 1: At the Foot of the Volcano
The sky was ablaze. Ash swirled in the air, and the sulphurous tang of the sea mixed with the acrid smoke from the volcano. Fire and smoke erupted continuously, as if the earth itself were alive with fury.
Hasan stood for what felt like hours on the slope of black rock, staring into the heart of the volcano. Fear gripped him, but something stronger still drove him onward—the need to fulfil Nigar’s dream.
“Hasan… are you sure this is the right place?” Shawon’s voice quavered from behind.
He clutched the ancient map from Nigar’s grandfather’s book. Its edges were frayed, the ink faded, yet one detail remained clear: a circle marked precisely next to the volcano.
Hasan turned, his eyes burning with resolve.
“We’re here. Nigar’s grandfather wouldn’t make a mistake. This… this is the entrance.”
Biplob laughed, sharp and mocking.
“Entrance? Next to a volcano! Do you understand what that means? Step inside, and your chances of survival are near zero.”
Shawon snapped.
“Then why are you here, Biplob? If you’re scared, turn back now.”
Biplob’s lips curled.
“Turn back? No. I came to see this through. And don’t think I came to save lives like you two.”
Ash swirled around them, and the volcano’s roar swallowed every word. Hasan’s voice was calm, almost a whisper.
“We have no time to waste. At night, the waves are calmer. The map shows a current beneath the water—it will take us to the island.”
Shawon’s voice shook.
“What if the island is cursed? What if it’s just a legend?”
Hasan drew a steadying breath.
“I know. I’m afraid too. But Nigar’s dream… her belief… I cannot destroy it without reason. If we don’t try, we’ll never know the truth.”
Biplob shook his head, smiling.
“You’re mad, Hasan. A girl’s dream isn’t worth risking your life.”
Hasan’s gaze hardened.
“It’s not just Nigar’s dream. It’s my responsibility.”
And with that, he stepped toward the boat. Thunder cracked above, and the sea roared as if nature itself were trying to stop them.
Shawon hesitated but climbed aboard. Biplob followed silently.
Together, they rowed toward the dark cave beside the volcano—the secret entrance to the island lay hidden beneath the water.
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