Shadows on the Shore

Dark waves crashed against the rocky shore of Scary Island, sending salty spray into the cold night air. Gnarled trees twisted their skeletal branches toward the cloudy sky, casting eerie shadows that danced in the moonlight.

Rahul floated above the jagged rocks, his wispy black body flowing like smoke in the wind. His red eyes glowed brighter as he spotted movement near the old dock. A small boat bumped against the weathered wooden posts.

"Perfect," Rahul whispered, his voice echoing strangely in the mist. "Another visitor to frighten."

A boy with messy brown hair jumped from the boat onto the creaky dock. He wore a bright blue jacket and carried a backpack that looked too heavy for his small frame. Unlike the other visitors who had come before, this boy didn't run when he heard the island's spooky sounds.

"Hello?" the boy called out. "Is anyone there?"

Rahul's red eyes narrowed. This was going to be fun.

An Unexpected Meeting

Rahul swooped down from his hiding spot behind a twisted tree, his wispy black form billowing like smoke. His red eyes blazed brighter as he prepared his most terrifying scream.

"BOOOOO!" Rahul shrieked, floating directly in front of the boy.

The boy stumbled backward, nearly dropping his heavy backpack. But instead of running away screaming like everyone else, he steadied himself and looked right at Rahul.

"Wow, you're really good at that!" the boy said, brushing dirt off his blue jacket. "I'm Zac. What's your name?"

Rahul's red eyes flickered with confusion. No one had ever asked his name before. They usually just ran.

"I... I'm Rahul," he said, his voice losing its scary echo.

"Nice to meet you, Rahul! This island is amazing. I came here to explore because I heard it was the spookiest place around." Zac pulled out a small flashlight from his backpack. "Want to show me the scariest spots?"

Rahul floated there, completely bewildered. This wasn't how frightening was supposed to work.