. "You can’t see much with the wind howling like that," he added, adjusting his cap to shield himself from the spray of the sea.
Whitney chuckled softly. "You're not afraid, are you? It’s just an island. But there is something about it that gives me the chills. I've heard tales of shipwrecks and strange occurrences around there. They say it’s cursed."
Rainsford shrugged dismissively. "Just tales to scare sailors. I’d rather not believe in such nonsense."
Whitney’s gaze turned serious. "Still, there's a reason why we should avoid it. If we find ourselves in trouble, the last place we want to be caught is near Ship-Trap Island."
As Rainsford turned to respond, the yacht lurched suddenly. A sharp crack echoed through the air, causing both men to grasp the sides of the vessel. The waves crashed violently against the hull.
"All hands on deck!" the captain shouted above the tumult. Rainsford and Whitney rushed toward the bow, where the crew was struggling to regain control amidst the tempestuous sea.
As they battled the elements, Rainsford felt a strange sense of excitement. The thrill of the unknown awaited them, the dark silhouette of the island looming ahead, beckoning like an enigmatic shadow. But as the storm intensified, Rainsford couldn’t shake off a peculiar feeling that they were heading toward something far more perilous than they anticipated.
Suddenly, a loud thud resonated as the yacht struck a submerged rock, sending a jolt through Rainsford's body. He lost his balance and stumbled, gripping onto the railing. "We’re going down!" he shouted, adrenaline surging through him.
With a series of frantic commands, the captain tried to regain control, but the yacht was already taking on water. Rainsford exchanged a frantic glance with Whitney—this was no ordinary night on the sea.
As the vessel began to sink, Rainsford made a quick decision. He leapt overboard, the cold water enveloping him. He swam with all his might toward the dark outline of Ship-Trap Island. It was a gamble, but it seemed to be their only hope for survival.
Breaking the surface, he glanced back at the wreckage of the yacht. The sound of splintering wood echoed in his ears as the ship succumbed to the depths. Alone in the vastness of the ocean, Rainsford felt a mix of fear and exhilaration, clinging to the notion of what awaited him on the island ahead.
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