Chapter 4 The First Spark

Ash is mostly healed now. He starts working with Tomas and slowly becomes part of island life.

He begins building light, subtle connections with Kaia-quiet talks, lingering glances, shared silences.

Kaia is preparing for a school singing performance, a big deal in her small world

Ash stood barefoot on the packed red earth behind Tomas's workshop, a basket of tools in one hand and the sun beating down on his shoulders. The pain in his ribs was almost gone now, replaced with the ache of work-good work. Real work.

"You're stronger than you look," Tomas said, handing him a wooden mallet.

Ash smirked. "I get that a lot."

They worked beside three other villagers-fixing a section of the village irrigation pipe that had cracked after a recent storm. Sweat clung to Ash's back, but it didn't bother him. It felt... right. Like he belonged here, even if his mind said otherwise.

Tomas gave him a nod of approval. "You're a fast learner."

Ash paused, wiping his brow. "I don't remember much, but using my hands? This feels familiar."

Tomas studied him for a moment. "Maybe this place is where you were meant to land."

Ash didn't respond, but the thought lingered in the back of his mind.

Over the a few day he adapt. Ash became a quiet but steady part of island life. People began to greet him. The children waved when he passed. He helped repair fences, carry supplies, and even helped Leni replant part of her herb garden.

But it was Kaia who stayed in his mind the longest after each day.

She didn't talk to him much-just polite nods, quiet hellos. But he noticed everything.

How she tucked loose curls behind her ear while reading.

How she hummed when she thought no one could hear.

How she avoided looking at him too long.

And when she did look...

It felt like the world narrowed to just the two of , Leni ,remindedTomas and Ash about "Kaia has a school performance tomorrow night. Singing."

Ash looked up from where he was sharpening Tomas's old tools. "She sings?"

Leni's lips curled. "That girl has a voice that can stop the tide."

He didn't ask if he was allowed to go. He just knew he would.

The next night, the island school was lit up with lanterns and laughter. Families gathered around the small outdoor stage. The students wore their best-pressed shirts, fresh braids, colorful wraps. It was one of the few nights when the island felt like it was holding its breath.

Ash sat beside Tomas and Leni in the front row, clean shirt, hair freshly cut by one of the local barbers. He still didn't remember his name, his life before-but right now, none of that mattered.

Kaia stepped onto the stage, barefoot and radiant under the soft lights.

She wore a flowing cream dress that stopped mid-calf, cinched at the waist, fluttering slightly in the warm night air. Her curls were loose tonight, falling around her shoulders, the faintest shimmer of oil on her cheekbones. Her brown skin caught the lantern glow like it was made to reflect light.

Then she began to sing.

It wasn't loud. It wasn't theatrical. It was pure.

Soft at first. Then rich. Soulful. Full of something old and deep.

Ash forgot to breathe.

The crowd faded. The lights blurred.

He didn't know where he came from, but he knew in that moment: this girl's voice was the first sound that made him feel truly alive.

Across the gathering, Zaria, the island chief's daughter, sat with crossed arms and narrowed eyes.

She had seen him arrive with Tomas and Leni. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Sharp jawline. Clean lines, quiet presence, but undeniable power in the way he moved.

He didn't look like the men here. He didn't slouch. Didn't apologize.

His skin was lightly tanned now, his eyes storm-gray under dark lashes, and when he smiled-just barely-it made her forget what she'd been thinking.

Who was he?

And more importantly

Why was he watching Kaia like that?

Zaria's jaw tightened.

She always drew the most attention. She was the chief's daughter. The top of the food chain. The prettiest girl in the room.

Until now.

When the performance ended, applause thundered across the schoolyard. Ash stood with everyone else, but his eyes were only on Kaia as she stepped off the stage, cheeks pink, eyes wide.

She wasn't expecting him there.

Their eyes met for just a second.

And something passed between them.

Not a smile.

Not a word.

Just awareness.

Kaia looked away first.

But Ash didn't

Zaria watched from the shadows.

Watched Ash watch Kaia.

And she made a decision.

No one looked at her like that. Not if she had anything to say about it