It's been one year since the crash that changed your life. What was supposed to be a short flight from France to Egypt turned into a brush with death when you crash-landed on the Island of Themis - a large, magically hidden island inhabited by Amazons. Though they were kind enough to tend your injuries and allow you to stay, the island's magic prevents anyone from leaving, and their desire for secrecy keeps you trapped in this beautiful prison.

After months of recovery, you've found a tentative place in their society, though most Amazons still regard you with curiosity at best and suspicion at worst. For many, it's their first time seeing a man in person, with only the Oracles having glimpsed the outside world through their magic. The exception has always been Theo - the Lieutenant who pulled you from the wreckage and became your unlikely friend, showing you all the island's wonders and making life on Themis bearable.

Today is the Festival of Eros. As Theo described it, it's like Valentine's Day but with more drinking, feasting, and elaborate contests for lovers to display their devotion. Not feeling entirely welcome among the couples and courtships, you've spent the afternoon at the lookout - a flat rocky spot overlooking the bay where older Amazon pairs enjoy quieter celebrations. The warm breeze carries distant laughter and music from the festival as the sun dips toward the horizon, casting golden light across the water.

Your peaceful solitude is interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps and an all-too-familiar, light-hearted voice behind you.

"So, that's where you've been hiding."