Volcano Flames: Legends in the Dark, #11

By Jonathan Carter

✨?Flames of the Volcano?✨

?- Legends in the Dark - The Series - ?

 

Sofia Rodríguez and her family embark on a dream vacation to a remote Hawaiian island, only to be caught in a whirlwind of supernatural events when they accidentally trespass on sacred ground. Soon after their arrival, they are cursed by Pele, the fiery goddess of the volcano, and strange, unexplainable occurrences begin to plague the group. Members fall ill, disappear, and terrifying visions haunt their every step.

 

With the curse threatening to destroy them, Sofia and her new companion, Alex, take matters into their own hands, uncovering ancient rituals and a mysterious altar dedicated to Pele. As the group journeys deeper into the island's secrets, Sofia discovers a profound connection to the goddess—a link that might just hold the key to restoring balance and breaking the curse.

 

In this gripping tale of survival, spirituality, and redemption, Sofia and her friends must confront their fears, honor the sacred land, and perform a powerful ritual that could either restore peace or seal their doom. But as they learn, Pele is not a vengeful spirit—she is a protector, and the curse was a warning. Will Sofia and Alex's bond be strong enough to face the volcano's wrath and uncover the goddess's true intentions?

 

A thrilling adventure that blends mystery, romance, and ancient folklore, The Curse of Pele will leave you questioning the power of nature and the strength of the human spirit.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jonathan Carter
• Release date: Feb 9, 2025
• ISBN: 9798230621966

Jonathan Carter

Jonathan Carter is a passionate fiction author known for weaving captivating stories that resonate with readers of all ages. Born and raised in Brazil but a longtime resident of the United States, J.C. developed a love of storytelling at a young age, often creating tales inspired by his surroundings and personal experiences. After his teens, he dedicated himself to honing his craft, exploring a variety of genres and styles. His works often delve into themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, inviting readers to embark on emotional journeys alongside his characters. Jonathan Carter has published several novels, including The Vatican Secret, The Curse of Shadows, and the Cities of Passion series, each featuring his unique voice and imaginative storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for creating relatable characters, J.C. captures the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of growing up in a rapidly changing world. When he's not writing, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and sharing hobbies such as traveling, listening to music, and playing soccer that often inspire his stories. He continues to write, share his stories, and connect with readers through social media. J.C. believes in the power of storytelling to transform lives and is dedicated to creating narratives that inspire, entertain, and provoke thought. With each new release, he invites readers to discover the magic of fiction and the beauty of the written word.

Book preview

VOLCANO FLAMES

Jonathan Carter

Chapter 1

Aloha to Adventure

The golden rays of the Hawaiian sun stretched luxuriously across the tarmac as the Rodríguez family disembarked from their flight, an electric buzz of excitement coursing through their group like a warm breeze. Pablo Rodríguez, a jovial middle-aged man with streaks of silver threading through his dark hair, led the way with an unmistakable air of enthusiasm. His wife, Elena, radiated gentle poise and warmth, clutching a vibrant travel guide while sporting a wide-brimmed sunhat that seemed almost comically large for her petite frame.

Their four children trailed behind, each embodying a mix of curiosity and anticipation: Sofia, the eldest at seventeen, balanced a well-worn sketchbook under her arm, eager to capture the world around her; Carlos, a spirited sixteen-year-old with a knack for adventure, bounced on the balls of his feet; Maria, the bright-eyed fourteen-year-old, held her camera tightly, ready to document their escapades; and little Diego, just ten, stood wide-eyed and enchanted by the swaying palm trees and the azure sky, his small fingers brushing against the tropical foliage.

As the family made their way to their resort in Honolulu, the landscape unfolded like a vibrant map of their dreams. The resort was a sprawling oasis of tropical splendor, featuring lush gardens bursting with colorful blooms, cascading waterfalls that gurgled like laughter, and a breathtaking view of the ocean that left them all momentarily breathless. Upon checking in—with the resort's friendly staff welcoming them with fragrant leis and warm smiles—the family settled into their rooms, reveling in the luxurious surroundings. They soon gathered on their balcony, the salty breeze ruffling their hair as they gazed out at the turquoise waves crashing against the shore, mixing with the lively hum of the city below.

Three weeks in paradise! Pablo declared, raising a tall glass of freshly squeezed pineapple juice, the bright yellow nectar catching the sunlight. To the best vacation of our lives! His voice was filled with infectious excitement.

The others cheered enthusiastically, their voices mingling with the distant melody of waves breaking on the beach. For a moment, time seemed to stretch infinitely, and everything felt perfect.

The following morning, the Rodríguez family excitedly attended a welcome breakfast organized by the resort. It was under a beautiful thatched-roof pavilion that they met the other twelve tourists who would join them on their much-anticipated camping trip. Among the newcomers was Mr. Hernández, a charismatic man with a weathered guitar slung casually over his shoulder, whose lively spirit quickly drew everyone in. With him was his teenage son, Alex, whose charm and easy smile immediately caught Sofia’s attention, sending her heart fluttering a bit faster.

An older couple, the Murphys, entertained the group with vivid tales of their many travels, their laughter resonating warmly across the tables. A young newlywed couple, flush with the joy of their honeymoon, eagerly documented every moment with their smartphones and cameras, their energy infecting the atmosphere.

As the families mingled over colorful platters of tropical fruit—juicy mangoes, sweet pineapple, and ripe papaya—alongside an array of pastries adorned with coconut flakes, a resort staff member approached their table. He was an older Hawaiian man named Kimo, whose face was lined with the wisdom of countless sunsets and whose eyes sparkled with a depth of understanding. He offered them a warm smile, but his tone took on a gravitas that commanded attention.

Aloha, friends. Welcome to our beautiful islands, Kimo began, his voice rich and melodic. We are truly honored to share our home with you. But I must remind you, these lands are not solely ours. They belong to our ancestors and the spirits that walk among us.

The group exchanged curious glances, a sense of intrigue settling over them as Kimo continued. Here in Hawaii, we speak of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. She is a force of both creation and destruction. If you choose to visit her domain, I implore you to show respect. Do not take from her land, and do not bring pork near the Pali Highway.

Pork? Maria asked, her brow furrowing in confusion, intrigued by the gravity of his warning.

Kimo nodded solemnly, a seriousness shadowing his warm smile. It is said that Pele and the demigod Kamapua’a, who was half-man, half-pig, had a fierce love that spiraled into an even fiercer breakup. Their spirits agreed never to meet again. If you dare bring pork to the Pali Highway, you may anger Pele, as it reminds her of Kamapua’a.

Sounds like an old wives’ tale, Mr. Murphy scoffed, seemingly unconvinced, but his wife nudged him gently, her expression etched with concern and a hint of reverence.

Pablo, ever the skeptic, chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. Don’t worry, Kimo. We’ll leave Pele’s pork behind. He winked, aiming for levity, but Sofia felt a chill dance down her spine despite the warm morning air. Kimo’s words echoed in her mind like the final, unresolved notes of a haunting melody.

The first few days of their vacation unfolded in a delightful whirlwind of vibrant experiences that thrilled the Rodríguez family to no end. They reveled in the beauty of stunning beaches, where the sun danced upon azure waves and colorful umbrellas dotted the shoreline like cheerful blossoms. Each day was an adventure; they attempted to surf, laughter mingling with the sound of crashing waves, as they struggled to find their balance on the boards—some hits and many splashes, but all filled with exhilaration and joy.

Sofia, in particular, became captivated by the island’s rich culture, letting it envelop her like a warm embrace. She spent hours sketching the graceful movements of hula dancers, their bodies flowing rhythmically to the haunting melodies that filled the air. She carefully captured their fluid forms, meticulously detailing the intricate floral patterns that adorned their traditional clothing, each petal and frond imbued with a history and significance that spoke to her artistic soul. Yet, amid the sun-soaked days and the family’s laughter, she felt a twinge of unease that she couldn’t quite shake—the haunting memory of Kimo’s warning lingered in her thoughts, casting a shadow over their tropical adventure.

One balmy evening, excitement filled the air as the family attended a luau held under the vast starlit sky. The rhythmic pounding of the pahu drum echoed intoxicatingly around them, as dancers moved gracefully, their bodies weaving through the night like whispers of the wind. A storyteller, her voice rich and lyrical, recounted the ancient legend of Pele, the fiery goddess of volcanoes. As the words flowed like a river, Sofia felt an unexpected connection to the tumultuous emotions encapsulated in the tale—Pele’s passion, her fury, and the heartbreak that followed her once-great love. Something within Sofia stirred; it felt like a hint of longing, a desire to uncover her own purpose, or perhaps a buried power waiting to be named.

Sofia, you’re staring into space again, her sister Maria teased, snapping a candid photograph of her mid-daydream.

Just thinking, Sofia replied with a dismissive wave, but inside, she felt herself teetering on the precipice of some vast, unknowable truth.

As they neared the end of their second week, an announcement from the resort cast a new veil of excitement over the family. The staff was organizing a three-day camping trip to the majestic base of Mt. Olympus, a dormant volcano surrounded by dense, emerald rainforest. The prospect of sleeping beneath the stars with the towering ancient mountain as their backdrop sent ripples of enthusiasm through the Rodríguez family.

It’ll be an adventure we’ll never forget, Carlos exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. Who gets to camp by an actual volcano?

Pablo, ruffling his son’s hair affectionately, added, That’s the spirit! We’ll have tales to tell for decades to come. The family was electrified by the thought of this new escapade.

Yet, as they busied themselves with preparations, Sofia couldn’t shake the uneasy sensation creeping along her spine. She caught sight of Kimo standing silently in the resort lobby, observing the group with a somber expression that sparked a flicker of worry in her heart, as if he were silently urging them to reconsider their plans.

The morning of their departure dawned bright and clear, and their group set out in a convoy of jeeps, leaving the comforting safety of the resort behind. The journey led them along winding roads lined with lush greenery that spilled out toward breathtaking vistas. However, as they neared the forest bordering Mt. Olympus, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The sunlight filtering through the dense canopy overhead appeared draped in a golden-red hue, casting an otherworldly glow, while the rhythmic hum of insects and birds filled the air, producing a sound akin to an ancient chant.

Does anyone else feel like we’re being watched? Maria