Lagoon 15

Chapter 15 The Mushroom Effect 

I crouched by the footprints, carefully examining them. 

Elsa had a tall, slender build and wide feet. 

But the prints here were from smaller, narrower feet–likely belonging to local natives. 

There were two distinct sets–both likely women. 

I followed the prints for a while, but they disappeared after crossing a stream. 

It looked like the women had stepped onto rocks and left no further trail. 

I returned to the cave and saw Lily, Hailey, and Alice sorting the mushrooms they had picked. 

Hailey was explaining to Alice, “Poisonous mushrooms look pretty but are dangerous. They often contain neurotoxins that cause hallucinations—or worse.” 

She held up a mushroom. “This one’s edible. Non–toxic mushrooms are usually pale, solid colors–whites and grays. Like this gray one—it’s safe. But this white mushroom with red spots? Dangerous.” 

Listening to her detailed breakdown, I couldn’t help feeling grateful. 

I had taken Hailey in because she seemed pitiful, and because she’d been bitten protecting me. 

Now it was clear I’d made the right call. 

She wasn’t just pretty–she could cook, and she was great at identifying food 

Sources. 

Suddenly, Hailey looked puzzled. “What kind of mushroom is this? I’ve never seen it. Lily, you’re the botanist. Do you recognize it?” 

Lily took the semicircular gray mushroom from her and inspected it. “Strange… I’ve never seen this before. It’s not in any of the textbooks either. I’ll add a little to my dinner tonight and test it myself.” 

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I asked, concerned, “Isn’t that risky?” 

Lily picked a piece the size of her thumb. “Just this much. Even if it’s poisonous, it won’t be lethal. As a botanist, I get to name new species–that risk is worth it.” 

At dinner, Lily crushed the unknown mushroom and added it to her fish soup. 

She tasted it and smiled brightly. “Wow, I didn’t expect this to taste so good. The mushroom makes the broth so much richer.” 

Alice walked over curiously. “Can I try a little?” 

Lily shook her head firmly. “No. I don’t know if it’s toxic. If something happens, I don’t want anyone else affected. Let me take the risk.” 

She quickly ate the soup and fish herself. 

Watching her enjoy it, I suspected she just didn’t want to share. 

After dinner, Lily remained completely fine. 

Even at bedtime, there were no symptoms. 

In fact, she seemed energized–like someone who’d had too much coffee. 

Before sleep, I shared the news about the footprints. 

With a serious expression, I said, “Besides us and Elsa, there are at least two other female survivors on this island. They haven’t found our cave. They’re headed deeper inland.” 

I added, “For safety, we’ll assign three people to stand guard tonight–each for three hours. That way everyone’s alert.” 

The women nodded. 

As usual, I took the 9 p.m. to midnight shift. 

I leaned against the large tree outside the cave, scanning the area with sharp eyes. 

With food and stability in the past few days, my libido had started to rise. 

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Tonight was no exception–I was hard, straining in my pants. 

Then I heard a soft sound behind me. 

I turned and saw Lily walking barefoot toward me–completely naked. 

Her face wore a seductive, almost eerie smile. Her skin glowed faintly red. 

She came to me, sat on my lap, and silently tugged at my clothes. 

Her eyes were bright, fixed on me, strangely vacant. 

I realized something wasn’t right and called her name. 

But Lily didn’t respond. She kept tearing at my clothes, wrapping her arms around 

1. me. 

Her breasts rubbed against my chest–her body radiated unnatural heat. 

This wasn’t normal body temperature. 

I shouted toward the cave, “Hailey! Come quick–something’s wrong with Lily!” 

Hailey rushed over and tried to pull Lily off me. 

But Lily was in a frenzied state. She shoved Hailey away and reached for my pants. 

Her movements were rough. I feared she might actually hurt me. 

She yanked my pants down and completely delirious–lunged at me. 

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