The Skull Collector

Every year, the strongest youth of the island earn the honor of reaching the Golden Island.

Every year, they die.

As the tribe’s Shaman, he alone knows the truth behind the sacred ritual. The gods do not choose the worthy. The sea does not carry them to paradise. Instead, he gathers their bones, carves their stories into skulls, and hides the evidence of a lie that has shaped generations.

It was bearable—until this year.

Because this year, his son wins.