The ocean did not calm after the light appeared.
If anything, the water seemed to hold its breath.
The glowing column rising from the distant depths shimmered like a living beacon, twisting through the dark sea with an eerie, mesmerizing grace. It pulsed slowly, rhythmically, as though the ocean itself had found a heartbeat.
And that heartbeat was answering Aerin.
She could feel it.
The warmth within her chest responded every time the distant light flickered.
Call.
Answer.
Call.
Answer.
The connection was undeniable now.
Aerin gripped the balcony rail, her pulse racing. "She's waiting."
Noctyrr exhaled slowly beside her.
"Well that's… unsettling."
Caelum remained composed, though the sharp focus in his pale eyes betrayed the storm of calculations running through his mind.
"The Tidemother does nothing without reason," he said quietly.
Noctyrr gave him a sideways look. "Comforting."
Aerin turned to face them.
"I don't think she means harm."
