That night, the tide retreated farther than Lina had ever seen. The sea peeled back from the cliffs, exposing dark stone and hidden paths.

  The humming grew stronger, layered like overlapping voices.

  She tucked the letter into her coat pocket and followed the winding trail down the cliffside.

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  The largest cave yawned open before her. Cool air spilled from within, damp and mineral-rich.

  The humming vibrated in her chest.

  For a moment, fear rooted her in place. Then curiosity pushed her forward.

  She stepped inside.