The Draven family outing had been perfect until the horizon shifted.
The afternoon sun cast a soft glow across the sand, and the air was heavy with salt and warmth. Mireya and Maxen were playing in the shallows, squealing as they tried to out-splash one another. Marina and Lea had just finished laying out more food, while Kael stood nearby, his military instincts never quite resting even during supposed peace. Hugo was watching the twins, his guard only lowering when their laughter filled the air.
That was when the sound came.
A low, guttural vibration, almost like the clicking of stones grinding against each other. At first, it seemed like the rustle of palm leaves in the wind. But Kael stiffened instantly, his sharp ears catching what others dismissed.
"Hugo," Kael said under his breath, "do you hear that?"
