By the time Luke and Ilyrana reached the descending path that led toward the hidden cove, the morning had already grown bright and alive. Sunlight spilt across the stone walkway, glimmering faintly against the iron chains that lined the cliffside as protection. The distant crash of waves echoed upward, familiar now, almost welcoming. It should have felt like every other visit they had made over the past weeks.
Instead, even before the cave entrance came into view, they heard voices.
Not the measured calls of sailors or the calm discussions of researchers—but laughter, chatter, children shouting somewhere ahead, and the unmistakable murmur of a crowd.
Luke slowed slightly.
"That… doesn't sound right."
Ilyrana tilted her head, ears twitching faintly as she listened. "There are many people."
And indeed there were.
