The voice didn't come from the sea this time. Mirian was standing there, near the mast, her hair blowing in the wind, her gaze too serene for the moment.

“The Leviathan shows us what we hide,” she said. “It's not punishment. It's a reminder.”

Aurora took a deep breath. 

“He doesn't need to remind me of what I already know.”

“But that's not what he's trying to do.” Mirian took a step forward. The blue light from the runes illuminated her face, making ...