24 Chapter 24

The loose sand shifted beneath Taylor's feet as she walked. The waves rolled rhythmically in and out in a companionable whisper and shush. She felt a faint stirring of hope, certain that she was now heading where she was supposed to be going. As she trudged through the sand, a sudden movement and splash in the sea alongside her caught her eye. Something dipped below the surface, leaving large circles of ripples in the water. She caught the fleeting glimpse of a large finned tail as it disappeared, its purple scales glistening in the sun before it was gone. She stood where she was for several minutes and stared curiously at the spot, waiting to see if whatever had caused the splash would reappear, but the water remained calm except for the constant lap of the waves. With a sigh, she continued on.