Chapter 36:
The waves crashed violently against the tiny fishing boat.
Rain soaked Emily’s coat as she gripped the wheel with trembling hands.
She had no destination.
Only one purpose.
Protect the journals.
Behind her, the lighthouse burned against the dark sky like a giant torch.
Emily whispered through her tears,
“Thank you, Grandma.”
The flames reflected across the ocean…
Then, with a deafening roar, the lighthouse collapsed into the sea.
Grace Holloway was gone.
⸻
Emily sat in silence for a long time.
Finally, she opened the satchel.
The black journal lay on top.
Its leather cover was warm from where she had held it against her chest.
She slowly turned to the final pages.
A folded envelope slipped out.
Across the front, in Grace’s elegant handwriting, were the words:
