The waves gently lapped against the raft, carrying them towards an unknown horizon, towards a future that was wild and unpredictable, but entirely their own. But as the day wore on, and the sun climbed higher, casting its golden light upon them, Arkan began to notice a faint, pulsating light in the depths below, a deep blue glow that mirrored the tattoo on his arm. It pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat, drawing his gaze downwards. What is that? he wondered, a prickle of unease mixing with his triumph. The ocean had brought them freedom, but it held secrets, too. And something was watching them from the deep. Something that hummed with a power he recognized, yet could not explain. It's still with me, he realized, whatever it is. Out here, in the vastness. What does it want?
The sun beat
