The square in front of the sea temple was crowded. The priestess, dressed in white, raised her arms and called for silence, holding an ancient vessel with pieces of paper bearing the names of the women chosen for the sea.

— May the blessing of the waves be upon us...

Then she stepped forward.

— I volunteer.

The crowd gasped in disbelief. The priestess studied her closely.

— Do you understand what you're doing?

— I know, but I want to.

A murmur ran through the crowd, but no one stopped her.

Later, dressed in a simple gown, she stood at the shore, her heart racing. The boat slowly drifted away, and the water became eerily calm.

She felt him.

Somewhere deep below, he was waiting.

When the first raindrops touched her skin, something cold and soft brushed her ankles.

She opened her eyes.

Dark, shimmering eyes stared back.

— You came, — his voice whispered in her mind.

She nodded.

And the water closed over her, pulling her into the depths.