Chapter 4 — Rumors and History

Third Person

The morning air carried the briny tang of the sea as Ivy stepped out of Mariner’s Haven and onto the cobblestone streets of the town. A soft golden light filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns onto the ground. The faint crash of waves in the distance blended with the sounds of the town square stirring awake. A busker’s gentle guitar strumming floated through the crisp air, weaving itself into the chatter of shopkeepers unlocking their doors. Ivy hugged her leather notebook close to her side, the weight of her curiosity pressing against her chest with every step. The hotel’s secrets seemed to whisper at the edges of her thoughts, teasing her forward.