The Secret of Drulea Cottage, Betwixt the Sea and Shore: Book 1

Prologue

A dark-haired woman hesitated at the bedside. Her mother lay so still, so peaceful. If not for her ragged breathing, she would almost look like she was already gone.

Slowly, the older woman's eyelids fluttered open to reveal strange amber eyes, identical to the ones now staring back at her.

"Come closer, peedie* freck*. Just na too close."

The younger woman's breath hitched at the term of endearment. It had been so long since her mother had called her that, so long since she had been a small child content to sit in her mother's arms.

She did as she was bidden, sitting in the chair nearest Bethany Fairborn's frail form. Now that Briony was closer though, the beads of sweat on her mother's forehead stood out more prominently.

Bethany coughed into her hand several times, making her daughter's heart clench.

"I shall always love you, my dear bairn*. Remember that, no matter what happens. And you must promise me something before I go," Bethany whispered with all the strength she could muster.

"Anything, Mum," the young woman answered.

"You must stay away from the water."

Briony looked down at the floor, holding back tears as she tried to get a handle on herself. She couldn't fathom why this was her mother's dying wish, why this was so important. Is her fear o' the sea really that strong? How can she hate it so much?

Briony felt the enigmatic pull she always did when she thought of the water. It called to her in a way she could neither explain nor understand. She had no reason to desire it as she did, for the sea had stolen her father from them years ago. At least, that was what her mother told her since Briony had no memory of the man.

She glanced out the window of the small cottage, wishing she could run to the waves that very moment and escape the expectation lurking behind her mother's eyes. No matter how Briony replied, she knew she would cause misery; the only question was who would have to bear it.

She turned back to her mother, ignoring the lump in her throat as she said, "I promise."

At hearing those words, Bethany gave her a resounding smile that lit up the room far more than the candles around them. Then, with a small sigh, she closed her eyes and relinquished her spirit.

Briony almost felt it depart, ascending from her mother's physical form before slipping away.

And it was at that precise moment that a series of blood-curdling howls filled the air. They rang throughout the entire village, filling everyone with dread as they rose from just beyond Everton's shore. The only person who didn't notice them was the young woman, herself, for the cries melded with her own moans of anguish as perfectly as if they had all come from the same throat.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Glossary:

Bairn-child

Freck-a child/animal who wants attention

Peedie-small

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