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Neréthia emerged from the glittering blue with her pale fur slicked close against her frame, seawater streaming from her in silver rivulets. Between her jaws hung an enormous fish, broad-bodied and gleaming, its tail carving a crooked trail through the white sand as she hauled it beyond the reach of the tide. Colorful shells scattered beneath her paws, clicking softly amid the distant, mournful songs of whales.

At last, she released her prize with a wet thud and lifted her chin, breathless but visibly pleased with herself. A catch such as this deserved admiration—and perhaps assistance, though she would sooner return it to the sea than admit as much.

Her ears shifted toward the golden grasses behind her, watching the strands sway in the gelte breeze.

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