Chapter 201

‘Remember,’ Ari instructed, his voice low. ‘Be quiet and patient. Don’t shove the spear in the hole; just nudge it gently. When you see a claw or something peeking out, that’s your cue.’ Elodie nodded, her gaze fixed on a promising burrow. She inched closer. The sand beneath her knees was already damp from crouching, but she barely noticed. The salty breeze carried the rhythmic crash of the waves, a constant counterpoint to the pounding in her ears. Suddenly, a flash of movement – a single, pale claw emerged from the hole, tentatively exploring the world outside. Adrenaline surged through Elodie. This was it. With a carefully controlled jab, she lunged the spear forward. Time seemed to slow down. The crab scuttled back, startled, disappearing into the burrow with a flurry of sand. Elodie froze, disappointed. She’d missed. Behind her, Ari chuckled. ‘Hey, not bad for a first try. Those little guys are fast. We’ll get one next time.’ He demonstrated. And sure enough, she caught one on the