Lantern Beneath the Shingle

They saw her for the first time on a night when the tide came in too fast.The villagers of Hastings had gathered along the seawall, lanterns held high against the rising storm. The wind howled through the gaps in the old cottages, rattling shutters and carrying the sharp scent of salt and seaweed. Waves slammed against the rocks below, sending white spray into the air like ghostly breath.Someone s...