At the same time, far from the hospital's white walls, the world by the sea looked like a nightmare. The waves of the ghost sea rolled heavy and dark, glowing faintly under the blood-red sky. Even the moon, hanging high above, shone red, casting its strange light across the waters. Torches and lanterns lined the shore, flickering against the cold night air, their glow the only warmth in the eerie silence. The wind was sharp, carrying the salt of the sea, and the trees along the cliffs swayed like shadowy giants.
The ship stood massive at the dock, its hull painted black, its sails etched with the insignia of the Soulmariner Line. People rushed toward it in hurried groups, clutching bags and boxes, their voices low and urgent as they boarded.
