The first bell shattered the carefully orchestrated harmony of the festival.
Alyssa Hardy stood alone in the crowded plaza, her emerald dress making her conspicuous among the sea of more subdued attire. The second bell rang, sharper than the first, and she watched the ripple of confusion spread through the assembled guests like a stone dropped in still water.
"What's happening?" a woman in expensive jewelry asked no one in particular.
"It's just part of the ceremony," her companion replied unconvincingly.
The third bell eliminated all doubt. Three rings, pause, three rings again. Alyssa recognized the pattern from her Naval upbringing—harbor lockdown. No ships in or out.
