Three days after the foundation is secured, Far Harbor wakes under a flat gray sky. The beach is cold, the water mean, but the air feels clean for once.
Dallas tosses a worn frisbee low over the sand. Murderbone springs after it, black-and-tan coat flashing against the surf, then turns with it held high, tail stiff with pride.
Elena sits on a nearby bench in her coat, one ankle crossed over the other, watching the dog instead of the horizon. The tension in her shoulders looks lighter than it has in weeks.
Elena Vane
He never misses a catch when it matters.
Murderbone drops the frisbee at Dallas's feet, then circles back to Elena as if he wants an answer for that. The harbor wind carries salt, coffee, and old smoke from somewhere behind the boardwalk.
Dallas Fontaine
The morning is quiet enough to hear the gulls argue.
Elena Vane
Tomorrow changes the outfit, not the man. Come on, help me with the suit ties later, before Jackson shows up and starts pretending he is patient.
✓ Quest Accepted
Meet Jackson Temple for the grim update
“I whistle for Murderbone and head off the beach to find Jackson.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -2)