Wheel of Fortune: Book 10 of the coming-of-age high fantasy serial (The Ravenglass Chronicles)

Glistening sands rippled into the distance, the Braun Sea no more than a greenish daub on the horizon.

Kat stepped from Nordturm's tunnels, appreciating the fresh air against her skin, the familiar smell of salt and seaweed on the wind. Goosebumps rose across her arms and legs, responding to the drop in temperature. Although ducts moved air around inside Nordturm, it was not until she ventured out into the open that she realised how warm, thick, and still the atmosphere was.

Scram walked with shuffling steps at her side as they trudged along the ramp towards the Kusten Road.

She wanted to say something, wanted to start a conversation, but a grim determination had set across his features. His usual demeanour was gone, replaced by a dour cloud that seemed to press on his back, sinking his head with grief.