Chapter 2: Sound of the Sea

Silence lasted only three seconds before panic swallowed the ballroom.

Immediately, guests rushed from their seats as Gabriel crumpled onto the stage with a heavy thump. Crystal glasses shattered, as reporters surged forward, and security struggled to hold back the growing crowd. The orchestra stopped playing, leaving only frightened whispers of people’s voices beneath the glittering chandeliers. “Call an ambulance!” someone shouted. Mama Yatta reached her son first, dropping to her knees beside him. Gabriel’s eyes were open, but they searched the ceiling as though he were looking beyond it.

Gabriel!”she cried, gripping his shoulders. Can you hear me? His lips trembled, they won’t stop…” he murmured, what won’t stop? His mother asked. “The waves.” She looked around in confusion. The ballroom was perfectly still. Chief Manni forced his way through the crowd. The confidence that had filled him moments earlier had totally vanished. His gaze fell on Gabriel, then instinctively drifted toward the Atlantic beyond the towering glass windows. He felt angry. Doctors attending the gala hurried onto the stage. One checked Gabriel’s pulse while another shone a light into his eyes. “His vital signs are normal,” the physician said quietly and here’s no sign of a stroke. Then why can’t he answer us? Mama Yatta asked. Before anyone could respond, Gabriel grabbed his father’s wrist with surprising strength that baffled everyone around. His eyes locked onto the antique gold ring. “They’re angry,” he whispered. A chill crept through Manni’s body. Gabriel’s grip loosened as exhaustion overtook him. Within moments, he drifted into unconsciousness.

Around them, cameras continued recording every second and the celebration was over. It was immediately replaced by questions. Outside, thunder rolled across the Atlantic, though the night sky remained clear. As paramedics wheeled Gabriel toward the waiting ambulance, Manni remained shocked near the stage. He immediately dialed Selene's number and she answered immediately, her voice came in broken gasps. “Dad…” A sharp cry echoed through the speaker. “…I can’t move my legs.”