Karl leads a peaceful existence in a tiny seaside town surrounded by water and wildlife. He isn’t your typical fisherman; he has a seal as a friend. This seal isn’t just any seal; it’s a massive beast with a thick mane like a lion and a furious mind.

Karl and his seal seek Onebloods, a nasty fish that is renowned in town. Hunting these monsters is dangerous and tiring, but Karl accepts the task, demonstrating his strength and persistence. Much of his early life is shaped by the Oneblood hunts, which test his physical and mental abilities.

When Karl’s family relocates to the capital, he inherits their cottage. Karl, alone in the cottage, begins to settle into a solitary existence by the sea. This tranquil lifestyle is shattered when Louise, a vibrant and assertive lady, enters his life. Louise settles into the cottage and rapidly converts it into more than simply a lonely fisherman’s retreat. She transforms it into a cheerful and lively environment, even establishing her holiday booking business there.

Despite his normally guarded demeanor, Karl feels an overpowering affection for Louise, something deep and natural. Louise meets Karl’s seal, which is a pivotal milestone in their relationship. The seal, which is an important part of Karl’s life, appears to embrace Louise instantly. This moment proves to Karl that she belongs in his world.

Karl and Louise’s bond gets stronger over time. One of Karl’s most notable accomplishments is successfully hunting his first Oneblood, which transforms his life. The hunt is extremely challenging, forcing Karl and his seal to work perfectly together.

When they eventually succeed, the reward is great: enough money to ensure their future. Karl spends his profits on a diamond ring and proposes to Louise, beginning their married life together.

Karl and Louise eventually have two kids. The daughters provide fun and light to Karl’s life, yet they are completely different from him. They aren’t as interested in hunting or the water as he is. Instead, they choose basic pastimes such as fishing with their father. Karl shows them how to bait hooks with frozen squid and cast lines in the sea.

Though these fishing outings are significantly less exciting than hunting Onebloods, Karl discovers unexpected joy in them. The time he spends with his girls allows him to appreciate the beauty in commonplace occurrences. Even while the daughters are away, Karl continues to fish, finding solace in the simple act of angling off the rocks.

However, Karl is unable to totally escape his history. The sound of his seal striking the water, a repetitive clicking noise, remains in his consciousness. It’s a sound that reminds him of the weight of his past and the unresolved emotions he bears. Despite his comfort with Louise and the daughters, there is a sensation that something deeper, more haunting, is still pulling at him.

Karl is alone on the beach fishing on a stormy evening. The sand whips across his legs, and the wind howls all around him. As he walks back to the cabin, he observes a young man amid the debris scattered around the beach.

The young man is slender, with pale skin and pointed, bony features. He’s clutching a piece of driftwood and scrutinizing it intently, as if looking for something. Karl greets him with a casual “Evening,” but the young guy does not answer immediately. Instead, he turns and gives Karl an earnest glare. The interaction is unusual, but Karl pauses out of courtesy.

The young man introduces himself as Levi McAllister. He reveals that he’s looking for driftwood to make a coffin. This strange comment catches Karl off guard, but he attempts to be courteous. Levi’s demeanor is unusual—he appears practically removed from the world around him, concentrating solely on his unique occupation.

Karl volunteers to help, wondering what else to do. Levi refuses the offer and continues to pick through the wood, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Karl starts to feel apprehensive. Levi has a strange feeling about himself that he can’t quite put his finger on. When Levi mentions his sister, Karl believes she is sick or dying, but Levi swiftly clarifies that she is still alive and healthy. This merely adds to the intrigue. Karl continues on, asking how old Levi’s sibling is.

Levi responds that she’s 23. Karl had a realization at this point. The name “McAllister” reminds me of old myths of odd, undead monsters that emerge from the sea. These shell-covered critters are linked to inexplicable fires and frightening happenings, which frequently end in tragedy.

Karl can’t shake the idea that Levi’s presence is a negative sign. His mind races, fitting together parts of his life and the stories he’s heard. He recalls seeing one of these undead creatures when he was younger, while his seal was still forming.

The recollection fills him with dread. He knows that these creatures bring danger and that Levi’s arrival may signal the return of something dark and supernatural.

Despite the tension, Levi seems unfazed. He continues searching for wood, treating Karl’s concern as though it’s unwarranted. The conversation ends, but the encounter leaves Karl deeply unsettled. As he watches Levi, Karl is reminded of the power and mystery of the sea, a force that has shaped his life in ways he still doesn’t fully understand.

The story hints at an impending conflict, one that will likely force Karl to confront the ghosts of his past. His connection to the sea, the seal, and the legends surrounding the McAllisters seem to be pulling him toward something inevitable.

As Karl returns to his cottage, the warmth and safety of Louise and his daughters feel fragile, as if the life he has built could be disrupted at any moment.