As he flung open the door the wind rushed in with such force that it beat him back, and the candle in the lantern flickered and lengthened like a naked flame.

He fought his way out furiously, slamming the door behind him.
Outside, the rocks crouched in the darkness in nameless shapes.

Thalassa prowled among them, struggling desperately with the wind, telling himself that she was safe--yes, by God, she was safe.

Of course she wouldn't stay on the rocks in that storm.

She would seek shelter.