As Selina explored the coral city, she noticed something odd. The beautiful seal-people, with their kind eyes and graceful forms, seemed… quiet. They moved with a gentle sadness, their usual playful flips and dives missing. Their hearts jumped for joy to see her, a newcomer, but their smiles were tinged with worry. Soon, she was gently guided to a magnificent grotto, sparkling with mother-of-pearl, where a wise and beautiful Seal-Queen awaited.
The Seal-Queen had eyes like deep, calm pools and a crown made of polished seashells. She welcomed Selina with a nod, but her voice was a soft, mournful sigh. 'Welcome, little land-friend,' she said. 'You wear the skin well. But alas, joy is a rare guest in our waters these days. We, the Selkie-folk, have lost our songs.'
Selina looked around. Indeed, there was no music, no joyous barking, no melodious hum that she expected from creatures of the sea. 'Lost your songs?' Selina echoed, her voice sounding bubbly in the water. 'How can that be?'