As they walked across the beach, the mist swirled around them, casting eerie shadows on the sand. Ann felt a shiver run down her spine, but Mino seemed to be in his element.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the mist. She was an old woman, her face wrinkled and worn, with a wild tangle of gray hair cascading down her back. Her eyes gleamed with a knowing light, and she regarded Mino and Ann with a piercing gaze.
"Ah, Mino," she croaked, her voice like the creaking of ancient trees. "I've been expecting you."
Mino smiled, bowing his head in respect. "Ah, Eira, I thought you were dead." he said. "I've brought someone with me. This is Ann."
Eira's eyes flickered to Ann, and for a moment, Ann felt like she was being weighed and measured. Then, the old witch nodded, her face creasing into a thousand wrinkles.
"Ah, yes," Eira said. "I've heard about you. You're the one who's been asking questions."
Ann felt a surge of curiosity. How did this old witch know about her?
