“Dawn was fast approaching and Edward had not slept a wink. The blue hour was upon Balmoral and the rough surface of the castle’s stone shone azure. Soon a narrow strip of burning orange would bring morning over the horizon. Everyone knew that today was the culling of the anomalies, and many were dreading it. In many cases these creatures were their friends, lovers or family members, but were now trapped within deformed shells which pounded and battered at their confines. They would destroy any pearl they could get close to, and in some cases attacked humans too. The key workers on-site were heavy-limbed with anticipation, but resolutely they made their preparations…”