[A few hours earlier…]
Anna lifted her eyes, her neck craning slightly as she looked ahead. The boat cut smoothly through the glittering waters beneath the bright summer sun, the surface shimmering like scattered glass.
Her face lit with anticipation.
As the outline of the mainland grew clearer, her heartbeat quickened, excitement rising with every passing moment.
"Are you sure about this, Anna?" came a voice from behind her, edged with concern. "I don't know… this doesn't feel right. Prince Kiev will be furious if he finds out we left without permission."
Anna turned, glancing over her shoulder at the speaker seated a short distance away. Aside from the boatman, only the two of them occupied the vessel—herself and the red-haired woman.
"Ouf! You're starting to sound like Callis already," Anna scoffed lightly. "We're almost at Sabel Island. Don't tell me you're thinking of turning back after everything we went through to sneak out?"
