By the second day of their voyage across the sea, the weather remained calm, and a warm summer breeze drifted across the deck.

The endless blue horizon stretched as far as the eye could see, while the rhythmic crashing of the waves against the hull filled the air with a peaceful melody.

Althea stood at the ship's railing, smiling as the breeze brushed against her skin. She and Gavriel had chosen to travel to Velmora by sea, as it was the fastest route.

"Wouldn't it have been safer to travel ...