Ava's POV

 

One day, as we were standing on the deck, William put his hand on my shoulder and said gently, “Ava, I understand that this all must feel strange and new to you. But I promise, you have nothing to be worried about. We’re your friends, and we’re here for you.”

 

I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. “Thank you, William. That means a lot to me.”

 

The Crystal Tide was sailing through the open seas, and William and I gazed up at the stars. William looked like his mind was lost in deep thought.

 

"It's funny, you know?" I said, breaking the silence that had settled between...