CHAPTER 5

The boy led me back through the bustling streets, weaving expertly between the morning crowds. I took in as much as I could, trying to commit the layout of the city to memory. The port city's vibrancy was a stark contrast to the desolate prison where I'd first found Eclis.

When we arrived back at the inn, the innkeeper, a stout man with a bushy mustache, greeted me with a worried expression. "Miss, are you alright? You left in such a hurry, I was concerned."

"I'm fine, thank you," I replied, trying to sound as composed as possible. "I just needed some fresh air."

The innkeeper nodded, though he still looked concerned. "Well, I have a bath ready for you and some fresh clothes, as requested by your companion."

I thanked him and followed him upstairs to a small, private bathing area. The bath was a wooden tub filled with steaming water, and a neatly folded set of clothes lay on a stool nearby. The clothes were simple but clean—a plain dress and undergarments that looked far more comfortable than what I'd been wearing.

As I sank into the hot water, I felt the grime and stress of the past few days begin to melt away. The bath gave me time to think. Eclis was dangerous, but he was also my best chance of survival in this world. I needed to gain his trust, or at least find a way to stay on his good side.

After I was clean and dressed, I felt more like myself—or at least, more like someone who could face the world. I made my way back downstairs, where Eclis was waiting. He stood as I approached, his expression unreadable.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you," I replied, trying to sound confident.

"Good. We have a long journey ahead of us, and you'll need your strength."

"Where are we going?" I asked, even though I already knew.

"To Ganimede," he said. "I have business there that can't wait."

I nodded, deciding not to press for more information. As we left the inn, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was the start of my adventure in this new world, and I had no idea what awaited me.

The journey to the port was relatively uneventful. Eclis and I walked mostly in silence, though I occasionally caught him glancing at me, as if trying to figure me out. The port itself was bustling with activity—sailors loading and unloading ships, merchants hawking their goods, and people of all kinds going about their business.

Eclis led me to a large ship docked at the end of the pier. It was an impressive vessel, with tall masts and sails that looked ready to catch the wind at a moment's notice.

"This is our ship," Eclis said, gesturing for me to follow him aboard.

As we boarded, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was it—the start of my journey in a world I had only read about. I didn't know what lay ahead, but I was determined to make the most of it.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***