Rebecca felt as though she had dreamed an impossible, beautiful dream. She was still living happily in that little castle. Her father and eldest brother were busy with their work, while her mother and brother tucked her in. Nothing had changed.
When she opened her eyes and saw Ian's face, she truly felt as if she were still dreaming.
"You're awake. You've been asleep all day. I'll ask Aunt Anna to come up and help you get cleaned up." Ian stroked her somewhat dry hair.
It was nearly evening now, and the Leviathan had been anchored in this sheltered spot for several hours.
Rebecca clung tightly to Ian, her voice choked with tears and her words a little slurred. "They're all dead. They couldn't find you, but they said you were dead too. I don't believe it. I don't believe it..."
Ian had a hard time calming her down. She'd been through too much today, swinging from joy to grief, and she hadn't eaten all day. She could easily get sick.
Ian sat Rebecca on the chair in front of the vanity. She still looked haggard in the mirror, but her spirits had improved considerably.
"All right. I'll get dinner ready. Let Aunt Anna help you wash up, and then I'll introduce you to some new friends, okay?"
Rebecca reluctantly let go of Ian's hand. "Are Uncle Luca and the others here?"
"Of course. Every one of them."
At that moment, Anna, Luca, and the others were gathered on the main deck, chatting. Ian opened the door, and they all looked over.
Ian beckoned to Anna. Relieved, she hurried over.
As the castle's head maid, Anna had looked after Ian since he was a child, so she was closer to him than the others were.
Ian looked at Anna, who