Clara looked up to see who spoke to her—a beautiful redhead, average height, fearless siren eyes. Clara admired the girl’s athletic physique. The strange girl jumped into the boat without saying a word and expertly fired up the engines, and they glided across the water. Clara wondered how she got the keys from Zayan. Aside from the fact this strange girl looked familiar, she needed to know what was happening. 

“Who are you? ”Clara asked. 

“I’m Elina Will. Sorry for getting in like that,” she said, keeping her focus on the water while driving.

 Clara was beginning to admire Elina.

 “Oh, it’s nothing. There was no other way to get in other than to jump in.” 

Elina smiled. “You’re Clara White, and you are a freshman at Uniant.” 

“How did you know that? ”Clara asked.

 “Well, I heard your conversation with Zayan, and I saw you and your friends at the university’s entrance examination. Glad to know you made it,” Elina explained. 

“You have a sharp memory. So how did you get the keys? Or do you work at the seaport? ”Clara asked.

 “Well, I did live all my life around the seaport and know a lot about boats and ship repairs because my dad works there, and about the key, I stole it from Zayan. You seemed to have a soft spot for him from what I saw earlier; my advice is that is a big mistake. Zayan is the worst person to have around. Stealing his boat for a while might teach him some manners,” 

Clara chuckled. “that’s funny. So where are we headed? ”

Elina shrugged. “No particular direction. Got anywhere in mind? ”

She used her left hand to brush her hair away from her face, but it fell back into place. Clara watched Elina's effortless handling of the speedboat.

  “You’re good at this. How long have you been sailing? ”

Elina's gaze remained on the horizon. “I’ve been sailing since I was a kid. My dad’s a sailor, and I learned from him.”

Clara's eyes widened. “You’re good at it,” 

Elina grinned. “thanks. I've had plenty of practice.” 

As they sailed, Clara realized she hadn’t felt anxious or scared, despite being on the water. Elina noticed her relaxed demeanor.

  “Hey, Clara? You’re doing great. No hydrophobia kicking in? ”

Clara shook her head. “I guess not. You’re a good captain.”

Elina smiled. “thanks. I try to make my passengers feel safe.” 

Just then, Clara's phone buzzed. She answered, and Monica's worried voice filled the line. 

“Clara! Where are you? We've been trying to reach you! ”Clara filled Monica in on her rescue by Elina.

 “I was a damsel in distress but Elina rescued me,” Clara said. “We're on Zayan's boat.” 

Monica's curiosity was piqued. “who’s Elina?" 

Clara smiled. "You will see her soon. Can you and Annalise meet me at the dock? ”

Monica agreed. Clara hung up, and Elina turned to her. 

“Ready to head back? ”

Clara nodded. 

As Elina navigated back to the dock, Clara felt an unusual sense of calm thanks to Elina's reassuring presence. Elina soon arrived at the dock. Monica and Annalise waited, concern etched on their faces. Annalise and Monica boarded the speedboat. They hugged Clara.

 “I am so glad you’re alright.”

“You must be Elina,” Monica asked.

“Yes, I am,” Elina replied. 

“Thank you,” Monica said. 

Elina smiled. “no problem. Glad I was around."

"So, you’re Monica, right? "Elina asked.

"Yes, Monica West, and she’s Annalise Garcia,” Monica said, introducing herself and Annalise.

 Annalise is still fuming about Zayan's recent troubles. 

She turned to Elina. "You are Captain Will’s daughter? I’ve seen you around the seaport severally.” 

Elina smiled. “That’s right.”

Annalise nodded. “I’ve heard a lot about Captain Will. He's respected.” 

Elina cast off, navigating the speedboat into open waters. As they sailed off. 

Annalise continued. “Zayan is going to pay for this. He knew you were hydrophobic and still did this to you. It is bad enough that we are cousins. But messing with my friends is out of bounds.”

“I was thinking we could sail to the island,” Elina suggested, smiling. 

"That's perfect!! ” Monica exclaimed. 

Annalise nodded, still visibly upset. 

Clara hesitated. “I don’t know. It's a long way.” 

Monica's eyes sparkled. “Come on, Clara! It’ll be fun! We've never been to that island."

 Clara didn’t feel comfortable going to the island at all.