Aziel released her hair from the hood, letting it cascade down her back like a shimmering waterfall.
She gathered her dress and tied it up to her knees, exposing pale legs that had never felt sand or sea.
With a tentative step and then another, she broke into a run toward the water.
Laughter spilled out of her as she splashed into the waves, the ocean embracing her with open arms.
"I'm really here,"
Aziel called out frantically, spinning in the surf as droplets danced around her.
She giggled like a child, lost in her own joy until her gaze fell on Julian.
Her cheeks flushed pink as she realized he was watching.
"Do you... want to play?" she asked shyly, pausing at the water's edge.
Julian sat down on the sand, his usual calm demeanor unruffled by the spectacle of Aziel's uninhibited delight.
He shook his head gently.
"I can't," he replied.
But Aziel's spirit was contagious. She wasn't going to take no for an answer.
Splash...
