"Alright, listen up," Dolores began, "Today's group will be accompanied by... umm..." She paused, flipping through her notebook, searching for the name she seemed to have forgotten.

  At that precise moment, a tall, muscular man entered the room, immediately capturing everyone's attention. His imposing physique suggested considerable strength, and his crossed arms further emphasized his defined muscles. A scar across his right cheek added a touch of ruggedness to his face, but his eyes, serene and calculating, conveyed a calmness that contrasted with his intimidating appearance.

  "Oh, no..." Dolores murmured. She quickly raised her notebook in front of her, using it as a shield to partially hide her face.

  "Formation!" she ordered quickly, trying to regain control of the situation. Those present hurried to organize themselves, adopting strategic positions where the newcomer could see them clearly.

  He, however, didn't seem interested in the preparations. With firm, deliberate steps, he walked directly towards Dolores. In his hand, he carried a bouquet of vibrant flowers, whose colors stood out against his dark attire. He stopped in front of her and, with a half-smile that softened his usually stern expression, extended the bouquet towards Dolores.

  "Ahh... hello, Carlos," Dolores glanced at the bouquet for a brief moment. Gently, she took it from his hands and placed it aside. "Do you already know why you're here, right?"

  Carlos leaned towards her with a respectful bow. "Of course, my lady," he replied, his voice firm and laden with sincerity. Every word born from the heart.

  Murmurs began behind her. Some of those present exchanged curious glances, others seemed impressed by the unexpected gallantry. Dolores spun around on her heels, her face now flushed with an intense blush.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  "Silence!" she ordered, her voice firm but clearly affected by embarrassment. The murmurs ceased immediately, although some smiles still lingered on the faces of the curious onlookers.

  Dolores sighed deeply, bringing a hand to her forehead as if trying to calm herself. Then, straightening her posture and recovering some of her usual composure, she looked directly at Carlos.

  "Carlos," Dolores said, striving to maintain a professional tone, "would it be possible for you to guide us now?"

  He nodded slowly and, without saying a word, turned and began to walk, aware that his presence had already caused enough commotion.

  Carlos walked with a firm step down the main corridor of the cruise ship, his imposing figure standing out even among the crowd of passengers and workers. Behind him, Selene followed, her steps light and barely perceptible on the polished floor. Behind her, the rest of the group advanced in silence.

  Bringing up the rear, Dolores watched everyone attentively, making sure that no one fell behind or lost the rhythm. She carried her notebook in her hands, as always.

  The corridor was illuminated by magical lights that floated in the air, creating an effect of moving constellations. The sound of footsteps mixed with the murmur of conversations and the soft hum of the cruise ship's mechanisms.

  Soon, the guide led them to a less traveled section, where a series of long, narrow staircases descended to a more technical area of the cruise ship. The stairs were made of a metallic material that resonated with each step, and the walls were covered with pipes and magical runes that glowed softly, projecting blue and green flashes onto their faces. Selene felt the runes seem to vibrate faintly as she passed close by, as if responding to her presence.

  As they descended, the bustle of the main corridor faded away, replaced by a silence only broken by the echo of their footsteps. The light became dimmer, and the air felt colder, as if they were entering a place set apart from the rest of the cruise ship. Each step seemed to take them further from the outside world, until they finally reached the bottom of the stairs. Carlos opened a heavy door that led to an outdoor platform. The door closed behind them with a metallic, resonant, and definitive sound, and suddenly, Selene found herself in an open area. The wind blew gently, moving strands of her crimson hair, and the sound of the Crystal Sea filled the air, a distant but constant roar that enveloped everything around them.