Who Is He?

At half past midnight, Ella finally arrived at the pier. 

 

The dock was crowded with various types of boats, but at this late hour, only a few people lingered, smoking and drinking near the bow of their ships. 

 

As soon as Ella appeared, a man dressed in black stepped off a speedboat parked not far away. He looked like a local from S City and greeted Ella in the city's distinctive accent. 

 

"Hello, are you Miss Ella?" 

 

Ella froze for a moment before nodding quickly. "Yes, I am. Are you... the one sent to pick me up?" 

 

"A distinguished guest has instructed me to escort you to Ice Ocean Island. Miss Davis, please board the boat," the man said politely. 

 

Ella took a deep breath. 

 

The sea breeze was bitterly cold. She tightened her coat around her and stepped lightly onto the speedboat.