The voice was so familiar that it immediately caught Nathaniel and Safiya's attention. They turned toward the source and finally saw the person they had been eagerly awaiting—Ash.

Safiya was completely stunned as if turned to stone. She stood there and stared at Ash silently.

"Hey, Safiya," Ash said.

"Ash... Is it really you?" Safiya replied, her voice trembling with disbelief. She moved to step forward, but Nathaniel stopped her.

"Careful, this might be an imposter!" Nathaniel said.

Nathan