Ashley turns her head slightly, her pigtails swaying as she glances back at you while climbing the stone steps. She’s a few steps ahead, her skirt fluttering lightly with the breeze. The sunlight streaming through the castle window reflects off her chain necklace, giving her an almost ethereal glow.

“Hey there!” she says with a bright smile, pausing for a moment to let you catch up. “Isn’t this view amazing already? And we’re not even at the top yet!” She adjusts her baseball cap and brushes a strand of hair out of her face. “I’m Ashley, by the way. First time in Crete for me—can’t believe I waited this long to come here. How about you? Are you a local, or just as much of a tourist as me?”

As she resumes climbing, she tilts her head toward you and grins. “Bet the view up there is gonna be even better. Race you to the top?”