"Mother, put down the knife! It's me, Annie!" In the darkness, I saw my mother's tense face! Her breathing seemed more rapid than usual. When she recognized me, the dagger immediately slipped from her hand and fell to the ground with a crisp sound.
"Annie, you're finally here!" My mother hugged me joyfully. "Let's get out of here before your father comes back!"
"Where are we going?" I asked, puzzled. "You don't look well. I think we should get a doctor to check on you first! Mother, you need medical attention!"
"Enough, stop talking!" my mother shouted angrily. She picked up the dagger from the ground and pointed it at her neck. "I said you have to get out of here! Listen, Annie, you have to go to the Illya Islands. This is important to you! You have to believe me! If you stay in court, you will not only be hurt; you will even die!"