Page 128 of In Rising Tides

Ishmael cocked his head to the side. “There’s something unusual about the damage to the temple.”

Caspian nodded. “We all know the damage the recent earthquakes have wrought across our realm. It impacted the temples the most.”

Ishmael seemed to waver in his choice of words.

“Out with it,” Estria snapped.

Her nails clicked as she tapped them together.

Lyra wasn’t the only one losing her patience.

Ishmael looked to Drystan, and he glared. “Go on.”

“It destroyed a mural of Ennosidas and uncovered one of a … goddess.”

Flickers of surprise flashed across several faces, but most remained perfectly still.

“It was probably an ancient rendering of the first tribes,” Caius said, his attention swiftly scouring anyone for a hint of agreement.

Ishmael shook his head as he blew out a breath. “She was holding the trident.”

Tiandra’s name flashed in Lyra’s mind.

Evidence of their true goddess has been uncovered at last.

“Who else knows about this?” Rigel asked, his hands resting on narrow hips.

“Us and the acolytes,” Ishmael answered. “No one else.”

“I would have to see it for myself,” Lir growled.

Caspian pressed his lips into a thin line. “As would I.”

Hadrian, Ishmael, and Rigel remained silent.

“Very well. Go see it,” Drystan said, waving a hand as if to send them away immediately.

Ishmael grimaced. “It’s not that easy.”

Chill crept into the chamber. The water suddenly turned stagnant.

“You seek to keep us from the truth?” Lir asked, his eyes darkening.

Ishmael rolled his eyes, huffing a breath that sent tiny bubbles scurrying to the surface. “Not me. Aegir has locked down the temple.”

Drystan froze beside her, but the muscles along his shoulders twitched. “He knows about the mural?”

“Of course,” Ishmael said quickly. “Adamaris said they were in the process of trying to cover it up, but they were waiting for the proper supplies.”

Anxiety slithered up through Lyra’s stomach and wound itself around her chest.

“We cannot allow that if we want the truth to prevail,” she announced, her gaze locked onto Drystan’s profile.

He rubbed his hand across his cheek and jaw, floating languidly. His calmness unnerved her.

They were running out of time and needed to act quickly.

“What would you have us do?” Caius said with a hint of humor on his lips. “Wage war against the Tidal Master?”