Page 159 of In Rising Tides

Her black hair hadn’t moved an inch despite her leaning against the shell wall the entire time.

Nerida raked her hazel gaze across the palace, and the merfolk lined up to greet them.

“It’s a bit much for a small,secretwedding, isn’t it?”

Lyra snorted. “Enna has always been … extravagant.”

Enna was the epitome of what a princess should be: heart-shaped face, chocolate-brown hair, and a kind smile. Lyra had always been jealous of her sister’s effortless beauty.

Nerida giggled. “That’s putting it nicely.”

As they exited the shell vessel, Enna and Adamaris bowed low.

“We weren’t expecting you so soon,” Adamaris said as he clasped forearms with Drystan.

“We would have been here sooner, but it was difficult to leave unseen,” Drystan replied. “You made sure no one knew we were arriving?”

Adamaris gave a curt nod as he retracted his arm. “Those who do know think you’re examining the temple ahead of the wedding tomorrow. No one suspects a thing.”

Lyra and Nerida shared a look, and Lyra’s chest ached.

They were getting married in secret today to avoid any bloodshed tomorrow.

“And the others?” Drystan asked.

“Here. They’ll travel with you to the temple,” Adamaris replied.

Lyra watched as Enna and Nerida hugged each other. She couldn’t help but notice how different and yet how beautiful they were.

Enna’s coral tail appeared the same shade as the coral that grew along the archway. Nerida’s saffron-colored tail matched the anemone that waved in the nearby courtyard.

It took a moment for Lyra to realize they were waiting—for her.

Their arms outstretched in welcome. It made Lyra’s breath catch in the back of her throat.

They were welcoming her.

Enna’s skin gleamed olive in the sunlight as she wrapped her arms around Lyra. And she couldn’t help but bury her face in her sister’s neck. Wisps of Enna’s chocolate-brown hair tickled Lyra’s nose.

“It’s a pleasure to have you home, sweet sister,” Enna breathed.

Lyra’s eyes burned, and she bit the inside of her cheek.

This was not the Atlantis she had known all her life.

Where was the animosity and brutality? Had such poison only flourished under her father’s reign?

Enna slipped her arm through Lyra’s and smiled brightly.

“Let me give you the tour,” Enna said as she led them through the archway.

Adamaris cleared his throat. “Dearest …”

Enna turned, her smile growing as she locked eyes with her husband. “I think they’re just here to see the temple.”

Adamaris looked from Enna to Drystan for confirmation, but Drystan’s eyes were on Lyra.

“Would you like a tour first, or after?”