The wind stayed steady as the ship moved toward the bright shape of Pearl Island.
For the first time since the sea battle, everything felt normal again.
Puddle peeked over the railing. "The water isn't angry anymore."
Rhys chuckled. "Let's hope it stays that way."
Aria sat up, stretched her arms high, and groaned loudly.
"My whole body hurts. Next time a fish bigger than our ship attacks—someone else punches it."
Sophia calmly replied, "You jumped first."
Aria pointed at her. "AND I REGRET IT."
Caria closed her notebook. "At least we learned one thing — the sea here is dangerous."
Lyra nodded gently. "But we're through the worst of it."
Soon, the island grew bigger and clearer.
White beaches.
Tall pearl-colored trees.
Dozens of shops made of shells and coral lining the shore.
Boats of all kinds moving in and out of the harbor.
Aria's eyes shone like she was seeing treasure.
"Oh yes. That's my kind of place."
Sophia smiled tiredly. "Food first. Then shopping."
