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“It is beautiful.” Sypha moved to stand closer to Rieka.

Rieka turned to the Atlantean, impeccably dressed in all white. They wore a long loose white shirt with white three-quarter pants and sky-high stiletto heels. Even with the heels, Sypha barely reached Rieka’s shoulders.

Rieka turned once more to the mosaic and focused on the tiny details of the tiles. Each piece had been painstakingly painted by hand. It was a shame they had hidden it for so long. What was more terrifying to think about was that it could remain hidden until the next Jimourt if they didn’t find another entrance. The rest of the world shouldn’t forget it. The iconography of the mosaic was different from anything the Atlanteans had officially released. Vandana had always been painted as a maiden and martyr. Here, she could see the other side of the queen—evidence of the stories her mother had told her. If she closed her eyes, she could hear her mother’s awe-inspired whispers describe every part of the image. As if Lilian had seen it in person. But that was not possible.

The headache she had been fighting against all day was back with a vengeance. “How old is the Arx?”

If she could confirm its age, she might identify the link between the image and her mom. She had never realized how much of an enigma her mother had been. Lilian had never disclosed her age or the House she had descended from. As a kid, it hadn’t bothered Rieka. But now, it felt like a part of her was missing something, an answer to a question she shouldn’t need to ask.

The domed ceiling was mainly decorated by midnight-colored tiles with small white specks placed erratically to denote the stars. A replica of an ancient constellation. It was nothing like the night sky she was used to seeing, but there was something familiar about it.

Rieka glanced at her watch. It would be hours before she could access the statue in person. She was going to count down every second. Even the mosaic didn’t compare to getting her hands on the statue and seeing if their eyes matched. She didn’t know what she would do if they did. Her only family was an estranged father and a younger half sister, both of whom would not have the answers she needed.

“The original structure is eight thousand years old,” Idris explained as he walked toward them. “But, like many ancient buildings, they built it on the ruins of an older temple. We think the foundations of the building date back to thirteen thousand years ago. I’m clearly boring someone.” Idris gave Sypha an exasperated look. His eyes twinkled in mirth. “I told you, Sypha, one day you would appreciate the past.”

“I will never understand the obsession with the past. I am far more interested in the future,” Sypha said with a bright glint in their dual-colored eyes. They leaned forward as if they were revealing a secret. “And the endless possibilities.”

“Not all of us can focus on the future.”

It felt like she was only hearing a part of the conversation and not the interesting part.

Sypha looked at Rieka. “The gala begins in less than two hours.”

And? Rieka had plans, and they did not involve being surrounded by rich Atlanteans. Sypha raised a perfect blonde eyebrow. Idris appeared to be distracted by his nails.

Not likely. “Excuse me?”

Sypha took a deep breath and visibly counted to three.

It was the first time Rieka had seen the Atlantean show any emotion.

“The gala is the first official event of the Jimourt. It is the most sought invitation within Atlantean society. It is a great honor to be given this opportunity to attend.” Sypha looked over at Idris.

The silent conversation between Sypha and Idris continued. “You are still not selling it.” Nope, there was nothing she wanted to do less. Falling into an abyss filled with spiders was better than dealing with a nest of Atlanteans. There was a reason she stayed away from them. “Unless I’m allowed to wear jeans, I think we have a problem.”

Sypha smiled.

Rieka’s heart sank. She really didn’t like what it meant and knew instinctively that this was not an argument she could win.

“I came prepared.”

Chapter 22

“Youcanbreathe,”Syphasoftly prompted.

Rieka stood preternaturally still. Sypha had sewn her into the dress, and she could scarcely breathe, but she was in awe of what stared back at her.

Sypha was a miracle worker.

The color of the dress was an almost perfect match for the streaks in her hair, and a replica of a certain Atlantean’s eyes.

Hard to miss the statement from Sypha.

Glancing down, she half-smiled. For once, she had decent-sized cleavage. Although, if she wasn’t careful, she had the potential to flash a brown nipple. When she had first glimpsed herself, for a moment, she had seen Lilian looking back at her. And she had almost forgotten why she was there. The tip of the silver pendant was nestled between her breasts, out of sight. It was the only thing she owned. Everything else was from Sypha and had magically appeared, like the work of a fairy godmother. The mirror revealed a woman who appeared graceful, sophisticated, and put together. It was very far from what she normally wore.

She felt like a damn queen.

Sypha stood next to her, glowing in their white ball gown. The delicate material almost appeared to have been painted on them. The chiffon cape draped carelessly across them.