The sun hung low over the horizon, casting long golden lines across the waves. The water glimmered in soft orange and blue, the reef quiet beneath, calm for once. The breeze smelled of salt and leaves, warm and lazy.

Kiri sat at the edge of one of the woven walkways, her toes barely brushing the surface. Her curls were pulled back loosely, some strands escaping to frame her face. Rotxo floated half in the water below her, his chin resting on his folded arms where they crossed over her lap. He was dozing—barely awake—with his eyes half-lidded, breath even. Kiri absentmindedly combed her fingers through his damp hair, twisting a strand and letting it fall, her expression soft and faraway.

Neteyam sat beside them, his long legs submerged in the warm water. Tuk was curled up on his lap, little fingers tracing the tattoos on his arms as she murmured stories to herself. Neteyam leaned back on one arm, looking relaxed for once, his other hand cradling his sister protectively.

Aonung was in the water nearby, flicking bits of seaweed at Neteyam with a smirk, clearly trying to get a rise out of him. Neteyam tried to ignore it, raising an eyebrow silently. It only made Aonung grin wider, swimming closer and splashing his legs.

Lo’ak, of course, noticed and immediately cannonballed into the water just behind Aonung, sending a wave over the entire walkway. Tuk squealed, grabbing onto Neteyam. Rotxo blinked awake, water dripping from his face, Kiri shielding her eyes from the splash.

“Lo’ak!” Kiri laughed, shaking water from her hands.

“Worth it!” Lo’ak shouted, already swimming away.

Tsireya swam past them all, laughing gently, her voice carrying over the water. “You’re going to start a war again.”

And for the first time in a while… everything felt light. Peaceful. Together.