The sun gleamed bright over the harbor, glittering across the ocean like scattered diamonds. The SS Nautilus towered over everything in sight, a floating city of steel and glass. It stretched nearly twelve hundred feet from bow to stern, its sleek white frame gleaming like polished ivory. At two hundred and fifty thousand gross tons and taller than most city skyscrapers, the ship dwarfed the line of passengers waiting to board. Children squealed with excitement, parents struggled with luggage, and cruise attendants smiled warmly as they guided families toward the gangway.
Ryan and Kyan stood in awe, necks craned back so far they nearly tipped over.
“It’s HUGE,” Kyan whispered, clinging to Alexia’s hand. “Like… like a whole kingdom on water.”
Ryan nodded vigorously, his wide eyes tracing
