THE REBORN MERMAID

CHAPTER 2

The Kingdom of Azurith had never looked more beautiful.

Golden lights shimmered across the underwater palace while glowing corals lit every corner of the kingdom. Music flowed softly through the ocean currents as servants swam hurriedly through the royal halls preparing for the upcoming celebration.

Pearl’s royal wedding was only days away.

And for the first time in a long while, she felt truly happy.

A soft smile rested on her lips as she stood in front of the mirror inside her chambers. Long strands of silver hair flowed around her while royal servants carefully placed pearl jewelry across her arms and neck.

“You look stunning, Princess Pearl,” one of the servants whispered.

Pearl laughed softly. “You’ve said that three times already.”

“Because it’s true.”

Pearl smiled shyly and looked back at her reflection.

A future queen.

It still felt unreal.

Even though she and Charles had grown up together, the thought of finally standing beside him officially filled her chest with warmth. Charles had always been kind to her. Gentle. Protective.

She truly believed they could become happy together.

A knock suddenly echoed through her chamber doors.

“Enter,” Pearl called softly.

The doors opened slowly.

Ella walked in.

Pearl’s smile brightened instantly.

“Ella!”

But her sister only gave a small smile.

“You seem excited.”

Pearl laughed quietly. “Of course I am.”

Ella swam closer toward her.

Her eyes slowly moved over Pearl’s appearance.

The jewelry.

The dress.

The happiness on her face.

Something cold flickered briefly inside Ella’s eyes before disappearing.

“You finally get everything you ever wanted,” Ella murmured softly.

Pearl frowned slightly.

“What do you mean?”

Ella smiled again.

“Nothing.”

For a moment, silence settled between them.

Then Pearl reached for her sister’s hand gently.

“I want you beside me during the ceremony.”

Ella looked down at their hands quietly.

“You still trust me that much?”

Pearl blinked in confusion.

“You’re my sister.”

Something about those words made Ella’s expression tighten for a brief second.

But then she smiled again.

A smile Pearl could never fully understand.

—

Days later, the kingdom overflowed with celebration.

Music echoed beautifully throughout Azurith while royal guests from neighboring kingdoms filled the palace halls. Massive glowing pearls floated above the ceremony grounds while colorful sea creatures swam gracefully through the currents.

Pearl stood at the center of it all.

Nervous.

Happy.

Her heart raced as she looked around at the decorations.

Everything felt perfect.

Then she saw Charles approaching.

Pearl smiled immediately.

Charles looked handsome in his royal attire, though something about his expression seemed distant. Tired, almost.

Still, Pearl ignored the feeling.

Maybe he was simply nervous too.

“You look beautiful,” Charles said quietly as he reached her.

Pearl smiled warmly. “Thank you.”

For a brief moment, silence passed between them.

Then Pearl noticed Ella standing nearby.

Watching them.

Her face looked calm, but her eyes carried something unreadable.

The ceremony finally began.

Music filled the water beautifully as Pearl slowly moved forward. The kingdom watched proudly while King Thalor stood beside the royal throne with emotion shining in his eyes.

Everything was perfect.

Until it wasn’t.

Pearl felt it suddenly.

A sharp shove against her back.

Her eyes widened in shock as her body lurched forward violently.

Gasps echoed around the ceremony grounds.

Pearl barely caught herself before crashing against the coral stairs below her.

Pain shot through her arm.

The music stopped instantly.

Silence swallowed the kingdom.

Pearl turned around in confusion.

Ella stood behind her.

Her face filled with fake shock.

“Oh my God,” Ella gasped quickly. “Pearl, I didn’t mean to push you!”

Pearl stared at her silently.

Something felt wrong.

Very wrong.

“You pushed me,” Pearl whispered.

Ella’s eyes widened dramatically. “It was an accident!”

The guests began whispering among themselves.

Pearl slowly stood up, still shaken.

Ella quickly swam closer toward her.

“I lost balance,” she explained nervously. “I swear I didn’t mean it.”

Pearl searched her sister’s face carefully.

But Ella already looked innocent again.

Like nothing had happened.

Charles finally stepped forward.

“Pearl, are you hurt?” he asked calmly.

Pearl looked at him in disbelief.

“That’s all you have to say?”

Charles frowned slightly.

“She said it was an accident.”

Pearl’s chest tightened painfully.

“You believe that?”

Charles sighed softly.

“Ella would never intentionally hurt you.”

Pearl stared at him.

Something inside her cracked slightly at those words.

Because for the first time—

She realized Charles always defended Ella first.

Always.

Even when Pearl was the one standing hurt before him.

Ella lowered her gaze, pretending to feel guilty.

“I said I was sorry.”

Pearl remained silent.

The joyful atmosphere around the ceremony had completely disappeared now. Uneasy whispers spread through the crowd while tension filled the water heavily.

King Thalor stepped forward immediately.

“That’s enough,” he ordered firmly.

Pearl forced herself to nod slowly.

“I’m fine.”

But deep inside—

She wasn’t.

And as Ella quietly watched her from the distance…

A small smile appeared on her lips.

Gone before anyone could notice.

Anyone except Pearl.

And suddenly—

For the first time in her life—

Pearl began to fear her own sister.