Layla’s mouth dropped open, she was so astonished. And yet, as she gazed down at the strong, fierce Typhos, she realized Léviathan had been a manipulative bastard to all his sons. Though Reginald and Fury had gotten especially bad treatment as Hunter’s offspring, Léviathan’s actual sons had gotten little better. Layla saw how screwed up the family was because of it, though there was a sweetness in how all the siblings supported each other. Sinking to one knee also, Layla reached out, wiping a tear from Typhos’ cheek. His breath caught at her touch, his blue eyes blazing – as if he could feel the power of the Bind calling him.
“It’s ok.” Layla spoke with a wry smile. “Your dad sucks. He’s a fucking shithead for putting you in this position. He doesn’t seem like a very good King, or a father.”
“Father only thinks of his own agenda, rather than people’s hearts.” Atlantos spoke tiredly as he combed a hand through his silver-blond hair in a gesture similar to Reginald. Stepping in, he helped Typhos up as Layla rose also. “I’m hoping we can get through the Beltane celebrations tonight without incident, but I fear with you here right now, Layla, that may not be possible. Especially since you Bound Fury. I fear that if father makes a scene tonight over you… Reginald will answer.”
“Could Reginald fight Léviathan and win, if it came to it?” Layla asked, curious.
“We don’t know.” Atlantos spoke with a dark frown. “With Aldo and Fury Bound together now through you, they have the best chance, other than Leni.”
“Unfortunately, Reginald doesn’t want the Siren throne, and neither does Fury.” Leni took up the conversation with a dire glint in her eyes. “But if anyone battles father and slays him, they would be the next King – whether that battle is spontaneous or planned.”
“Wait. Slays him?” Layla blinked. “Someone would have to kill Léviathan to end his Kingship?”
“Sirens play for keeps when they battle for a top spot.” Rhennic spoke knowingly as he glanced to Layla. “The loser is slain; it’s Siren law. The winner cannot ascend a throne or become a Clan First unless they kill the previous occupant.”
“Jesus.” Layla blinked, suddenly realizing the problem. “So one of you would have to kill your father, not just best him to become the next Siren King or Queen.”
“Unfortunately, yes.” Atlantos sighed, locking eyes with Leni.
“You can see why our position is so tenuous, Layla.” Leni spoke as she glanced to Layla. “Us siblings born of the royal pair are the only ones who evencouldtopple Léviathan.”
“Do you want the Siren throne, Leni?” Rhennic asked, cocking his head and frowning thoughtfully. “You’re well-respected here, and technically in a Siren-battle, only the final blow need be made by the successor. Sirens have a history of taking down monarchs in groups. If all you siblings fought your father together, you could strike the final blow and ascend the throne.”
“As the strongest in the family after Aldo and Fury,” Leni spoke quietly, “I’ve been preparing for that possibility, ever since we found out Tempeste was dead. But all of us have yet to discuss such an action together.”
Layla was about to ask more when someone moved gracefully down the cliff-stairs. Glancing over, she saw Reginald, dressed in a dove-grey vest and trousers. He looked fierce with a dark thoughtfulness as he approached, though he brightened to see Layla and Rhennic at the tide pools with his siblings. Making a line for their group, his newly long hair shone like pure gold in the afternoon light. Rhennic turned as Reginald approached, and Layla saw a smile beam from him – as a deeply pleased smile lit Reginald’s austere face also. Embracing each other without any macho back-slapping, Rhennic pulled back, clasping Reginald by the shoulders.
“Aldo. Good to see you.” Rhennic growled fondly.
“Rhenn.” Reginald held a quietude as he gazed upon Rhennic, which made Layla perk. Releasing Rhennic and moving to her, Reginald gave her a kiss before nodding to his siblings.
“How are things with father?” Atlantos asked, frowning.
“Not well.” Reginald spoke, glancing to Rhennic. “Did Layla fill you in on everything?”
“She did.” Rhennic spoke with a wry smile, though Layla noted how they kept Hunter’s possible presence on the island confidential from Atlantos and Typhos. Since neither were part of the Bind, there was no way to confirm that Atlantos and Typhos weren’t actually Hunter in disguise. Reginald nodded absently, then removed the pearl clip that bound his hair back. As he curried his fingers through his long wealth of golden glory, detangling it from the wind, Layla was stunned by how gorgeous he was beneath the sunshine, even in his moment of distraction.
And she saw how Rhennic watched Reginald also – something deeply desirous sparking in his vivid lavender eyes. “That’s a lot of pressure on you right before Beltane tonight, Aldo.”
“You have no idea.” Reginald sighed, tired in a way Layla hardly ever heard from him. “It actually crossed my mind to cancel the week’s events, with things as they are. But you being here eases my worries, Rhennic. I can’t be in ten places at once, managing events and dealing with Léviathan and possibly Fury, plus looking out for Layla all at the same time. But Rhennic can stand by your side, Layla. Storm Regent, would you stay for Beltane this evening and escort Layla to our opening gala?” Reginald asked this last quasi-formally, though Layla could see that no formality was necessary between them.
“Absolutely.” Rhennic smiled. “I wasn’t expected back at Chambord yet anyway. Plus, there is no place I’d rather be for Beltane than with the two of you.”
It was not lost on Layla how Rhennic saidthe two of youas he glanced from Reginald to Layla, smiling with delight. As he said it, Layla suddenly remembered Beltane was the biggest orgy-party of the year in the Twilight Realm. And that every Siren would be unleashing their hottest mesmeric powers tonight.
A storm Rhennic was looking forward to, it seemed.
“I’m glad.” Reginald returned, with the slightest smile to Rhennic. As Reginald glanced at Layla, his oceanic grey eyes sparked hot beneath the high spring sun. As they flashed with gold, shining just like his beautiful hair, Layla suddenly knew there was no one she’d rather spend Beltane with, despite all the recent difficulties.
Two someones, as she glanced at Rhennic and he took her hand.
CHAPTER 24 – RISE
Layla, Reginald, and Rhennic dressed in her rooms for Beltane, preparing for an evening of revelry and danger at the Siren clan-home. Showered with a towel wrapped around her wet curls and another tucked around her, Layla moved to the incredible gown Reginald had given her for tonight. It was the evening-wearhaute coutureversion of her previous dress, done in the same blush and gold colors but far more decadent. Entirely beaded and slithering like a Siren’s scales, the silk was gossamer, millions of tiny pearls and diamonds glittering over it like light under ocean waves. With pearl straps, a plunging neckline and a draping open back with a long train, the slim 1930’s style was pure elegance. Sleek flutters of fabric dripping with pearls cascaded down it like fins, shifting as Layla brushed them, the train pearled also to create a flowing movement as she walked.
Like a Siren swimming through the deeps.
“Do you like it?” Coming to her side, Reginald reached out to touch the gown as Layla did, trailing his fingers across the beadwork.
