It hurt so much, but as a child, I held onto the only thing I knew, my father. Back then, I thought he might still care for me. I tried to tell myself in my emotional state that he hadn’t said those things, and for a time, I believed it. Until I got older, and that illusion was shattered. Sending the wave weavers after me was proof that he really doesn’t care. “And with her death, apparently, the title of being a curse is now mine to carry. Maybe I’m the reason this family was hurt, maybe I brought them bad luck.”
“You’re not cursed, Sira, you are just the way you’re meant to be and never think otherwise.” I look up through my tears at the man who has somehow become my strength and protector. Until he learns the truth, anyway.
“Thank you…” I whisper. He looks away as he begins to remove his boots.
“My mother was killed by sea sirens back in Alvazakh. Shedid nothing wrong, yet they lured her to her death, killing her. That’s why I want to kill them all and make them pay for hurting someone I loved. My father is pretty useless, too. He was never a good father. He raised both my brother and me ruthlessly. Growing up, all I ever knew was having to be the strongest, the most ruthless.”
“I’m sorry,” I say softly. He looks at me, those dark locks falling across his forehead. How do I tell him that not all sea sirens are bad? “I know you consider them bad for that, but an entire species can’t be lumped together.”
Even though some are cruel… like the evil ones who murdered my mother.
“Perhaps, but I don’t believe they hold the same humanity as other species.”
“They do; I’ve seen them. Innocent children and families. Morcant might be a monster, but not all sea sirens are the same. When you become King, you’ll be their King, too. Don’t they deserve to be protected by their leader? Like the rest of the world, they are waiting for a time when they won’t be ruled by a tyrant.”
He cocks a brow. “When I’m King? That’s spoken with such confidence.” There’s a playfulness to his voice, but I mean it.
“It is because I truly believe that you will rule these lands and seas. I’m certain you will be the greatest king that Varindor has ever seen, but that includes the huge sea siren population.”
“You’re close to them.” It’s a statement.
“I know many who are good, and I know how hard it is living under Morcant’s reign. They just need someone to save them.”
“Hmph. We shall see.” But he doesn’t sound convincing. “Sleep, we’re leaving at dawn.”
I nod, about to lie down, when I look across at him. “I know a sea siren whom I trust greatly. Without question, she will grant you the ability to breathe underwater. Promise me you won’t hurt the innocent, and I will lead you directly to Morcant.”
He looks across at me, our eyes meeting as his brows furrow, musing on what I have just said.
“Very well then. You have my word.”
Troubled Thoughts
Kai
We leave early the next day at the crack of dawn. The silence hangs heavily over us. I didn’t get much sleep last night, and now my mind is preoccupied. Our conversation from last night remains at the forefront of my mind. The confidence in her voice, the way she spoke forthem;I don’t know what to make of it. A part of me wonders if her tie to them runs deeper, but I refuse to follow that train of thought.
I adjust the pack of food and other supplies that Dorene and Alfren had packed for us for the journey. Although I had told them it was not necessary, they were adamant.
The morning air is cold and brittle, biting into me, but Siralaine doesn’t seem bothered, even though my clothes are thicker than hers. I estimate a few hours of walking, then, once we reach the mountains, we’ll travel by sky.
“So,” she says, attempting to break the silence, “sky sirens can lure souls, too, can’t they? Just like sea sirens?”
I glance at her. “In a way,” I say, tone dry. “But we usually guide lost souls, not drag them to their deaths.” I look at hersideways, narrowing my eyes. “We are nothing alike.”
She laughs softly, tilting her head. “That’s debatable. But really, I can’t imagine you singing. Can you sing for me?”
I arch a brow. “Only if you’re desperate to have me guide you off the next cliff.”
“Meanie.” She pouts, then smiles slyly. “But I bet you’d still dive after me before I hit the bottom. It might just be worth it.”
A low chuckle escapes me. “You really do have a strange way of finding positives in every situation.”
When she doesn’t reply, I glance down at her questioningly. She’s staring at me, cheeks flushed.
I arch a brow. “What?”
She hesitates. “You… you have a beautiful laugh.”
