Relieved, Seraphim closed her eyes.
Giving her space, I joined Percy by the helm. He stared ahead, watching the horizon for our impending doom. “Nothing yet.” He said, noticing my presence.
“What does it look like?” I asked.
“Depends on the story.” Percy ran a hand under his chin. “Some say beautiful sirens lure ships to their deaths. Others say a swirling storm breaks them in half.”
“It’s both,” Eleos said, joining us. “The ship built for envoys is reinforced to endure the storm, to avoid the sirens.”
“Sirens?” I repeated. “I thought those were. . .”
“Fairy tales?” He said. “Not here, they aren’t.”
Seraphim opened her eyes. “Our boat can’t weather the storm. Eleos, you’ll need to steer. As for Percy and me, the safest bet is to tie us to the mast.”
“Tie us?” Percy gritted his teeth. “What for?”
“The siren’s call can’t be resisted by normal means,” Seraphim warned. “Anyone who favors women will be enraptured by them. Lest you want to waltz into the sea seeking a good time, you’ll submit to the rope.”
Percy’s shoulders sagged. He glanced between me and Eleos. “I suppose I understand why you two can run free. But Seth-”
“Ustwo?” I asked. “Shouldn’t Eleos be tied up?”
“I’ll be fine.” Eleos said. When my brow wrinkled in worry, he squeezed my hand. “Trust me.”
Electing to trust him, I nodded. Maybe psyches could resist the siren’s lure.
Seraphim turned to Seth. “Both times I crossed, I had a much better ship. I followed the storm and kept it from falling apart with my blood.” She wiped her mouth. “The whirlpool covers the entire strait—it’s weakest by the sirens, but deadly nonetheless. Seth—you’re in better condition than I am. You’ll need to patch the holes, keep us in one piece.”
“What?” He questioned. “If the sirens’ lure is so powerful, won’t I saunter off the deck?”
“Aethra.” Seraphim looked at me. “Your job is to prevent the untimely death of our assassin.”
“How?” I asked, raising my arm to compare the size of my biceps to Seth’s. A blind man could probably spot the considerable gap.
“I have faith in you.” Seraphim winced. “Take a moment to rest. It’ll be upon us soon.
Rubbing his forehead, Percy removed his hat and shoved it into his bag. “Well. I suppose I need to find some rope.”
Eleos whistled. “C’mon, Whisper. Let’s get you below deck.”
The two men peeled away from the bow, leaving me alone. Glancing at the calm seas ahead, I searched for the whirlpool before finally turning away. Grabbing Athena’s lead, I led her through the door into the tiny captain’s cabin. She’d probably be safest, there.
Running a hand down her neck, I locked her inside and stepped out. Seth paced around the mast, raptly watching the seas.
I limped to his side. “Let me see your wounds,” I demanded.
“I’m fine,” Seth said, pacing.
Grabbing his arm, I tried to stop him, but it was like pulling a pallet of stones. My hand slipped from his rigid muscles.
“That was cute, princess,” Seth said softly, offering his arm.
Relieved, I tore a chunk off my cloak and tied a tourniquet around his upper arm. “Chthonics can still bleed out,” I said.
“Are you worried about me?” He asked, wearing a sly smile.
“Yes,” I said, exasperated. “I’ve never. . .” The words slipped from my grasp.
