The Sisters' Secrets: Pearl

by Katlyn Duncan

  The phone rang, and Ben’s attention snapped to the device attached to the wall. In the days they’d spent together, it rang about a dozen times.

  After the first day, Ben had said, ‘If they want me. They know where I live.’ He had silenced the message recorder, but the flickering red light in the corner of the device reminded her that they still had to confront his parents. Peter Barros was a proud man, and Pearl had seen his angry side. It was only a matter of time before they had to face him.

  Their opportunity came on the third day.

  After a luxurious shower together, washing off the grime of the last two days from their bodies, they touched each other as if it were the first and last time. Pearl had no intention of letting Ben out of her life, but they both sensed a change coming. Even bigger than the one Pearl had gone through.

  When they came out, Ben deleted the messages before calling his parents. He seemed relieved to hear his mother’s voice on the other end of the line. She invited him over.

  ‘I’ll stay here,’ Pearl offered.

  Ben kissed her, slow enough to make her knees weak. She sagged against him. ‘I’m not letting you out of my sight.’

  As much as Ben seemed confident in what he would say to his family, they stayed silent during the trip to his parents’ home.

  Pearl wanted to reassure him that all would be right after the conversation, but her apprehension kept the words from flowing from her mouth.

  The return to the oceanside home stirred a lot of memories and feelings within her. As they walked, she scanned the water, waiting for Syrene to appear and threaten to drag her under. She shook her head, remembering that Zimra wouldn’t have told her sister anything. Syrene would live the rest of her life believing Pearl had ended up like Daryah.

  At least everyone in her life was safe.

  ‘Whatever they say and whatever happens, nothing between us will change,’ Ben said.

  ‘I’m here for you.’

  Ben kissed her, a peck on the lips. The small gesture gave Pearl enough confidence to throw her shoulders back, preparing herself for whatever Peter Barros had in store for his eldest son.

  Instead of walking in, Ben rang the doorbell. As they waited, Pearl took Ben’s hand and squeezed it.

  When it opened, Harry stood there. His mouth tugged at the corner – a cross between a smirk and a frown. Pearl glared at him. He didn’t seem happy to see Ben, but almost as if he held a secret Ben would soon find out.

  ‘Through here,’ Harry said, pointing to the study on the left side of the hallway.

  Ben brushed by his brother, leaving Harry to close the door and scramble in behind them.

  The walls of the study were made from knotty wood, making the room appear smaller and closed off. Pearl supposed it was the same feeling she always got from Ben’s father.

  Peter sat at his desk, with his back to the door. He worked on his computer, tapping away on the keyboard.

  Ben squeezed Pearl’s hand. ‘Dad.’

  Peter’s shoulders stiffened before he shoved away from the desk and turned to his son. ‘Benjamin, you finally decided to show up.’

  ‘I called,’ Ben said through his teeth.

  Peter didn’t meet Pearl’s eyes, as if she wasn’t even in the room. ‘Leave us. We need to discuss business.’

  ‘She can stay,’ Ben said.

  ‘It’s fine,’ Pearl said, releasing his hand.

  He snatched it back, his eyes widening. ‘I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m not letting you out of my sight.’

  ‘So, it’s true,’ Peter said. ‘You’ve chosen this foreigner over your own family.’

  ‘She’s—’ Ben stopped his words.

  Pearl’s heritage had to remain their secret. No one would believe them otherwise, and Pearl still wanted to keep her family safe, no matter what.

  ‘I have chosen Pearl, but not over anyone. Nothing has to change.’

  ‘But it will,’ Peter said. ‘I have expectations of your future and that girl isn’t part of that vision.’

  ‘Vision? This isn’t a board meeting over the future of the company. This is my life.’

  ‘Oh, but it is a board meeting. I have chosen Harry to take over the company for me. He’s willing to marry the vision of the company and our family.’

  ‘They don’t have to be exclusive,’ Ben said.

  ‘It’s the reality we face. I need to surround myself with people I trust. You’ve betrayed that trust many times. This girl is the last straw.’

  ‘You’re firing me?’ Ben asked.

  ‘More than that. I’m cutting you off,’ Peter said. ‘This is my final offer.’

  Ben sighed, removing his hand from Pearl’s. He clenched his fists at his sides.

  ‘If you stay with the company, your inheritance will be safe, and you will have a lucrative career. If you refuse, then you will leave here with nothing from the company or your mother and me.’

  It was then Peter’s eyes finally met Pearl’s. The corners lifted, dancing with amusement. The offer wasn’t balanced at all. The obvious choice was for Ben to stay with his family. Pearl couldn’t separate them more than she already had. She opened her mouth to speak, but Ben took her hand.

  He met her eyes, and there was no remorse as he spoke. ‘I’m staying with Pearl.’

  ‘You’re what?’ Peter charged across the room.

  Ben moved Pearl behind him as if he were sacrificing himself for her.

  ‘You don’t mean that,’ Peter said, inches from Ben’s face. Redness snaked up from his neck and rested in his cheeks.

  ‘I’ve been trying to get out of the business for a while,’ Ben said. ‘You should have known your offer wouldn’t have stood.’

  Peter’s confidence had been stripped away, leaving a red-faced man spitting from the mouth. ‘You get nothing.’

  ‘I understand.’

  ‘I don’t think you do, boy,’ Peter said. ‘Everything I worked for will go to your brother.’

  ‘I know what cutting someone off means.’

  ‘You two can’t possibly make a life together. Don’t come crawling back to me when you break up.’

  ‘We won’t, and I would never accept your offer. Not even if Pearl wasn’t involved.’

  ‘Get out of my house,’ Peter said. ‘I never want to see your face again.’

  ‘That’s hard in a small town, Dad.’

  ‘You are no longer my son.’ Peter’s red cheeks remained fiery, but his words were almost a whisper.

  Pearl saw a mirror image of her mother’s expression in his eyes. It wasn’t all anger, but a deep hurt and regret at a child not fulfilling his destiny.

  Ben tugged Pearl from the room, leaving Peter behind.

  In the foyer, Elyse, Harry, and Carolina stood there. Tears filled Elyse’s eyes, and she could barely look at Ben. Her chin trembled, but she said nothing. Harry and Carolina held hands. When had that happened?

  ‘Mom,’ Ben said.

  Harry moved in front of their mother. ‘You heard Dad. Leave, Ben.’ His voice was flat, emotionless.

  Carolina threw sharp daggers in Pearl’s direction. Even though Pearl and Ben were no longer in the claustrophobic study, the room had enough tension to feel as if they stood in a small box.

  ‘It doesn’t have to be this way,’ Ben said.

  ‘You made your choice,’ Harry said as if the same mind controlled him and Peter.

  It wasn’t right, but Pearl couldn’t make any choices for Ben, as much as he didn’t make them for her.

  They left the house together, leaning on each other for support that would never waver. They had chosen a life for themselves and would thrive without anyone’s approval. With their families behind them, they would start a new life. Together.

  Epilogue

  Pearl knew her girls were special. When Ben first asked her about having children, she never thought it was possible. They were too different. But the magic around Pearl’s transformation made her more human than she expected.
It wasn’t until years after Rose and Reen were born that the warning from Zimra cursed her life. She tried to ignore the effects of her previous years. Pearl went into early menopause and gray streaked her hair before her daughters were in high school. Once she confessed all of it to Ben, they decided to keep it from the girls. They had limited time together, and she wasn’t going to waste it with worry about the future. She loved watching her girls live so close to the ocean. Rose and Reen connected with the water as much as she once did.

  Pearl never expected them to inherit other traits from her earlier life. She wanted to talk about it with them, but the promise she’d made to Zimra always stopped her. Instead, she put all her feelings in journals. She hoped, one day, she’d be able to share the secret part of her past with her daughters.

  At night, the weight of the world rested on Pearl’s shoulders. She found herself unable to get a full night’s rest. Instead, she worried about leaving her girls when they were so young.

  But one night, she woke from a dead sleep. She jolted awake, hearing only the sounds of the water moving over the sand. There was something under the current, yet she couldn’t pinpoint what had woken her.

  Her legs swooped over the side of the bed, and she quietly left her room. Ben hadn’t budged, but he wouldn’t have been any help.

  Pearl hadn’t felt her sister since that fateful day Kaito died. Zimra assured her that no one would know of Pearl’s fate. So, why was Syrene so close?

  The curtains in Rose’s room billowed with the breeze from the ocean. She peered inside and her stomach dropped. The bed was empty. Pearl rushed through the room, stopping at the window. A small, lithe body stood at the edge of the water, facing out to sea.

  ‘Rose.’ Her daughter’s name hitched in her throat.

  Pearl stormed through the house and burst from the back door.

  ‘Rose!’ Her voice boomed as she cried out. It was no match for the sound of the waves against the shore.

  A splash was all she needed. Pearl raced toward the water. Flashes of memories of her daughters swimming flickered across her vision. She and Ben had no fear of living near the water. Zimra would never have betrayed her. Syrene would live out her life as if Pearl was gone. Like they both had with Daryah.

  Pearl feared for Syrene’s Drywalking ceremony. But she wasn’t due for another decade or so. Pearl wasn’t sure she’d make it that long, but she knew that much.

  Syrene’s intrusion into their lives was unwarranted and unexpected.

  The moment Pearl touched the water, she noted the differences in vibrations. Her sister’s signature movements beckoned to her in a way she’d thought she’d lost. There wasn’t a moment to waste. After years of using her legs, she knew the fastest way to move in the water. At least, quick for a human. She followed her gut and prayed Rose was safe.

  Pearl’s lungs and limbs burned as she moved quicker than she ever had in her life. There was no other choice.

  After her ceremony, Pearl had never intended to sacrifice herself again. Until she had daughters. She would do anything for them. But, first, she had to get Rose safely on land.

  Pearl found Rose and Syrene quickly. Her sister had Rose under the water, as she fought for air. Her little hands clawed upward. She was no match against Syrene. Pearl grabbed Rose’s arms and hauled her to the surface.

  Syrene followed, still holding on to Rose’s leg.

  Pearl grabbed Syrene’s hand. Let her go. You’re angry with me. She is innocent.

  The force against Rose released, and Pearl turned away, pushing Rose toward the house. ‘Swim, honey.’

  Pearl watched her daughter swim away from the threat. But she stayed.

  Syrene grabbed Pearl’s arms, tugging her close. Pearl sucked in a breath. If this was the end, at least Rose was safe. Syrene wanted her.

  You tremble, sister. Humanity has made you weak, Syrene sent. Her voice was clear as it had been all those years ago. It must have been the pearls that had muddled their communication.

  Had she spoken to Rose?

  If Syrene drowned her, Rose would never be able to explain what happened. She and Ben had never wanted to tell the girls, but if Pearl died, he would have to.

  How did you know to come here? Pearl asked.

  It was not on purpose. I dreamed of you – many times. Against the wishes of the troop, I had to be sure. I scoured the water, looking for my banished sister. What I found was a traitor – still human, with offspring. Imagine my surprise.

  Pearl kept Zimra from her thoughts, determined to keep her secret safe.

  You tried to drown my daughter.

  As fair payment for Kaito.

  You were the one who took his life.

  I could not sacrifice you.

  They stared at each other. Pearl traced the lines of her sister’s face. It was rounder than she remembered. More mature. With the flick of her fin, Syrene would get her sacrifice.

  And now? An ache formed in the back of her throat.

  You love her.

  Rose is my daughter. Of course, I love her.

  Syrene lowered her gaze. Was it guilt? Or regret for not taking Rose quicker?

  I have another daughter. I named her Syrene.

  That got her attention.

  I have not forgotten you, sister. I never will. But this is where I belong. It’s where I’ve always belonged.

  Not with me?

  Pearl took a shuddering breath, unable to hold back her tears any longer. Leaving you was my biggest sacrifice. My daughter is a reminder of you, and I think about you often.

  Won’t you return?

  I can’t. My life is here.

  Syrene touched Pearl’s face, hesitating at the wrinkles framing her mouth and eyes. Your time is limited.

  Yes. But I’m happy.

  Syrene made a sound in her throat. As if she tried to speak.

  Pearl held her sister against her body, careful to avoid Syrene’s gills. I love you, Syrene.

  ‘Pear-li-na,’ Syrene said, lowering herself into the water.

  Pearl turned away, without another look at her sister. She swam for the shore, as quickly as she’d come into the water.

  Rose lay on the sand, coughing.

  Pearl wrapped her daughter in a tight embrace. ‘I’m so sorry, Rose.’

  Rose’s body shook with sobs.

  Pearl’s did too. Tears fell from her eyes as she stared out at the water. Once again, an opportunity she’d never expected had come to her. She had her final goodbye with Syrene, and she’d forever carry it with her no matter how much time she had left on land.

  Acknowledgments

  As always, I want to thank the HQ Digital team for making my stories come to life. The Barros women would have never existed if it weren’t for you. Thanks to Nia for drawing out Pearl’s story from the darker depths of my mind.

  To TSAG: You keep me sane! Much love!!

  Raven and Kierney: You saw this series through until the end. I have no more words to thank you for your thoughts and encouragement.

  Thank you to my readers (calling out Leigh and Sarah by name) for sticking through until the end of this series to discover Pearl’s story.

  Hello! I’m so happy you’ve returned to The Burrow. This time the town might look a little different than what you’re used to if you know Rose and Reen’s stories. The magic of the series comes to life in Pearl’s story, and I hope you have enjoyed the ride. I’m humbled and honored that you’ve chosen to add The Sisters’ Secrets series to your shelf!

  If you liked this book, I would be forever grateful if you left a review. Reviews are how readers find books, so even one or two sentences would help get Pearl’s story into more hands.

  I love being in touch with my readers so feel free to contact me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to chat about the story or books in general.

  Thanks for reading,

  Katlyn

  Turn the page for a heart-warming extract from

  The Sisters’ Secrets: Rose …


  Prologue

  Rosemary knew it wasn’t the morning when her eyes cracked open. The waves crashing against the shore were louder than ever. The darkness in her bedroom might have affected some people, but not her, not at that moment. Moonlight filtered through her curtains, billowing them as if ghosts danced under the sheer white fabric. She narrowed her eyes slightly, sharpening the edges of the furniture in her room.

  Damp sheets clung to her body, and the taste of the salt in the air filled her mouth. She pulled her hair back and rolled it around her hand, tugging the thick strands off her neck.

  According to the fish clock hanging from the wall, it was 11.22 p.m.

  Why was she awake?

  Maybe a sound from outside woke her up? Her body tensed. Was someone about to rob them? She heard Reen in the back of her head: ‘Don’t be such a worrywart.’

  She stood up, ready to alert Mom and Dad. But Mom didn’t sleep so well. Waking her up for no reason would make for a rough day tomorrow. It was the weekend, and she was sure that Mom would be miserable if she disrupted her sleep in any way.

  She flattened one leg of her shorts, her fingers brushing against the fresh scratches on her knees. Reen played harder lately, and Rose was up for the challenge.

  Then, she heard it.

  This splash was different from the rhythmic movement of the ocean outside of her house – the background noise of her life.

  She strained to hear the voices that filled her ears. Two people spoke in hushed tones. Both were female.

  Mom?

  Padding across the room, she flung open the curtains. The dark mass of water making up her front yard reached out to the infinite sea.

  No one was on the beach. Rose strained to hear and place the voices. The binoculars, from Dad for her tenth birthday, sat on the desk. If she could figure out what was going on, there was no need to alert her parents. Besides, there was no way that she was going back to sleep after this.

  She lifted the binoculars and peered through them. No one came out to the private beaches of The Burrow unless they were looking for trouble. She at least wanted to tell Dad what was happening.