Kingdom of Salt and Sirens

by J. A. Armitage

Shocked, I couldn’t move.

  My father stood, his deep voice booming across the Court. “You forget in your old age, Ursal. Your rules do not trump the ruling of this Court. It has been voted and agreed . . . I will replace Ari and assume any and all of her punishments.”

  I think I was going to pass out.

  Ursal screeched, her rage apparent as she lifted her hand to strike against the Court.

  “Your powers are useless against us. You can’t harm this Court. We furthermore vote to send the human to his home on the surface, safe and unharmed. He will be watched closely in the event he tries to betray the daemon or Dresh to the humans.”

  Evan appeared confused. He frowned, clearly not understanding the Court’s final verdict. Before anyone else could intervene, he disappeared shouting my name.

  Ursal snarled as she realized her plans would never see fruition. A sharp blade appeared in her hand as she lunged forward, inches from plunging it into my chest. The next few seconds happened so quickly I barely comprehended the devastating finality.

  Vraul appeared in front of me as Ursal’s hand thrust the blade forward, piercing him in the chest as they fell to the ground in a tangled heap. He’d tackled her and thrown his body in front of mine to save my life. Jaw dropping with shock, I screamed as Vraul smiled.

  “Dischente’!” She roared as Vraul’s body seized, trembling while his eyes widened.

  “Forgive me, Ari. I love you!”

  A burst of energy exploded as Vraul’s body ceased to exist, destroyed by the Dresh witch in a fit of rage.

  “No!” I cried out as I sank to my knees, my heart lurching in my chest with the devastating cruelty of her crimes. She would never stop. As long as she was allowed to retain magic, Ursal would seek revenge against me and my family.

  Rising to my feet, I lunged toward her and grabbed the blade that she dropped as she smiled up at the Court. I knew the blade alone wouldn’t end her existence, but I would gain pleasure from inflicting pain. My mind was so caught up in the moment that I didn’t see my father disappear. He reappeared next to my side as I plunged the knife into Ursal’s black heart the exact same moment he shoved her into one of the open gaps in the four corners of the High Court.

  Ursal fell, her scream echoing into the dark chamber as she hit the Lake of Eternal Fire. The molten lava and churning river of blood combined to strip the flesh from her bones. She disintegrated as she was absorbed into the Hellfire that burned brighter with the offering.

  Tears filled my eyes as I turned to my father. “You saved me.”

  “You’re my daughter.” His eyes held turbulent emotion as he spoke. “I know I’ve been harsh. I’ve only wanted to protect you from the hatred that stole your mother away.” He gulped loudly. “Forgive me for hurting you.”

  “I do,” I choked, as my father held me close.

  A rush of bodies pressed in as all ten of my brothers made a pile on top of us, laughing with relief.

  “Ari, you’re still human,” Mak observed.

  “Is that what you want?” Von asked, the others uncertain as they watched my reaction.

  “I do. My heart yearns for Evan. He’s my whole world.”

  “Then I will grant your wish.”

  Surprised, I couldn’t believe my ears. “What?”

  “I only want you to be happy, even if that means I lose you to the surface.”

  “You won’t lose me. The Court makes the rules. Change them,” I challenged.

  Den chuckled. “She’s right.”

  My smile faded as I thought of Evan. He was alone without any knowledge of what happened after he left. “I want to go to him. Please,” I begged, looking into my father’s eyes. “He needs me. I can feel it.”

  The Underworld faded away as I suddenly stood on the beach facing Evan’s house. He was there on the balcony, his blue eyes searching until they rested on mine. A wide grin appeared as he ran into the house and I surged forward to meet him.

  We met in the middle. Sand blew around us in the wind as Evan picked me up and spun us around, laughing with relief. “You’re here.”

  “I’ll never be far from you.”

  “Promise?” He stopped spinning as his head lowered, his lips hovering above my own.

  “Always and forever,” I promised.

  Our lips met as a soft and sensual kiss spread heat throughout my body.

  “You’re my one, Ari,” he confessed, cupping my face in his hands. “You’re the only person who could ever complete me. It’s you and no one else,” his voice broke as he lowered his forehead to mine, his breaths ragged, “I love you.”

  My heart was full, my joy complete.

  With Evan, all my dreams had come true.

  Playlist

  Playlist:

  * * *

  All I Want – Staind

  Take Me Over – Red

  Die for You – Otherwise

  Glossary

  Daemon Races

  * * *

  Daemon – an evil spirit or devil, acts as a tormentor in hell, seeks to corrupt humans

  Cambion – Daemon + Human

  Hybrid – Angel + Daemon

  Tribrid – Angel + Cambion

  Dresh – Daemon + Osinian

  Osinian – Ancient race of powerful gods, lineage of Osiris (lord of the Underworld)

  About the Author

  Nikki Landis is an award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of paranormal, sci-fi, and reverse harem romance.

  She lives in Ohio with her husband and amazing family.

  In her spare time she enjoys watching sunsets and curling up with a good book.

  Nikki loves to hear from readers.

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  Nikki’s Newsletter:

  http://eepurl.com/cvmejL

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  Thank you for your support!

  Without you, my fans and loyal readers, these stories would not be possible.

  I am humbled and grateful every day for the ability to do what I love: write.

  Much love and hugs!

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  https://nikkilandisauthor.wordpress.com/

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  www.facebook.com/nikkilandisauthor/

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  Nikki’s Reader’s Group: www.facebook.com/groups/darkalphaaddicts/

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  Mermaid Kisses and Starfish Wishes by K.M. Pyne

  eBooks are not transferrable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of these works. This book is an original publication of the author who authored the story herein contained.

  This book is a written act of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real.

  This book is intended for mature readers as it is sexually explicit and, therefore, should be read by over 18’s only.

  Any resemblance to a person, living or dead, actual events, localities or organisations is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission, without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised editions.

  All Rights Are Reserved

  Copyright 2019 by KM PYNE

  Created with Vellum

  Prologue

  Prologue - Sophia

  * * *

  “I’m NOT Anna!” Screaming doesn’t help, but it makes me feel better. My blood is boiling. My face is red and I’m getting a headache. We’
ve been arguing for about twenty minutes and they still won’t listen to me.

  “Sophia, I don’t want you going off on your own. You don’t know what it’s like out there.” Mam is worried about me and I totally understand that, but I’m not a baby anymore. I’m fifteen and old enough to go out on my own for a while.

  “I’ll be fine. I just need to get out of the house for an hour or two, Mam.” Lowering my voice, I hope to get her to understand. “I can manage on my own. Jack and Evan are going to be playing football on the green by the beach. If I need them then I can go and find them. There are just too many memories in this house and I need to get out for a bit.” My tears overflow and run down my face. I know I shouldn’t be crying, but I just can’t help myself.

  “Oh, God. Sophia, I’m sorry. I just don’t want to lose you too.” Mam pulls me in for a hug and smothers me, just like she’s been doing every day since Anna died. She makes me feel claustrophobic. It’s like someone is squeezing my throat and I just need to get outside and breathe in some fresh air.

  Pulling out of her hug, I walk to the front door and open it wide. “Mam, I’m still here. Anna’s not. I have to live as well, you know.”

  Taking a deep breath, the mixture of smells from the sea and the salt in the air hit me. Slamming the front door behind me, I run as fast as I can down to the beach.

  I get so frustrated. My parents forget that I’m my own person. I know they’re still grieving the loss of their eldest daughter, but they need to remember that Jack and I are still here with them. Sometimes it feels like they forget we exist.

  Since Anna died we’ve not been able to go on holiday to Spain or anywhere. Molly, my best friend, goes every year and I’m so jealous. Mam and Dad just seem to have lost their spark and don’t want to spend any time away from the cove.

  On my way to Kizzi Cove, I see Jack and his friend Evan playing football on the green. Waving at them, I point down to the beach so they know where I’m going. They won’t leave the cove without coming to check on me. Jack tries to look out for me, but I’m more of a free spirit than anyone else in my family. They all get frustrated when I wander off and want to spend time on my own. Thank God for mobile phones; Jack can always reach me.

  I’ve stopped running, my heart rate coming back down to a normal pace again. My earlier argument with my mam has been forgotten as soon as I see the sea sparkling beneath me. Standing at the top of the cliff stairs, I take a few minutes to just look down at the cove. It really is beautiful, and I’m so lucky to live here. Taking a deep breath, I can taste the salt from the sea. I can smell a mixture of earth, suntan lotion, ice creams, and some other smells that I can’t quite work out yet.

  I look out at the sea as I walk down the steps. It’s a turquoise colour today and it looks like jewels are sparkling on top of it. It’s gorgeous. There are a few surfers out and I stop to watch them for a while. I’ve tried surfing once or twice with Molly but couldn’t stop laughing long enough to stay on the board. I see some movement in the distance and it looks like there are some dolphins jumping out of the sea. They’re following a big yacht and I’d give my eye teeth to be out there watching them.

  Kizzi Cove is one place where I can relax and be myself. It’s my getaway and I try to come down here every day. This is the last place Anna was spotted on the day she disappeared. Sometimes, when I sit there, I think I can see her and I want to stand up and run to her, but then I realise it’s just a girl walking. When I sit on the sand, I smell her perfume on the wind that blows past me, wrapping me in my memories.

  * * *

  Reaching the bottom of the steps, I put my hand above my eyes to block out the sun while I look around, trying to find a spot in a secluded area away from everyone else who is playing games on the beach. I just want to be by myself to think for a while. After putting my bag down on the sand, I spread out my circular towel. I love the new circular towels that are ‘in’ this year. Mine has turquoise, peach, and jade green on it, and it came with a matching beach bag.

  Sitting down on the towel, I pull my legs up and wrap my arms around them so I can rest my chin on my knees. I stare at the ocean and watch the power it has as the waves crash onto the shore. Closing my eyes, I remember the last time I was down here with Anna.

  “Hey, Soph! Come on, don’t be a chicken.” Anna’s voice carries across the wind to me. “Let’s swim to the caves.”

  “I don’t know if I can, Anna. It’s wild out there today.” The waves are smashing against the rocks and it looks angry.

  She makes a noise like a chicken, pulls her hands under her armpits, and starts flapping them around. She juts her head out like she’s pecking. I can’t help but laugh at her. I love my sister. She has the ability to make me smile even when I’m sad.

  “Oh, for God’s sake. I’ll do it. But if Mam finds out and we get into trouble, I’m going to tell her it’s all your fault. Deal?”

  Laughing, Anna says, “Deal!”

  We strip down to our bikinis, putting our clothes in our bags and leaving them on top of our towels. I take her hand and she pulls me down to the sea. It’s cold and the white foam looks like bubble bath, but I know it won’t be calm and relaxing. We step straight into the sea and the waves crash into us, splashing our faces. Laughing, we keep walking until it’s deep enough to swim. We’re both strong swimmers and we quickly swim far enough out to get past the cliff. Once we’re around the curve of the cliff, we see the cave and I follow as Anna swims in first. Following her, I’m in awe of the cave’s beauty. There’s a ledge that we pull ourselves up on and sit with our legs dangling into the sea. The reflection of the water ripples down the walls in the cave, making it look like there’s turquoise and diamonds on them. It’s sparkling and so pretty.

  “I love coming here.” Anna has the biggest smile on her face. “I can think here and be away from everything and everyone.”

  “I know what you mean. It’s so peaceful.”

  We both sit there just dangling our legs and listening to each other breathing. The rest of the world slips away from us.

  Had I known that would be my last memory with Anna then I would have talked to her more and not just sat in silence. Maybe if I had spoken to her then she wouldn’t have come down the next day and swum out so far. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it doesn’t change the fact that she didn’t come home the next night.

  * * *

  Peeling off my t-shirt, revealing my new turquoise and silver bikini, I take a moment to realise how lucky I am to have Kizzi Cove on my doorstep. Lying down on my towel, I close my eyes and try to stop thinking about anything. My mind never seems to stop and I need to relax and try to just concentrate on the sounds of the beach around me. There are people playing volleyball and tennis. Someone has a BBQ and I can smell the burning coals and the waft of sausages invading my nostrils. After a while, the sounds drift away as I fall asleep.

  I don’t know how long I’ve been asleep, but something lands on my leg, causing me to scream and sit up. As I’m jumping up and down flapping my arms, I see a hard thing that’s suckered to my leg. “What the hell?”

  Looking around for who threw it at me, I don’t see anyone. Then it moves. I nearly have a heart attack and scream like a baby. Where’s my dad when I need him? The logic in my brain tells me that if I keep jumping up and down it will dislodge itself from my body.

  Yeah, that didn’t go well at all.

  Realising it’s not going to come off my leg by jumping up and down, I slowly peel it off, one tentacle at a time. Holding it in the air, I see it’s a starfish, and it’s wriggling. My first instinct is to throw it back down on the sand, cover it, and walk away.

  As I’m about to do that, I remember my granny telling me that starfish are special. She said that if you were lucky enough to find one then you should close your eyes, kiss it, and make a wish. I don’t believe in that rubbish, but she told me it’s rare to find one, so I close my eyes, scrunching them up. I can’t believe I’m about to do this. Puc
kering up my lips, I bring the crawly thing closer so I can kiss it. It’s hard and spiky and it makes my lips tingle. It wriggles against my lips and I quickly make a wish.

  I wish I had a friend to talk to. I miss Anna.

  Opening my eyes, I look around just in case someone was watching me. They would think I was a complete nutter for kissing a starfish. I take a closer look at him and I’m sure I can see him winking at me. God, the sun must be getting to me. It’s fascinating to look at him this close.

  I know he won’t survive if he stays out of the water for too long, so I take a deep breath and apologise to him for throwing him back in the sea. Obviously, he doesn’t reply, so I pull my arm back and throw as hard as I can to get him as far out to sea as possible. I watch him sailing through the air and hear the moment he hits the water with a plop.

  Still staring at the sea, I wonder what life must be like for him under the water. All of a sudden I hear, “What the hell? Who’s throwing things into the sea?”

  Looking around, I’m dumbstruck as this god of a boy steps out of the sea, rubbing his head. I didn’t see him earlier and I realise the starfish must have hit him. Damn, I’m in trouble now. I try to take my eyes off him, but it’s nigh on impossible.

  He sees me staring at him and slowly ascends out of the water. It’s like he walks in slow motion. I’m sure I can see individual droplets of water rolling down his toned chest. He steps out of the sea and I can see he’s wearing long board shorts; he must be a surfer or something. He sees me and starts walking towards me, not taking his eyes off me for one second.