The Siren's Secret

by Heather Ostler

  Before digging around inside, she glanced behind her, making sure the coast was clear. After moving some soldier uniform shirts, Julia saw the letters. She swiped them up in one hand and laid them out on the rug.

  It was a thick stack of envelopes, and they were from several senders. Some letters were from Scarlet, his mother; two were from Lockham Castle and the Soldier Union headquarters; and then a couple were from Liam. None from Camilla.

  Julia clucked her tongue and shuffled through once more.

  Though there weren’t any from Camilla, one particular letter from Liam looked extra worn. She held the envelope in her hand for a moment wondering why it had water spots and smudges.

  The date written on it was from April of that year, days before the masquerade. Caleb had been so high strung around that time, maybe Liam had written about it.

  She hesitated but then slowly began opening the envelope, pulling out the letter within.

  It was torn, worn, and had obviously been read several times. Inside it read:

  Caleb,

  Do not do anything rash! I know you want to tell her what you’ve seen, but that is unwise. This is a difficult burden to bear, but you cannot tell her. She needs to live out her life as she normal y would, and this information will make that impos ible.

  Please heed my advice and DO NOT tell her.

  We’ll discuss it further in person.

  Dad

  Once she had read the letter at least five times, Julia folded up the parchment and stuffed it back inside the envelope. She returned everything to its normal position, and then left, silently closing the antique door behind her.

  Deep in thought, Julia returned to her bedroom and pretended to read. Over and over again, she thought of Liam’s letter. Was that letter about her or Camilla? Maybe Liam was telling Caleb not to tell Camilla something he’d learned.

  What had he seen that was so awful?

  She looked out her window and sighed. Every time she tried to find answers, she became more overwhelmed with questions.

  It was around dinnertime when she heard a soft tap on her door. She looked up to see Terrence leaning against the doorframe.

  “Done with meetings?” she asked with a smile. She didn’t want him to know she’d been thinking about Caleb and the strange letter for the past couple of hours.

  “Yes.” He tilted his head. “Are you okay? You’ve just been up here reading all this time? You’ve got to be bored.”

  Julia closed her book with a snap and set it on the windowsil . “I like reading. It’s better than boring meetings,” she teased.

  Terrence glanced at his silver watch and smiled. “You know, your birthday is coming up. And since we’ve both had such a boring day, I thought it’d be fun if I took you out for a birthday dinner in your honor.”

  “I’d love to, but—”

  “And don’t worry about your dad,” he interjected. “I already asked him.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “He’s okay with it?”

  “Yes. We just have to stay close, but there are quite a few restaurants nearby.”

  Julia shook her head in amazement. “You have an incredible talent. My dad trusts you. He would never let me wander off into the city.” She wondered if it had anything to do with Lancer feeling guilty over upsetting Julia this morning.

  “Well,” Terrence began, “I promised him I’d keep you safe, and I mean it.”

  Julia shivered as a cold breeze moved over her. “Thanks,”

  she answered quietly. “I appreciate that. I know it’s been a challenge.”

  Terrence stood up straight, his face becoming serious.

  “Julia, I will always protect you.”

  Suddenly the mood was more serious than Julia wanted.

  She gave Terrence a hug and kissed his cheek.

  “I can’t wait to go out. I’ll be ready in ten minutes.”

  He left the doorway, and Julia rushed to get ready. She put on a summer dress and brushed out her long, brown locks.

  Terrence was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, flipping around car keys in his hand. His blond hair looked recently styled, and when Julia neared him, she took in his clean cedar scent.

  “You look beautiful,” he said.

  “Thanks, Terrence.” Julia grinned. “I can’t believe I’m actually getting away from this house. I might get separation anxiety,” she joked.

  There were footsteps around the corner, and Caleb appeared from the hallway. His eyes went from the keys in Terrence’s hand to Julia’s blue dress.

  “Are you going somewhere?”

  “Yeah,” Julia answered. “Terrence is taking me out for my birthday.”

  Caleb’s eyebrows knitted together suspiciously. “After the bomb? Does Lancer know about this?”

  “I’ve already spoken with him, and yes, he’s fine with it.

  We’re staying close.”

  Caleb didn’t look convinced. “This is a bad idea.”

  Terrence sighed, and his grip tightened on the keys. “I appreciate the concern,” he said slowly, “but really, it’s not necessary.”

  “And you feel safe leaving, Julia?” He turned to her.

  “Yes,” she answered. “Of course. Nothing will happen.

  And I feel safe with Terrence, anyway.”

  Terrence pulled Julia past Caleb toward the living room.

  As she brushed by him, she could feel his agitation.

  “I’m going to go pull up the car,” he whispered to Julia before slipping out the side door.

  Julia entered into the living room to say good-bye to Lancer. He was going over paperwork but quickly looked up when he saw her.

  “Are you two leaving now?”

  “Yes. And, um, I wanted to say thanks.” She bit her bottom lip. “Thanks for letting me go out with Terrence.”

  Lancer took a deep breath. “You’re welcome. I’m sorry I acted the way I did before. I love you, and I know sometimes I overstep my boundaries.”

  “It’s okay, Dad,” she answered quietly. She didn’t want Caleb to overhear their conversation.

  Lancer nodded. “Well then, before you go, I would like to go over some safety rules.”

  “I thought you might.”

  Together they walked to the front of the house where Terrence pulled up the car. Julia listened as Lancer went over at least thirty different rules.

  “Do not wander off from Terrence, ever. If someone asks you where you are from, you tell them you’re a tourist from out of town.”

  She opened the front door and saw Terrence waiting patiently on the front porch.

  “I know, Dad. Love you.” She hugged him and then turned to leave.

  Terrence waved good-bye to Lancer and then followed Julia to car, opening the passenger door for her.

  Lancer always traveled in large cars, and this time he had rented a black SUV. The car’s running board was high off the ground, but before Julia could attempt climbing in, Terrence lifted her gently into the car.

  She laughed, feeling a little embarrassed. She still had a hard time believing that her father had actually agreed for her to go on a real date.

  “Thanks for doing this.” She glanced over to Terrence.

  “Thanks for being my date.” He put the car into drive and left the property.

  Terrence was a cautious driver, not at all like Caleb.

  Then again they weren’t being chased frantically by Guild members.

  The sky turned into a deep violet, and soon it became too dark to see anything as they left. Once they past a couple of large neighborhoods, green fields, and old, winding streets, Terrence drove into an upscale shopping area.

  Across the way, glittering lights covered a small Italian restaurant. Terrence parked, opened Julia’s door, and led her up the cobblestone pathway to the restaurant.

  Julia was jittery; this seemed too good to be true. She couldn’t believe she was on a normal date with Terrence.

  The dark restaurant was filled with
white tables and small, flickering candles. The smell of garlic drifted around Julia as they were seated in the center of the crowded restaurant.

  Once they had sat down and ordered pasta, Julia turned to Terrence.

  “I still don’t know how you talked my dad into letting me leave.”

  Terence looked at her. “Your dad may be strict, but he’s a reasonable person. You can’t be too surprised. I think he’s just seen a lot of scary things. He knows what the Guild is capable of, and he doesn’t want you to ever be in danger. He’s not extreme, though.”

  Julia tried to stifle a laugh. “When I was going to high school, here in New York, he put bars on my window. You can’t tell me that’s not extreme.”

  His forehead wrinkled. “Bars? Why?”

  “Because I had snuck out a couple times. Nothing too crazy. I just wanted to hang out with friends.” She took a sip of ice water. “But when Caleb was my guard last year, he overheard me telling some friends that I’d snuck out. Of course he told on me.”

  Terrence cleared his throat. “That’s right. I remember when he was called in for that mission. He became an under-cover bodyguard to protect you from the Guild.”

  “Yeah,” Julia answered. “And it was definitely strange, but most of my life is that way. Strange is the new normal I guess.”

  “Well, you’re royalty.” Terrence watched her. “You’re special. Life will always be different for you now.”

  Julia exhaled and took in his hands over the table. “So when you first saw me last year, did you think I was different?

  Did you know I was royalty?”

  He smiled. “Your father had mentioned you several times before, but he always described you as a little girl.”

  Julia rolled her eyes. “I’m sure he did.”

  “So it was really surprising to see someone as beautiful as you. And yes, I did know you were royalty.”

  Julia hoped she wasn’t blushing. “So when did you know that you were interested in me?”

  Terrence paused for a moment. “When I first saw you, I knew I wanted to get to know you. But it was later when I got to know you that I fell in love with you.”

  Julia beamed at him. “Terrence, that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

  “Well, I mean it,” he said. “I love you, Julia. I’ve never felt like this before, and that’s why I wanted to give you this.” He pulled a small box out of his pocket and handed it to her.

  She took the black velvet case and opened it slowly. Inside lay a thin, silver necklace attached to a sparkling sapphire jewel.

  “Oh,” Julia whispered. “It’s beautiful.”

  “It’s just simple,” Terrence said. “But it’s something to remind you of me when I’m away with the Soldier Union.

  She gently took the necklace out of the box and fastened it around her neck. “Thank you, Terrence.”

  Julia stood up from her chair and hugged him.

  “The night isn’t over yet, though,” he said. “I think we still need a birthday dessert.”

  “I like the sound of that,” Julia answered. “And I’ll be right back. I just want to go see how the necklace looks on.”

  Terrence nodded, and Julia headed toward the restroom.

  Moving through the smal , dark restaurant, Julia found the washroom in the back, almost hidden behind wooden crates. She shut herself inside and gasped at the mirror’s reflection of the necklace. It was such a nice gift. She definitely hadn’t expected that. When did Terrence have time to go jewelry shopping?

  After a couple of minutes, Julia exited the washroom. As she stepped out into the dark hallway, the dim light above her flickered and eventually went out. Blackness surrounded her, and she sighed, outstretching her hands to avoid bumping anything. As she moved forward, she hit a wooden crate, wincing as it noisily fell over.

  In the commotion, something spoke in the darkness.

  “Julia,” a voice whispered.

  She stiffened and her breathing stopped. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she listened for more.

  The old light above her buzzed back on, and she let out a yell in fear. She wasn’t alone; someone was now next to her.

  An old woman stared at her, her bright purple hair ablaze.

  Julia recognized her at once. It was the same siren Julia had seen last year.

  She backed against the wooden crate in fear. “What do you want?” Julia had tried to sound steady and confident, but her voice came out shaky.

  “So hostile,” the siren mumbled. “I’ve never done anything to make you treat me that way.”

  Julia kept her eyes on the siren. She knew she was too old to cause any physical harm. However, Lancer had warned Julia about sirens—they were selfish, deceiving, and manipulative.

  “I know what you are. And I know you’re not here to help me.” The siren’s old lips twisted into a disappointed sneer. “I came with a message. Something you need to know.”

  Julia looked into her eyes. They were an eerie yellow, placed on a face that was full of the wrinkles.

  “I don’t want to hear what Alexis has to say—” Julia walked backward toward the tables, making sure to never look away from her enemy. “I won’t listen to any threats that the Guild has for me.”

  As she staggered away, a strong hand wrapped around her arm. She flinched and turned around. Terrence was behind her. As he took her arm, he immediately pulled her out of the hallway and ran in a full sprint.

  The siren’s expression burned in Julia’s mind. She had watched Terrence pull Julia away, a mean and miserable look crossing her face.

  Terrence didn’t let go of Julia’s arm until they were outside in front of the car. “This side!” he yelled, opening the driver’s side door.

  Julia slid over to the passenger side, and Terrence hopped in after her, locking the doors.

  Once they had peeled out of the parking lot, Terrence flipped open a small cell phone and put it to his ear. “Lancer,”

  he said, “a siren just approached Julia.” He was quiet for a minute, listening to his response. “Yes. Yes. All right.”

  He snapped the phone shut, and the engine roared furiously as he pushed its limits. “Did she harm you?”

  Julia shook her head.

  “Are you sure?” His voice was severe, and his eyes were glued to the road in front of him.

  “She just said she had something to tell me—a message.”

  Julia was out of breath. “What does that mean?”

  “It could mean a lot of things.” Terrence swallowed. “Most likely she was sent by Alexis, which doesn’t really make sense.”

  Terrence glared at the speedometer. “What we do know is that our location is no longer secret, and that the Guild could be following us right now.”

  Instinctively, Julia looked out the rear window. How was the Guild able to track them down? They had been so careful over the summer to keep their location secret. Of course the siren had to show up during their date. Now Lancer would never let her out of his sight.

  Minutes later, they flew into the mansion’s driveway.

  Lancer was by the house, and as they pulled up, he opened Julia’s door. “Follow me. Now.”

  She sprinted into the house with Lancer, Terrence staying behind.

  “Are you all right?” Lancer’s eyes were wide.

  “Yes,” she answered, “I’m fine. But what is Terrence doing?”

  Lancer flipped the bolt lock on the door. “He’s setting up some protective barriers before we move. Don’t worry. Liam already searched the area and didn’t see anything. He’ll be fine.”

  She didn’t argue but still felt uneasy.

  After a couple of silent seconds, the kitchen door swung open, startling her. Caleb entered, breathless. “Nothing on the west side.”

  Lancer turned to Julia. “Can you tell me everything that happened? Every detail’s important.”

  “I went to the washroom in the restaurant,” she started,

&n
bsp; “and as I was leaving, the lights went out. I heard a voice, and then I saw the siren—it was the same one from the market street in Ossai.”

  “Did she threaten you?”

  Julia shook her head. “No. But she did say that she had a message for me. Terrence found me before she could say any more.”

  “She didn’t say what she wanted? Or who sent her there?

  Anything?” Lancer’s voice was taut.

  Julia bit her bottom lip. “No.”

  Lancer began pacing around the room, waiting for Terrence and Liam. He walked in the same figure eight pattern he always did when he was overwhelmed. “Sirens are tricky and they can mess with your mind. It’s possible she hypnotized you.”

  “She didn’t hypnotize me,” Julia replied. She knew what that felt like. Last year when she had first found a water portal, Julia had been hypnotized by the Guild and nearly drowned.

  “I was completely aware of what was going on.”

  Caleb surveyed her. “And all you did was go to the restaurant?”

  The way he said it irritated Julia. “Yes. It wasn’t like we did anything to put ourselves in danger. We drove straight there.”

  “But Terrence let you wander off on your own?” Caleb asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “It wasn’t dangerous,” Julia retorted. “And it wasn’t Terrence’s fault. That siren would have found me no matter where I went.”

  Lancer sat down. “She’s right. Sirens are determined creatures. That’s why we need to leave for Ossai tonight.”

  “Tonight?” Julia said, alarmed.

  He nodded. “We would have left in a week anyway. It shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience for Lockham.”

  A mix of emotions ran through Julia. “And that’s safe?”

  Before Lancer could answer, the front doors flew open, and Terrence and Liam entered. “Everything is set up,” Liam said. “We can leave immediately.”

  Caleb was as rigid as a board, and he eyed Terrence.

  “Julia,” Liam said softly, “I’m glad you’re all right.” He turned to Terrence. “Good job on getting back so quickly.”

  “We were lucky,” Terrence answered.