Sirens and Scales

by Kellie McAllen

  Thunder clattered in the sky as he hoisted me over the side of the ship. The surface was rough as I broke through it. The water was colder than I remembered and I remained under. Lightning struck near the ship and me and it forced me to dive deeper.

  The dress was extremely heavy under the water, but I didn’t have anything to exchange it for. I could’ve kicked myself for not changing back into my pink dress earlier. I made up my mind that I would strip to my undergarments once the ship was out of sight.

  When I was out of harm’s way, I looked back up at The Sea Nymph’s Revenge. My plan was to put it in the past as I watched it drift away, but then, the ship rocked violently. It sent two bodies plummeting into the water. One swam back towards the surface, but the other was flailing. Instead of moving up, he was sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss.

  There was no way this guy was drowning in front of me when I had the capability to save him. As I got closer to him, I recognized who he was—the dark-haired man who was talking about his Uncle Willie. The fight had left him by the time I reached him, so it was easier to wrap my arm around his torso and pull him towards fresh air.

  After breaking through the water, I heard the crew screaming and yelling, but the ship was being pushed away from us. It was too dark for them to notice where we were, so I pulled the guy towards them instead. Thank Poseidon the water made humans a little buoyant because this one weighed a ton. This dress was a nightmare though and it was hard to keep my grasp on the guy with all of the fabric in the way.

  Even right next to the vessel the men couldn’t see us. The storm had picked up and was throwing waves at us—and the ship—with a vengeance. I was okay since I was able to breath in air or water, but the guy had remained unconscious. I feared for his life and that this all would be for naught. I screamed, yelled, beat on the ship, but it was no use. They couldn’t hear me over the thunder.

  I had to sing to the crew. It was the guy’s only chance to return to the ship in time to be saved. Maybe, if I only focused on Gregor or Steel, then I wouldn’t choke. After another moment’s hesitation, I chose Steel and concentrated on him. Gregor might’ve been the easier target, but it was Steel whose soul called to me.

  My voice was full of honey as I sang and pleaded for Steel. My eyes remained focused on the deck, but the crew still didn’t hear us—not even as I sang. When Steel’s head poked over the edge of the vessel and his eyes found mine, I cried out in joy and the singing stopped.

  “Down there.” Steel’s finger pointed in our direction. “Quick, throw them a rope.”

  A few ropes fell towards us and I latched onto the closest one to me. I tied it tightly around the guy—who was still unconscious. I waved my hand to signal that he was ready and the crew hoisted him up. Another rope dangled to the right of me, but I was hesitant to grab it. Stan’s bald head wasn’t in view, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t around.

  “Grab the rope. I’ll pull you up,” Steel urged.

  There were no islands within sight and I had no idea how far we traveled from my old home. Did we only go in a circle or were we miles away from it? The uncertainty of it all made my stomach feel like it was tied in knots. I knew the dangers of this ship more than I did on some random patch of land. If I would even be able to find one.

  “What are you waiting for?” Steel asked and it was all the motivation I needed.

  Steel wouldn’t be calling me back on the ship if I was unwanted. I grasped the rope with both hands as tight as I could and nodded my head to let him know I was ready. My legs were no help and dangled as dead weight while they pulled me up.

  My feet were unsteady at first on the wood deck and Steel’s arms came around me. They were warm and made me want to cuddle into him, especially when I noticed Stan stomping towards us. The small fear I had for Steel had been replaced fully with Stan.

  “That witch created the storm.” Stan’s accusing finger was in my face and the boat jolted to the left to emphasize his words.

  “I did not,” I argued.

  “What makes you think that?” Steel asked.

  “Because the skies were clear, but it was like the storm flared when I threw her overboard,” Stan said.

  “Why did you throw her over?” Steel’s arm wrapped tighter around my waist.

  “Because she doesn’t belong on this ship. Not only is she a woman, but she’s also a sea witch that will lead us all to a watery grave.”

  “That’s not your call to make.” Steel ground his teeth together before turning to me. “Can sirens control the weather?”

  “Not that I know of,” I said truthfully.

  “She created this storm. I can feel it in my gut.” Stan patted his belly.

  “Your gut isn’t the best evidence. You’ve been wrong before and it cost us some men,” Steel said and I found myself wondering what else Stan had been wrong about.

  “I’m so sick of you bringing that up.” Stan bared his teeth with anger. “You aren’t thinking with the right head in this situation.”

  “That’s enough,” Steel demanded. “I’m sick of you always trying to undermine me. I’m the captain, not you. You aren’t even the first mate, so back down before I make you regret it.”

  “And what are you going to do if I don’t? We need to pillage ships and can’t do that if we’re too busy tending to a siren.”

  Mutters of agreement broke out on the ship and Steel’s face turned redder. It was from being livid—not out of embarrassment—and the look on his face was terrifying.

  “Stranded,” Steel whispered, but that one, quiet word still managed to silence the entire ship, with the exception of Stan.

  “This is mad. You can’t be proposing to kick me off this ship. You’ll be lost without me.”

  “I’m willing to take that chance.” Steel looked away from Stan to give everyone else his attention, including me. “You all remember when Stan fell asleep on lookout and we were bombarded by an enemy pirate ship. We lost seven men that day.”

  Mumbling broke out and Steel continued, “You all remember when Stan grabbed the wrong barrels from port and we were stuck with wine instead of rum?” More cheers erupted. “And I know you guys haven’t forgotten when Stan cut off Antony’s pointer and middle finger through sparring practice?”

  “I definitely remember it,” yelled a man with almost all of his teeth missing. The few that were left were yellow and he had long, scraggly, grey hair. He held up his right hand that showed two fingers missing.

  A few people around Antony clapped him on the back while Stan was starting to sweat. He wasn’t so intimidating when the tables were turned on him and I felt myself stand a little more confident while his was wavering.

  “You know what we do to pirates who don’t live up to the code, right?” Steel asked. Everyone shouted in agreement and when Steel’s eyes found mine, he elaborated, “We leave them stranded on a small uninhabited island with one bullet.”

  “Why only one?” I made the mistake of asking.

  “So he can kill himself when the pain of starvation becomes unbearable.”

  Steel’s unblinking stare told me that I was talking to Bloody Steel again. He had no sorrow for what they were going to do as the men surged to grab ahold of Stan. Stan fought them and almost managed to get his sword drawn before he was taken down. Once he was stripped of all his the weapons, he was tied to the mast of the ship with people shouting accusations at him. It was a madhouse and everybody was feeding off of each other’s energy. I found myself shrinking back away from it all now that Steel’s arm wasn’t holding me in place any longer. Noting that my movement went unnoticed, I retreated back to Steel’s room and slammed the door shut behind me.

  Tears stung at the corner of my eyes as my back slid down the door until my butt landed on the ground. I didn’t like Stan, but that didn’t mean he should be tortured for his mistakes. They should just drop him off at the next port instead of forcing him to suffer. Nobody deserved to feel the desperation of hunger. I knew
that sensation all too well because there were a few nights when it was too dangerous for Dad to catch us a meal, so I knew how terrible it felt.

  The worst part of it all, I felt like it was my fault this was happening to Stan. He might’ve had it coming with his previous mistakes, but I was the one who pushed the crew to their limit of Stan. I should’ve remained in the water. At least someone wouldn’t be looking death in the eye on my account.

  The door opened roughly behind me and it sent me sprawling forward. I grunted in pain and grabbed the elbow I’d banged on the ground. Steel hovered over me for a second before pulling me to my feet.

  “Everything okay?” he asked and I felt like he was going to give me a whiplash with how quickly his moods changed.

  “Okay? You guys are about to send a man to the most torturous death. No, I’m not okay with it. Especially since it’s my fault.” I ducked my head so he couldn’t see my eyes.

  “This isn’t your fault. Stan was in the wrong for throwing you off the ship.”

  “What if he’s right though? What if I do lead you all to the bottom of the ocean?”

  “I don’t see that happening, but I know a way you can help us get rid of you faster if you’re so worried about it.”

  I nodded for him to continue.

  “I came up with the idea that you should help us pillage ships. I think I had a dream about it or something, but your siren ability could be an advantage for us. That, and it could help you earn gold to live the rest of your days in hiding peacefully.”

  I didn’t want to tell him that he’d already told me this plan, so, instead, I said, “Is there no other way I can earn gold from you? One that doesn’t involve killing?”

  “Do you know how to sail?”

  I shook my head.

  “Can you man a cannon?”

  I thought about it but then answered with, “No, never have, but that still involves killing either way.”

  “Look, you can take the time to think about it, but this would be a win-win. If we hit a huge load, then you may only need to do it once.”

  “I still don’t like it, but I’ll think about it.”

  “That’s all I can ask of you for now.” Steel let out a big yawn. “It’s time to return to bed. I was having a weird dream but it beats being awake.”

  Steel began to undress, but I stopped him. “Can you leave your shorts on?”

  “Why would I do that? It isn’t as comfortable.”

  “After tonight’s events, I really don’t want to sleep alone, but absolutely won’t get into the bed with you if you’re completely naked.”

  Steel let out a throaty laugh before taking everything off except for his shorts, like I requested. When he climbed into bed, he patted the empty space next to him.

  “Um… I really want to change before I settle down. This thing is far too uncomfortable and it’s still soaked.”

  “Of course.” Steel grinned slyly.

  I walked over to my pink dress and said, “Look away please.”

  “No thanks.”

  “I don't want you to see me unclothed, so avert your eyes.”

  “Ugh… fine,” he groaned and threw his arm over his eyes.

  I waited for another moment and was satisfied when he didn’t move. I tried to undo those things that Gregor did. When that didn’t work, I tried to tug it off with all my might. Steel’s laughter stopped my struggling and I shot him a mortified look.

  “Having issues?” Steel teased lightly before he stood up.

  “N-no,” I stuttered and cursed myself for it.

  “Let me help.”

  Seeing there was no other alternative, I allowed him access to the back of the dress. I kept it from falling off my chest as it became looser and looser. Steel’s fingers were like magic and were warm when they grazed my back. Noticing I was enjoying it, I jerked away from him.

  “Thank you for your help, but I think I can get it the rest of the way.”

  “You sure? I can help you lift it off?”

  “I’ll manage.”

  He chuckled and got back under the covers.

  “Cover your eyes.”

  He huffed, but did as I asked. I let the dress fall and tugged the pink one over my head. Once it was in place, my gaze landed on a gaping Steel. He cleared his throat and grinned. The idiot was smiling after practically seeing me naked. My body didn’t warm when it happened with Gregor earlier, so why was it so different with Steel?

  Steel beckoned me to the bed, but my feet were frozen in place. My brain wasn’t functioning correctly as I watched him get back up. He took my hands into his and led me to the bed. He pulled me onto it after he got in first. It was as if he mesmerized me and his hot breath on my face sent a shiver through my body.

  “I promise I’ll behave. You’re gorgeous, but I won’t take advantage of your newly forming trust.”

  Instead of kissing me or forcing himself onto me like I’d feared, Steel blew out the candle on the table and flipped over so his back was towards me. It didn’t take long until light snores escaped him and only then did I finally relax. Under the blanket, it was hot from his body heat, but it was pleasant.

  That night was the first night I’d truly been comfortable without my parents’ presences. Like I was no longer alone in the world and everything might turn out okay.

  6

  I awoke to an arm draped over my waist and blinked at it a few times before remembering that I was in the bed with Steel. My body reacted instinctually and jerked away. That action triggered him to sit up with half-lidded, confused eyes. It also sent me tumbling out of the bed. The blanket came with me and he was left half-naked.

  “What happened? Why are you on the ground?” Steel asked groggily.

  “I was startled…”

  He stared at me for a moment longer before falling back onto his pillow. He rolled onto his stomach and returned to snoring. Even without a blanket. With Steel sleeping again, my options were appearing right in front of me. I could go get something to eat because I doubted anyone would mess with me after last night. Stan was tied to the mast and the others didn’t want to be in his place. I could at least go out for some fresh air. The window showed the sun shining with no grey clouds around it. The third thing—that wasn’t as productive—would be to get a closer look at Steel without him catching me for once.

  Steel was easy on the eyes and living with only my parents had some downsides. Like I’d never encountered a male around my age until I hopped aboard this ship. Now that the opportunity presented itself, it was hard to turn down. Truth be told, it would be a complete waste of time since we would never work out. Steel only saw me as a means to get richer and I was only using him for the ride. Right?

  I didn't like where my thoughts were leading, so when my stomach growled, I took that as reason enough to go get something to eat. It was shocking that Gregor wasn’t outside our door. I’d gotten so used to him being there that his absence was hard to miss.

  On the deck, I wasn’t sure what I assumed was going to happen, but it definitely wasn’t the crew cheering for me. Gregor pushed through the crowd that was quickly forming around me. Behind him was the guy I’d saved last night.

  The confusion had to be obvious on my face because Gregor said, “Don’t look so surprised at the attention. You did save Bastian here who is a crowd favorite.”

  Bastian’s face reddened and he nodded at me. “Thanks, miss. For saving me.”

  I smiled. “I’m so happy to see you’re well enough to be up and moving.”

  “Thanks to you I am. I have some scratches but that’s nothing. They’ll heal.”

  A guy with bright orange hair and freckles nearly scared me out of my own skin when he threw his arm around me. “We haven’t met yet, but the name’s Barty. Got that name because I’m good at hornswagglin’. I wanted to thank ya for savin’ me brother.”

  It was hard to get beyond the stench of his breath, but mine probably wasn’t much better these days. I needed to br
ing that up to Steel. There had to be something on this ship to make our mouths cleaner. My mom had been able to concoct something on an island with limited supplies, so there had to be something on this well-stocked vessel that we could use.

  It was hard not to grimace as I said, “You’re welcome. It wasn’t like I was just going to let him die.”

  “You could’ve,” Bastian said and I took the distraction to shrug off Barty’s arm. “You’re a siren after all. You could’ve drowned me faster.”

  “I could’ve, but I’m not that type of person.”

  “No, you’re not and you’re welcome aboard this ship.”

  “We all agree,” someone from the crowd cheered.

  This was a whole new level of attention. I never would’ve imagined I’d have this many eyes on me unless it was to watch me being killed. Instead, these human pirates were happy to have me here. What a difference one night could make!

  “Um… I’m happy that I was able to do something useful and I thank you all for the nice words, but is it okay if I go get something to eat?” I asked.

  A chorus of “yeahs” broke out and I quickly shuffled away from them before they changed their minds. Gregor followed me with the largest grin.

  “What are you so smiley about?” I quirked an eyebrow at him.

  He chuckled. “It’s amazing how you’ve gone from enemy number one to their best friend.”

  I refused to look at Stan as we passed him. He shouted a string of curses, but I pretended not to hear. My focus remained on Gregor instead.

  “Humans are finicky creatures.”

  “Are sirens not? I thought that was standard for all creatures.”

  “I’ve only really had my parents to talk to before now so I’m not certain. My opinion about someone rarely changes though.”

  “So, you’ll always be scared of us?”

  “I’m not scared of you guys. I was more cautious than frightened.”