Coral & Bone

by Tiffany Daune

  Halen took the glass vial.

  “It’s pure, so you only need a few drops,” the boy said. “Under your tongue is best. Faster delivery to your system.”

  Halen tilted the vial and a single droplet drizzled out. It was the same liquid Nelia had given her only sweeter. The same flavor as her mom’s home remedy for her uncontrollable episodes. She realized she hadn’t been hiding anything from her mom—she knew all along.

  “What is this?” Halen held up the vial.

  “You don’t want to know,” Nelia said. She began picking up scrolls and setting them in the cubicles to dry. The pixie girl helped her though she would not look Halen’s way.

  “Coral and bone,” her dad said. “That’s what’s in the elixir.

  “Bone?” Halen’s tongue pressed to the roof of her mouth. “Fish bones?”

  “Technically marrow, but not from fish,” the bald boy spoke up, but retreated when Halen’s father shot him an annoyed glare.

  “Do the ingredients really matter?” Her father shook his head. “If you are going to use magick, then you will need it to keep you alive.”

  “I better make more,” the bald boy said.

  “What? Why? I’m not doing any more magick.” Halen stood and her legs wobbled. She was a disjointed paper doll and Dax stepped beside her to keep her from falling. “Thanks.” She smiled up at him and he smiled back, though his lips were tight.

  “Oh, you will be doing more. A lot more,” her dad said.

  “Huron, it isn’t right.” Nelia stopped sorting. “Let her go home. Let her be.”

  “And let her die like Natalie? She’s the only hope we have left.”

  “Why would I help you?” Halen leaned away from Dax. His energy was mixing with hers and instead of sparking, she felt energized. Maybe it was the elixir.

  “It’s time to tell her,” Dax said. “Everything.”

  Just then Samira entered. Her face was flushed, the red spreading down to her heaving chest. “What is going on in here?” Her gaze darted to the dripping walls and soaked scrolls. “Did Halen do this?”

  “Yes,” her father said.

  “I warned you, Daspar didn’t know what he was doing. After he consumed Pura’s soul he was different,” Samira said.

  Samira knew Daspar? Daspar had kept so many secrets. Halen began to feel weak again.

  “We can trust Daspar,” her father said. “Pura is part of him now. She would not betray us. Pura did it for you, so Daspar could…”

  “Enough!” Dax said, and Halen startled. “Why are you here, Mother?” His tone was demanding.

  “Rania is on her way to the spheres—to see Halen. You were supposed to bring her to the council.”

  “Get her out of here,” Halen’s father said to Dax. “Catch, Pepper and Nelia, you go with Dax. I’ll meet you in the tidal garden as soon as I can. Do not be seen.” And he walked out of the records chamber taking Samira with him.

  “Wait!” Halen called after him, but he didn’t turn. Though he had not seen her in years, her father had said nothing, not even a goodbye. “I don’t believe this.”

  “Hey, he’s like that with all of us,” the bald boy said.

  “You’re not his child,” Halen said under her breath.

  “He was worse with Natalie,” the boy said.

  “Catch, stop filling her head,” the pixie girl said. “I’m Pepper and this is Catch.” She held out her hand. Her fingers were long spindles attached to tiny palms.

  Halen shook it. “I guess you already know who I am. You probably know better than I know myself.”

  Pepper shrugged. “Does anyone really know who they are?”

  Nelia was talking to Dax and when the Halen looked her way she pressed her lips together. “You must hate us,” she finally said.

  “How could I? I don’t even know you.”

  “Good answer,” Catch said. “There’s plenty of time to get to know one another.”

  “Not really,” Dax said. “We have to get moving. Halen, I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you about your dad. I should have told you right away, but I wasn’t sure…”

  “He wasn’t,” Nelia butted in. “Not until the healing waters. That’s why I put you in there. I’m sorry I did that to you, but I needed answers.”

  “You put me in there on purpose?” Halen thought of her mocking image.

  “I needed to make sure you were telling the truth. When Natalie died…”

  “Went missing,” Pepper chimed in.

  “Died,” Catch said.

  Halen looked to Dax. “Is she dead or alive?”

  “We don’t know for sure. We haven’t found her body, but that doesn’t mean the hunters didn’t destroy it.”

  “Hunters?” Halen asked.

  “Siren hunters,” Catch shifted from side to side, and his eye twitched even more. “Spooky immortals with arrows and all kinds messed up torture equipment.”

  “Catch!” Pepper shot him a warning glance.

  “Was Natalie killed by them?” Halen wanted to know.

  “No one is sure. Natalie was raised by different Tari members—humans. She was shuffled around a lot. She was in between homes when she went missing. Her new Tari caretakers worried when she didn’t arrive on her flight. Her bracelet, the one you’re wearing now, and a full vial of coral and bone were found in her old bedroom,” Dax said. “This means either she was killed or she voluntarily released the bracelet and because the vial was full, it means she didn’t use magick. She would have needed the elixir to regain her strength if she used magick.”

  “I think someone took her,” Pepper said.

  “The reality is she’s gone,” Dax said.

  Halen clasped her wrist. “This bracelet was hers?”

  Dax nodded.

  Halen couldn’t believe she had a sister. How could this even be? This was the worst secret kept from her yet. “You said blue moon sirens were rare. How old was Natalie?”

  “She was your twin,” Dax said.

  “A twin!” Halen’s voice cracked. She had a twin sister. Her anger grew toward her mom and she fought the new sparks rising under her skin. “Were we identical? Is that why you…”

  “No, you were not identical. I told you,” Dax said, “you are nothing like her.” He walked from the chamber, and Nelia ran after him.

  “He hasn’t been the same since Natalie went missing,” Pepper said.

  “Died,” Catch groaned. “The fact is... she’s dead. She wouldn’t just leave us like that. She could kick anyone’s ass. There’s no way she’s been kidnapped. Natalie is dead, Pepper.” He glanced toward the entrance way, where just outside Dax leaned against the wall his head in his hands. Nelia’s hand was on his shoulder. “We will all be better off once we accept the facts—Natalie is dead. Acceptance is the only way we will get past his.” Catch turned facing Halen and slightly bowed. “The Tari will serve you now.”

  Sixteen

  Catch’s words unsettled Halen on so many levels. The idea she had a sister, and they were now putting all their trust in her made her head spin. “Why is this happening to me?” Halen whispered, but Catch heard her.

  “It will be okay,” he said.

  “Leave me alone.” Halen swatted the air and as she did, Catch flew against the wall. He collapsed to the ground with a groan.

  Halen leapt to her feet. “Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry. Did I do that?”

  Pepper shot her an annoyed glare and then helped Catch to his feet.

  “What’s going on in here?” Dax returned without Nelia.

  “She tossed Catch against the wall,” Pepper said.

  “I didn’t mean to,” Halen said. She hadn’t meant to at all. She wasn’t even mad at Catch. She only wanted to be left alone. She needed some space.

  “I’m okay.” Catch rubbed the back of his bald head. “Where did Nelia go?”

  “She’s gone to distract Rania. When she sees Halen is not in her sphere, Rania will be suspicious.” He paced. “Rania’s been
looking for reasons to hunt down the Tari,” Dax said. “Remember I told you the Elosians didn’t like sirens?”

  Halen nodded.

  “Well, they hate the ones who protect sirens even more.”

  “Good thing she doesn’t know which of us are Tari,” Pepper said.

  “Exactly, so we better get moving before she sees us with Halen.” Dax snatched the vial from Halen’s grip. “No more of this for you.”

  “But…” Catch grabbed his sleeve.

  “A little weakness won’t hurt her right now. Let’s figure this out first.”

  Catch didn’t look like the remedy making type. He was older than Halen, but not by much, maybe seventeen. His dishevelled clothes were stained with rust-colored patches that looked like blood. His netted shirt too had dots here and there of the same rust tint. Pepper was the opposite. She may have been the same age as Catch or older, Halen couldn’t tell. Her stark white hair was cut neat and cradled her chin. She wore a tight tank top of bronze which made her eyes gleam. Like Halen, she too wore stretchy shorts that sat low at her hips. Along her waist was a gold chain with little charms. Dax handed her the vial and she attached it to the chain next to a silver seahorse charm with ruby eyes.

  “We’ve got a lot to talk about but we should get to the garden.”

  “I bet Rania summons the hunters,” Pepper said.

  “Rania leads the council.” Catch went to budge Halen but pulled back and stepped away.

  “And your mother thought I should dine with her?” Halen asked. “What was on the menu—head of siren?”

  Catch snickered, but Dax shook his head. “That is why I didn’t take you there. My mother’s intentions were pure. She just didn’t think the whole scenario through. She really believes the council is wrong and meeting you would change their opinion. Rania is not tolerant, though. I’ve overheard her conversations. She would kill you on the spot.”

  Halen swallowed hard. “Will Rania find us?”

  “This tidal garden is well hidden. Besides if Rania gets past Nelia, Huron will steer her clear,” Dax said.

  Huron. Halen would never be able to call him dad again. The word just didn’t fit now that she had seen him. The reunion was a disaster. There were no hugs or apologies. Absolutely no remorse for the suffering he had caused her. “Is he coming back?” Halen asked.

  “Hopefully not,” Catch said. “He’s a real…”

  “He’s Halen’s father,” Dax said.

  “Yeah, he thinks because he had two blue moon sirens he’s like a god or something. Donating your sperm doesn’t make you a father,” Catch said.

  Halen was starting to like this guy with the funny name. She felt worse about flinging him against the wall. “So Natalie was really my sister?”

  “Let’s walk and talk,” Dax said, motioning them on. He walked from the library and they followed. He didn’t take the stairs this time, but headed down a rock tunnel.

  Pepper stayed by her side and Halen watched as the amber vial swayed from her waist with each step. So she needed this liquid to regain her strength after using magick. If she wanted to use magick to escape, she would need the vial to recover. She would have to stay close to Pepper.

  “Your dad has been running things since Natalie went missing,” Pepper said.

  “Please call him Huron,” Halen said.

  “Better than what I call him,” Catch piped up from behind them.

  “Catch please!” Pepper said. “Huron is severe, but he has had to be.”

  “Dax should be in charge of the Tari. He goes to the Earth realm. Huron hasn’t been there in years.”

  “No one is in charge,” Dax said. “Not yet, anyway.” He glanced toward Halen.

  “Don’t look at me,” she said. “I don’t want to be in charge of anything. And I am sorry, but I don’t want anything to do with Asair either.”

  “I can’t blame you—he’s a demon.” Catch’s breath was at the back of her neck.

  “He’s not a demon,” Pepper said. “He is a blue moon siren just like Halen.”

  “Nothing like you.” Catch squeezed Halen’s shoulder.

  They came to a river which flowed through the middle of the cavern. Dax untied a small boat similar to the one Halen had seen drifting in the lapis stream, and pushed it in the water. “After you.” He offered his hand.

  “Go on,” Catch said, nudging her forward.

  Like the first cavern they were in, this one too was filled with stalagmites only these were black with silver tips. Instead of a rainbow-dusted ceiling, a sprinkle of silver danced from above like stars in the night sky.

  Pepper stepped around her and into the boat. “Come on. We don’t have all night.”

  Halen took Dax’s hand and her fingertips felt like they were waking up from pins and needles. She took a seat next to Pepper. Dax pushed out with a stubby oar the shape of a beaver’s tail, and guided them into the current.

  “Demon be gone!” Catch suddenly shouted so his words reverberated off the walls. He rocked the boat from side to side, and Halen clutched the sides.

  “Catch,” Dax said his tone warning. “Halen might toss you out of the boat if you don’t stop freaking her out.”

  “That’s right,” said Halen.

  Pepper laughed. “You and I might just become friends.”

  Friendship was not what they wanted from her. Halen figured that out already. There would be a moment they would ask her for more. She could see it in their eyes. How they would stare at her and then look away abruptly when she met their gaze. Catch and Pepper seemed nice enough, but she wasn’t about to risk her life for them. And then there was Dax. He had already lost Natalie. She sighed. Her sister. She had no idea she even had a sister. She didn’t know what angered her more; finding out Huron was alive or that she had a sister—a twin sister! Her parents had chosen Natalie to know all of Elosia’s secrets—not her. Instead they kept her in the shadows, until now. Now that Natalie was dead. What was she some kind of backup plan? As the thought entered her mind, she already knew the answer. “I’m second choice, aren’t I?” she asked no one in particular.

  Everyone was silent until Dax finally spoke, “You can’t think that way.”

  Tears filled her eyes and she brushed them away with the back of her hand. “So, it’s true. The Tari chose Natalie over me! They thought she was better than me. Do you?” She turned to face him. His face was inches from hers and she could smell his salty breath, sweet like the coral and bone.

  “It’s not like that,” Dax said.

  “Then what exactly is it like?” Halen asked. “How would you know?”

  The boat stopped suddenly. The hull scratched along the rocks and Catch jumped out and dragged them to the riverbank. Pepper hopped out leaving Dax and Halen alone in the boat.

  “I don’t know what you are going through. I do know though, that this life comes at a great price. Natalie, your sister, pushed her magick to limits that drained her for days sometimes weeks, so she would be ready for Asair. We all made sacrifices. Halen, I can’t make you do anything you don’t want to do, but I would appreciate it, for all of us, if you would consider helping.”

  Her thoughts were a heap of knotted twine; she didn’t think she would ever be able to sort them out. “I don’t know,” she said. “I don’t know if I can do it. I don’t know if I want to.”

  “I get it,” he said. He exhaled a long breath before he spoke. “I was hoping the records chamber would make things clearer for you. That’s why I took you there. I thought maybe you would connect with the history and you would just know what to do.”

  “Did Natalie know?” she asked. “Was she sure?”

  “She didn’t have a choice.”

  Halen was about to ask why, when Catch came up beside them.

  “What should we do now?” he asked.

  “We wait for Nelia,” Dax said. “I think Halen should get some rest. We all should.”

  “I agree,” Pepper said.

  Rest was
the last thing on Halen’s mind. How could anyone sleep with all this stress? She might never sleep again.

  She stepped out of the boat and onto the slippery rocks. She skidded as if on ice, and Dax caught her by the elbow before she fell.

  “Careful, the kelp is slick.” He led her to the sand. Dax sat on the sand and laced his fingers over his knees. The harsh lines of his face softened, as if this place brought him peace. She sat down next to him.

  “It’s beautiful here.” She cast her gaze to the star like flowers lining the ceiling. The sea anemones were like underground fireworks, bursting with vibrant pinks and greens. Between the crevices, purple starfish clung to rocks adding another flash of color. “What is this place?”

  “We’re in a tidal garden. The air here is so moist the anemones can stay out, even when the water drains.”

  “The water is going to come back?” Halen’s back stiffened. “We’ll drown!”

  “We have time,” Pepper said as she sat down across from them and crossed her legs. Catch joined them, settling next to Pepper. “Besides, we could just float around until Nelia gets back.”

  “Underwater?” Halen asked.

  “Ah yeah,” Pepper said. “You can breathe underwater just like us. We’re the ones who can’t go on land.”

  “We can go for a few hours,” Catch said.

  “You’re banned—remember?” Pepper said.

  “How could I forget?” Catch’s eye twitched double time.

  “Why?” Halen looked between the two of them.

  “Your dad,” Pepper paused. “Huron I mean. Won’t let Catch go beyond Elosia.”

  Catch shook his bald head. “The shark needed help.”

  “You should have stuck to delivering the liquibrium,” Pepper said. She turned to Halen. “Elosia produces liquibrium. It’s a mineral used to absorb toxins out of earth’s waters. Catch was supposed to be administering a batch when he got sidetracked by a shark caught in a fisherman’s net.”

  “He was the fisherman’s catch of the day,” Dax laughed.

  “Really?” Halen asked. She wondered if this was why his eye twitched. Maybe he had been injured. “How did you get out?”