Siren Descending

by Katherine Smits

  She picked up the paper and read the note.

  Gone to meet with Ash again. Something is going on and we need to talk to Rowan about it. I won’t be back until late. T.

  She set the paper back on the table. Alone again. The apology will have to wait until tomorrow. Since Thorne’s gone, there’s no point in cooking dinner. If I get hungry, I’ll catch some fish later.

  She got out her spell book and sat at the table. She paged through it, but nothing captured her interest.

  A gleam from the corner caught her eye. Something’s different. She stood and walked over. The glass sculpture sparkled in moonlight streaming through the window. Even more lovely than I remembered.

  Another sheet of paper was on the floor in front of it. A second note.

  Thought you might enjoy having this inside. Things are too plain and simple here. You deserve to be surrounded by beautiful objects.

  She held the paper to her chest. How kind. Maybe he cares more than I thought.

  Though she sat at the table and went back to studying spells again, every few minutes, she admired the artistic creation.

  About an hour later, her eyes drooped. Time for bed.

  Just as she finished stashing her grimoire in the box underneath her clothes, the door crashed open. Blazing hot wind swirled through the area. Stinging sand flew in. She rubbed her watering eyes until her vision cleared.

  A male form stood in the center of the room.

  Immediately, she called air to surround herself in a protective bubble. “What do you want?”

  Gelion sniffed, then he inhaled through an open mouth. “Mmm, you smell like the ocean. Did you go for a swim today?”

  She folded her arms in front of her chest. “Leave me alone.”

  As he stalked around her, she twisted to keep him sight. Like a snake tasting the air, his tongue darted out. “What an odd taste for a witch. Sweet, but salty. And so strong, an aphrodisiac.”

  “If I wanted to turn you on, fantastic, but I don’t want anything to do with you.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Threads of heat played over her skin, up and down her arms and around her calves, rising higher to her thighs. Warmth caressed and soothed her, taking away all the aches and pains which her bipedal form, with its assault by gravity, endured every day.

  She longed to lean into the glow and let it drain away all her troubles. I can’t. Something’s wrong with him.

  Instead, she backed away as she dispelled the warmth from her with air. Gritting her teeth, she opened the door. “Out.”

  He sighed. “Unpleasantness could have been avoided. Sit down.”

  An unseen force lifted her and plopped her in the chair. When she tried to rise, an invisible barrier held her immobile.

  “Why is it so often this way with you humans?” He sat in the other chair and folded his hands on the table. “The ones who cooperate with me from the beginning are so much easier.”

  He doesn’t realize I’m Nerei. She stopped struggling. “What do you really want? You wouldn’t go to this much trouble just for a fuck no matter how fine the piece of ass.”

  “My dear, there’s no call for such crudeness. We might enjoy each other, and both of us would benefit from the experience.” He sniggered. “After all, it’s been quite a long time for you, right?”

  Her jaw dropped. “What the—”

  He cut her off. “Don’t bother to comment. The outrage is clear on your face, but I’m aware of many things about you, and one is that sleeping alone doesn’t suit you.”

  The only thing she could do while he pressed her into the chair was narrow her eyes. “What do you expect to receive?”

  “Oh, I would enjoy your body immensely, but I also want to share in your talent. It’s unique, and I can use it.”

  “Don’t you contain enough power of your own? I can’t move. I can barely breathe.”

  He leaned forward. “There’s never enough.” He stared deep in her eyes. “You perceive that, don’t you?”

  His words eerily echoed her own earlier thoughts. Amass more power. Protect yourself. A chill ran down her spine and she shivered.

  He snorted. “You do appreciate what I’m talking about.” He sat back with one leg crossed over the other. “Let’s not waste any more time. If you aren’t going to fuck me…” When she huffed, he raised a finger. “Your words. If you aren’t going to fuck me, I’ll take a different approach.”

  Delphie’s fate came into her mind, and she froze. Like with Merlindrake all over again. I can’t win. Despair chilled her to the bone. “Rape me?”

  He straightened. “What? Absolutely not. I want my women willing.”

  Relief and confusion caused a haze to come over her. Black dots flickered in front of her eyes. Don’t pass out, idiot. Hang on and stay conscious. “What are you going to do?”

  He pursed his lips. “Hmm, I’m not sure. I want your agreement.” In a barely audible tone, he muttered a few words. “It must be voluntary.”

  That doesn’t make any sense.

  “You don’t have any family. By the way, I’m sorry about your sister. I overheard you talking about how you’re still grieving for her.”

  She glared at him.

  “Nothing to say? Well, I’ll proceed. No family. Check.” He gestured around. “No possessions. How do you live like this?” He made a disgusted sound. “Without electricity.”

  She stared ahead.

  “I’m sure there’s something. You’re apprenticed to this mage who treats you like a slave. Would you like to be rid of him? I could arrange that.”

  She started.

  “You turned ashen. Not a good color for you. Your skin’s too pale as it is. So, you don’t want to free yourself from him.”

  Trying not to give away anything with her expression, she swallowed.

  He clapped. “Now, I know why you resisted my charms. You have feelings for him.”

  “No, I don’t. I’m grateful to him because he took me on and gave me a place to stay. When I finish my studies, my abilities will be awesome. I’ll live anywhere I choose and have everything I need.”

  He leaned over and sniffed her again. “I don’t believe that. You may think it’s true, but it’s not. You desire him, but he doesn’t want you, does he? Otherwise, why doesn’t he share your bed?”

  She called air, but nothing happened. Physically straining against the invisible bonds didn’t loosen them at all. Fear for herself and Thorne caused her entire body to tremble. “Please, don’t hurt him. He’s been good to me.”

  Gelion stood. “You need to think about my offer for a while. On the one side, a glorious sexual experience with me which I promise you’ll never forget. Following our time together, all the wealth here on earth you desire will be yours. I only need one thing. Give it to me, and I won’t bother you again. On the other side, there’s all this.” He gestured around the room. “With the master who teaches you only useless things and your lonely hammock. Which would you prefer? I’ll give you a couple of days to decide.” He turned toward the door.

  “Wait. How much of my power are you talking about?”

  “All of it, my dear. I’ll obtain it one way or the other. Give it to me, or you and your mage will suffer.”

  He disappeared.

  When he left, the force holding Athenia dissipated, and she could move again. She dropped her head into her hands. What am I going to do? I can’t give in to him, but I don’t want him to hurt Thorne either.

  She rose and headed to her alcove. As she slipped into her hammock, she considered telling Thorne. He would fight Gelion. Is he strong enough to defeat him, though? Gelion’s magic is more extensive than anything I’ve ever encountered. How could Thorne hold out against him? And what about the others? They’ll hate me even more if Thorne is hurt. I can’t involve him in this.

  But how can I fight Gelion myself? He’s right, I haven’t learned anything from Thorne. All my strength is in my siren song and my witchcraft. I doubt I could en
thrall Gelion. He almost mesmerized me just from staring into his eyes.

  Maybe I can find something in the grimoire. Most of our castings were for healing, but there might be something in there I can adapt for defense. One way or another, I’ll find a way to take care of myself, either from the book or something else. I won’t let Gelion steal what I need. No matter what.

  A small part of her wondered if she could defeat Gelion with treachery. I could pretend to agree to his offer and try to drain him as I did with Thorne. With the right witchery and my mesmerizing call, I could do it. Then, I would have more power than I’d need. I could ditch this scruffy cabin and find a man who appreciates me.

  When she remembered how Gelion had teased her body, the idea tempted her. Her skin tingled at the memory, and she throbbed a little with need. It’s been too long. Thorne may not mind living like a monk, but I never agreed to be a nun.

  She touched herself. She was wet and swollen. She inserted a finger and massaged herself. With a few strokes, she climaxed, but though it took the edge off, it left her empty and unfulfilled, wishing for Thorne’s strong body. Or maybe Gelion’s heat.

  ΨΨΨ

  In the morning, Athenia dressed in a pair of white Bermuda’s and a jade green cotton V-neck top, which enhanced the color of her eyes. I hope Thorne’s all right. Though Gelion’s threat came to mind, she dismissed it. He said he would give me a couple of days. For whatever reason, he needs my agreement. If he could take what he wants, he would have by now. Besides, if he harms Thorne, he’ll lose his leverage.

  At the door, she shaded her eyes and studied the water. A kayak glided toward her. There, Thorne’s coming now. She went outside to wait for him.

  After he hopped out of the boat, he came up to her. “I’m so sorry, we debated all night about how to manage a problem. I hope you didn’t worry.”

  She kept her tone neutral. “You can look out for yourself. Of course, I was concerned, but I don’t have the right to question what you do.”

  He ran a hand through his hair. “About yesterday, I’m sorry we argued, and I do care for you, I just…” He trailed off. “While you’re my student, I can’t get involved with you.”

  She laughed, somewhat bitterly. “Another mage law?”

  “Though a relationship between apprentice and master isn’t strictly forbidden, I won’t give anyone cause for concern.”

  “Because I’m Nerei, or because of what I did? Or both?”

  His expression was pained. “Both, I guess.”

  “Never mind. I deserve their suspicion.” When her cheeks heated, she bowed her head. “I’m sorry, I assumed too much. Though I have a long road to prove myself to you, to all of you, I’ll show you I’m worthy of being one of you.”

  “Thank you, I can’t ask for more.” This time he met her gaze with genuine warmth. “Now, I’ve got to hit the sack. Will you be okay on your own for another day? I promise, I’ll teach you again tomorrow.”

  She smiled back. “I’ll be fine. I’m going to go search all the spells in my grimoire for ones to help humans. We can share them with the others.”

  He patted her shoulder. “That’s a fantastic idea. I’m glad you’re able to go through your book again. For several months after you arrived, you didn’t open it.”

  Pain constricted her heart. “I missed Delphie too much. Every time I tried to look for spells, the grief overwhelmed me. Now, I like holding the book because I feel closer to her.”

  He squeezed her shoulder. “Good, you’re making progress. Though the grief never goes away entirely, the intensity lessens.” He opened the door and went inside.

  “Hey,” she called after him. “Thank you for bringing the incredible sculpture inside for me to enjoy.”

  He stuck his head back out. “I want you to have the piece.” Without waiting for her reply, he drew his head back in and shut the door, leaving her with her mouth hanging open.

  He gave his art to me like it’s nothing. A masterpiece worth thousands of dollars. She blinked. I’ll never understand him. She followed him into the cabin.

  He had already disappeared into the small bedroom on the opposite side from where she slept.

  She moved clothes off her grimoire and pulled the tome out. Then, she sat at the table, leafing through the pages. What can I do to get rid of Gelion? I won’t give up my power, and I don’t want sex with him, but I can’t let him hurt Thorne either. There must be a way to protect us both. Somewhere in here, I’ll find something to fight Gelion when the time comes. And it will, I’m positive of that, because he’s not going to give up. I’ll find the right spell, or I’ll think of something new. Determination crystalized within her. I can do this.

  As she leafed through the pages, searching for the perfect incantation, she came to a sheet she usually skipped over. Here’s the one to invoke the goddess Bia to inhabit me and lend me her strength and force. If I use this one, I’ll owe her big time, but she can give me an enormous amount of power. Since she’s my ancestor, daughter of the immortal Styx, she should be sympathetic to my cause.

  Taking out a pen and paper, she made a list of all the things she would need. Perfume with Amberwood, fresh cranberries, powdered alkanet root, a killer dress with a necklace to match, three kinds of incense, and her athame.

  Good thing I kept the knife in the bottom of the box with my grimoire. The ceremonial blade was one of the few things she couldn’t bear to lose, blessed by the ritual she and Delphie performed. A prick of anxiety needled her. What if mice or squirrels somehow got to it without me noticing? This place isn’t critter proof, and I haven’t inspected things for a while.

  She hurried into her alcove and pulled her clothes from the box. Wrapped in silk, the athame rested on the bottom beside the burlap bag with her crystals.

  Carefully, she removed the knife from the storage space and unwrapped it. The blade glistened in the rays of morning sun shining in from the window. The Australian Wattle wood handle formed the shape of a mermaid. With her arms clasped behind her head and her tail curled around her lower body, she gleamed a rich chocolate color.

  The other side was carved into a perfect likeness of the mermaid’s hair hanging down past her shoulders, almost to the small of her back, where scales merged with skin. Good, no nicks or scratches. For being so old, the condition is exquisite.

  As she touched the satiny wood, she reassured herself the implement was unchanged. She uttered a short prayer, wrapped the athame in the silk again, and covered it with her clothes.

  Time to go find the rest of the things I’ll need. She left Thorne a note telling him she had gone to town and would be back soon. Then, she went outside, slid a kayak into the water, and took off.

  ΨΨΨ

  Since she couldn’t propel the boat with air, she paddled. At least Thorne could have taught me that spell. Oh well, we paddle anyway when normal humans might see us.

  She pulled up to the launch at Howard Park and dragged the kayak into the bushes. Then, she chained it to a tree and whispered a simple invisibility chant. To ensure it’ll still be here when I’m done. I can’t trust humans. They steal anything not tied down.

  After hiking to the main entrance, she took her cell phone from her pocket and turned it on. Yes, a good signal. Some of their technology is a lot like magic.

  She called a cab, then sat down on the grass to wait. When it arrived, the driver gave her an inquisitive glance, but she stood, brushed off her pants, and told him to take her to Tarpon Avenue. “I want to do some shopping.”

  He tapped the steering wheel. “Okay, lady.”

  First, she went to a formal wear shop. Most of the gowns were intended for bridesmaids’ dresses, but she found one that was flaming red, strapless, and floor length. The satin sheath molded to her curves and emphasized her breasts. As she came out of the dressing room to inspect herself in the full mirror, a man walking outside stared in the window and crashed into a woman carrying several packages. They both fell on the ground. The woman yelled
at the man while he sat gaping. I think this one will do.

  She paid for the dress with a card linked to her phone. Another one of their excellent inventions. Credit. For a second, a pang of guilt pricked her. Thorne financed everything she bought. She dismissed her concern. By the time the bill comes, he’ll understand why I needed to do this.

  Next, she went to an antique shop specializing in vintage jewelry. A carnelian necklace made of graduated, faceted beads caught her eye. A deep red hue instead of the more common orange color and smooth as silk, they matched the dress. The necklace cost over nine hundred dollars, but it was too beautiful to pass up.

  A fruit and vegetable market disappointed her.

  The clerk said, “Ma’am, you can’t find fresh cranberries this time of year, but I have some in cans.”

  She shook her head. “Canned isn’t good enough.”

  “How about frozen?” He pulled out a bag and opened it for her inspection. “Here, try one.”

  The berries looked crisp and almost as good as fresh. She bit into one. The tart juice zinged on her tongue. “I guess these will do.”

  Next, she went to The Mermaid’s Magick Shop, a faux wiccan and pagan store specializing in tourist trinkets and mermaid themed gifts. I prefer a more authentic metaphysical emporium, but there isn’t a good one in the area. Besides, it’s late. I need to get back before Thorne starts to worry. In the store, she found Amber Wood Eau de Parfum in a one hundred-milliliter black porcelain flacon with a gold, embossed label. One hundred twenty-five dollars. Wow. Not cheap, but I need it.

  Incense in red, gold, and blue packages came next on her list. She decided on vervain, cypress, and mastic. On impulse, she added packets of sandalwood and green sage, just in case.

  One last thing. She found the section of bulk apothecary items. There it is. Powdered alkanet root. The deep crimson color is lovely. That’s why people use it to dye soap and lip balm. After this is over, I can make a killer lipstick with what’s left. She scooped about half a pound into a small organic cotton bag and tied the strings. This should be more than enough.