She searched behind every rock and inside every natural opening, but there was no sign of it. Did he use a glamour? Makes sense since he was paranoid and guarded his secrets carefully.
She moved back to the table, sat in Merlindrake’s chair, and placed her palms face down on the wood surface. If a fragment of him remained in the chains, some residue may be here as well. Concentrating, summoning Merlindrake’s spirit, she closed her eyes. Though spikes of adrenaline zinging through her body made her want to bolt and flee, she forced herself to try to connect with his essence. When she felt his presence beside her, she posed the question. “Where did you secrete your grimoire, sorcerer?”
A roar of thunder shook the walls, and an icy chill streaked down Athenia’s back. What’s happening?
Merlindrake appeared before her. Scars covered his handsome face. More ran down his arms, florid pink, raised and bulbous, as if flamingo-colored cauliflower had erupted from his skin.
Pulse pounding, she gasped and jumped out of the chair.
Abruptly, he faded to translucent.
He’s not here, just the image in my mind of what I think he would look like if he’d survived the rock fall. Though her heart slowed a little, her chest still thudded.
Forcing herself to regulate her breathing, she said, “I called you here, spirit of Merlindrake, to answer a question. Where is your spell book?”
The simulacrum snarled. “I’ll never give up my secrets to you.”
Impatient, she waved her hand. “You don’t need the book. In repayment for some of the damage you caused and to help redeem your soul, tell me where it is.”
He chuckled. “Thank you, but my soul is fine.”
With that, the likeness faded away.
Athenia called, “Wait. Come back.” She pounded her fist on the table. “Damn, I need those spells.”
Mocking laughter echoed from outside.
After another fruitless search, she sat back at the table. I’m out of ideas. I can’t figure out where he stashed the thing. Might as well leave. What a waste of time.
As she reached the entrance, the rain stopped. Thank goodness. I hate swimming during thunderstorms, but this place is too spooky to stay here any longer.
A ray of sun illuminated the rock fall which buried Merlindrake after she and Thorne collapsed the roof. The cairn is different, not as big as before.
Footsteps dragging, she approached the mound. Definitely smaller, and some of the stones have been moved. She froze. Did an animal dig out his body and eat him? Horrible, but he deserved anything that happened to him.
She inched closer. A gap in the rock pile revealed an empty space. “No, it can’t be.” Bile rose and the hair on her arms and the back of her neck went rigid, this time. Merlindrake’s body is gone.
Transforming in midair, she flung herself into the water, then pumped her flukes hard to put as much distance between her and the cave as she could.
I didn’t conjure Merlindrake’s spirit. He’s alive. He’s in terrible shape, but he lives. And he saw me. He’ll track me back to Tarpon Springs.
ΨΨΨ
After the long swim back, trembling from exertion and fear, Athenia transformed and pulled herself from the water. Because her clothes had ripped off and fallen away when she’d changed without disrobing first, she had nothing to cover herself. In her mad rush to escape, she’d forgotten about her bag and left it. A trained sorcerer can track vibrations impressed on objects from their owners. Another way for Merlindrake to find me. As if he needs any help.
She limped inside, her entire body aching from the effort of swimming at such speed without resting once. With Thorne’s wards protecting the cabin, I don’t think Merlindrake can attack me here. I don’t have to worry about him right now. Gelion can get to me though. Wish I could discover what he is and how he materializes like he does, without any sign or sound to give warning. If I figure him out, maybe I can devise a strategy to deal with him.
Thorne sat at the table eating a sandwich with a glass of water beside him. He coughed and averted his gaze.
When I don’t want him here, he’s back. Face flaming, she covered herself with her hands and ran to her alcove. “I’ll be out as soon as I dress.”
She slipped her caftan over her head, fanned her face, and shuffled back to the main room.
Trying to buy herself some time to recover from her embarrassment, she poured herself a glass of water. Oh well, it’s not like he hasn’t seen my body before. Visions of their lovemaking came to her, but she pushed them away. It’s not going to happen again, so I need to stop thinking about it. We’re master and apprentice now, nothing more.
She took her water and sat in the chair opposite Thorne. “Sorry about that. I didn’t realize you were back.”
“You didn’t notice the kayak?”
She brushed a lock of hair off her face. “I was distracted.”
He raised an eyebrow. “When you ran in, you acted scared to death. Want to tell me about it?”
She looked at the floor.
He gripped her hand where it rested on the table. “Please tell me what’s going on. I’m worried about you.”
She sipped her water, then cleared her throat. “I’m fine.”
He narrowed his eyes.
She squirmed in her chair. If I tell him where I went, he’ll want to know why. To keep him safe, I can’t let him know about Gelion. Besides, he’d be so mad at me for keeping it all to myself, he might never get over it. “I fought with a shark on the way back.”
“You never had problems with sharks before.”
She pulled away and crossed her arms over her chest. “I never told you about it, but it’s a common hazard for a Nerei.”
At the skepticism on his face, she bristled. “You don’t know everything about Nerei.” The best defense is a good offence.
“You’re right, I’m sorry. I’m not doubting you. I want to make sure you’re okay.”
I should tell him what’s going on, but if I do, I’m afraid he’ll kick me out. This might be the last straw. Tears formed. I wish things could be different between us.
Thorne stood and came around the table. He took her chin and tilted her face up. “Whatever it is, you can trust me.” As he had the first day they met, he wiped her cheekbones with his thumbs.
She chewed on her lip. “I want to tell you, but I’m afraid.”
“I won’t let anything hurt you.” He took her hands and held them between his large, warm ones.
She pulled away. “Things were hard with you away so much.”
“I promise, it’ll all be resolved soon, and we’ll start the lessons again.”
“What’s going on? Is something wrong with one of the mages?” With a searching gaze, she scanned his face.
His expression remained neutral. “It’s confidential until everyone involved is informed.”
She folded her arms over the coal of anger in her middle. “You want me to tell you everything, but you keep me in the dark. Is that about it?”
“I’ll tell you as soon as I can.” He pulled her into a hug. Then, he went still and stared into her eyes.
Time stopped. An invisible bubble seemed to surround them which shut out all sound except their breathing. He smelled like fresh grass after a spring rain. I’m safe with his strong arms around me. Content, she sighed.
Thorne kissed her with lips that tasted sweeter than baklava. She melted into him, responding with all the passion she’d repressed for the long months while they lived together as roommates.
He drew back from her. He whispered, “Tell me.”
He only kissed me as a ploy to make me open up. Nice move, mage. Kiss the witch ’til she’s stupid, and she’ll spill all her secrets. Not. Her muscles stiffened and she lurched away from him. “Why don’t you go back to your important, private business?”
She stalked toward the door.
“Athenia,” he called after her.
She kept going.
She reached
the water. As she waded in, she threw the caftan on the beach. Transforming, she jetted away. He won’t come after me while I’m in the water. He’d never find me.
She caught a couple of fish and grabbed some seaweed, chomping down and grinding the food into bits. When she finished, she waited underwater until his kayak streaked away down the bayou. She peeked her head above water when he went by and glimpsed his face. His expression was stony.
Her own anger flared. I don’t need his help. I can take care of myself.
She swam back, returned to human form, and pulled the caftan over her head. Exhausted by the day’s exertions and emotions, she went inside and curled on her side in her hammock. Tomorrow, I’ll think of something else to do. I’ll find a way to deal with Gelion and Merlindrake, and anyone else I need to protect myself from. Including Thorne.
CHAPTER FIVE
At a warm caress on her arm, she half woke. “Thorne?” Enjoying the feeling, she leaned into the strong hand massaging her bicep and shoulder. “That feels so good, but I thought you said…”
An odor like burning wood permeated the room.
The massage continued, moving down her back. “Mmm, I like that a lot, but you shouldn’t.”
Concerned and confused, she rolled onto her back and opened her eyes.
Gelion stood beside her.
Still exhausted and groggy from too little sleep, she reacted first with irritation. Perfect, the last creature I need right now. As she sat up, she grabbed her phone and gave it a quick glance. Only an hour since I went to bed. How can I deal with him after everything else today? Tears of frustration rose, but she blinked them back. Rested or not, I’m handling this. “Why are you back?”
He ran a finger down the side of her breast, leaving fiery tingles in its wake, and her pulse sped up. Unable to break away from his entrancing gaze, she whimpered. When he circled her nipple with his thumb and forefinger, his touch sent shocks of pleasure through her body.
I don’t want this. Though she tried to pull away, her body wouldn’t cooperate.
As he inched down to her belly, an ache expanded through her core. Need slammed her. How can I possibly refuse him?
When he made a slicing motion, her caftan tore in two down the middle leaving her bare skin exposed.
Gasping in shock, she grabbed the fabric and held it together to conceal her body.
With a snarl, he ripped it away. “Let me look at you.”
Fear and repulsion crashed through the haze of lust, and she jerked away. She swung off the other side of the hammock. Now, I’m trapped between him and the wall. Her heart hammered and her legs trembled.
The hammock dropped to the floor. Gelion grasped her arm and pulled her to him. “Give me what I want.”
“No.” Adrenaline flowed. If I’m forced, I’ll fight. She twisted, trying to free herself.
Pulling his lips back in a snarl, he tightened his grip. “I’m tired of waiting. I want your talents now.”
She tugged as hard as she could, but his grip didn’t give in the slightest. Worse, her arm had gone numb where he squeezed it. How can I resist so strong a being? “I thought you needed me to consent?”
“If you don’t agree, I’ll kill you. How’s that for voluntary?”
She opened her mouth to beg, but her Nerei side took over. Out came a song she’d never thought of before. A song of strength, resistance to forces much larger than oneself, and surviving all challenges. She sang of her resilience, her self-reliance, her ability to withstand and overcome grief so intense it would fell the mightiest warriors, and she sang of her will to repel Gelion’s assault.
His eyes widened. “You’re not human.” His grip relaxed for a second.
She wriggled free, but her feet tangled in the hammock strings, and she went down.
He loomed over her. “What are you?”
After a few frantic seconds, she pulled the rope from her feet and slid backwards on her butt to put as much distance as possible between them.
He stalked her. “Tell me. What are you, and what is that song? I recognize it from somewhere, but I don’t remember where. That tune is a special one with a different kind of magnetism.”
She stood. There’s only one chance to escape. She sang again, but this time, she added confusion and visual obscurity.
Damp, cool fog, redolent of the ocean on an October morning, filled the room. Within a few seconds it surrounded her. He can’t see me, but now I can’t make out where he is either.
As she edged toward the door, she amped up the song. Billowy white clouds spilled beyond her alcove to engulf the cabin.
Gelion called her, “Athenia, Athenia. Where are you?” His singsong tone made a bizarre parody of the children’s game, Marco Polo.
Don’t get distracted now, you’re almost free. As silently as possible, she took a few more steps.
At the exit, she jerked open the door.
As she took a step outside, he grabbed her from behind and yanked her back inside.
He dropped her on the floor and threw himself on top of her. “This is fun, but no more playing. Tell me all your secrets.”
Without her song, the fog thinned and dissipated.
His face was an inch from hers. His body covered her, and his erection pressed against her pelvis. He held his palm over her mouth. “Don’t try singing again. I’ll stop you.”
She bobbed her head up and down.
After he searched her gaze with his, he took his hand away. “Talk.”
“Move off me first, you’re heavy.”
He slid to the side. “Now.”
“I’m a witch and an apprentice to a mage.”
“Not the answer I wanted.” He sent an electric pulse toward her.
Without thinking, she covered herself in a cushion of air. The power rebounded against him.
As it hit him, he cried out.
She jumped to her feet and ran. Outside, she dove into the water, transforming, and swimming as fast as she could go.
His laughter followed her. “A Nerei! Fantastic. This keeps getting better. When I drain you, I’ll take your siren song, too. Swim as far as you want. It won’t help you.”
ΨΨΨ
The next day, Monday, April ninth, Athenia spent the morning rejuvenating in the Gulf, away from the prying eyes of humans but only a few minutes from the mangrove swamp. The water was calm, and the sun heated her skin as she floated on her back. A pelican skimmed along, swooped, and snatched a fish. Gulls cried overhead. The fresh tangy air of the saltwater cleared all the spring pollen from her sinuses, and wavelets rocked her until she dozed.
The crack of thunder woke her. What the...? The sky was blue and cloudless a minute ago. How did a storm blow in so fast?
The azure sky still showed not a cloud in sight. Moving to an upright position, she shielded her eyes and searched for the source of the thunder.
Another boom sounded behind her, and a sizzle of lightning, which missed her by a few feet, speared into the water.
When she whirled around, Gelion tread water beside her.
She caught a glimpse of his gleaming black hair slicked against his forehead. His lips turned up in a cunning smile. She turned cold. Got to escape. Her heart pounded hard enough to break through her chest.
Reflexes took over, and she dove to gain a few precious seconds. Ideas on how to escape whirled through her mind. Maybe I can take refuge in a coral reef or one of the shipwrecks out here. Lots of hiding places in them. Or I might be able to reach my old cave under Tarpon Springs.
Right on her tail and gaining, he followed. He should have been weighed down by his ridiculous suit, but he wasn’t. Instead, he glided along as if through air and didn’t seem to need to breathe, though he was definitely not Nerei.
As she ducked behind the reef, she startled a school of red snapper. When they whisked away in all directions, several barely missed Gelion. He paused to avoid the fish, and Athenia increased the distance between them.
A ghostly
structure loomed. One of the wrecks. Goddess, please let me find a cubby hole in the old ship.
Putting on even more speed, she darted to the derelict and slipped into an opening in the hull. Not the best hiding place because he’ll probably search this first.
A bulky open chest sat next to a metal bunk bolted to the floor. She peered inside. Empty. Looted by treasure hunters. She maneuvered inside and pulled the lid shut.
As she scrunched down, her stomach roiled. If he looks in here, this could turn into a trap. I should have considered that before I hid in here.
She followed his progress with her acute Nerei hearing, while he moved ever closer to her. What can I do? Must find a way to defend myself.
A pause, then the chest flew open, and Gelion grabbed her arm. With a jerk, he dragged her out of the wreck and toward the surface.
When their heads breached, she broke the paralysis induced fear and sang.
After only a couple of notes, he yanked her hair and wrenched her head back, stuffing her mouth and covering her nose with a thick cloth.
Must have been balled up and hidden in his fist.
“No, you don’t. Though I doubt your strongest song would affect me, let’s not find out today.”
The gag stopped her breath. She choked.
He wrapped the ends around her neck, covering her gills. Then, he pulled her under and held her down. Water seeped through the cloth and filled her nose and mouth.
When she tried to filter oxygen from the water, she sucked the scratchy fabric deep into her respiratory system. She struggled. Dark spots danced in her vision, but his iron grip on her never eased.
Concentrating all her will on sending the water away from her head, she pushed with mage power. For a few seconds the fabric remained wedged inside her. Desperation and panic used up all the oxygen in her body. Can’t last much longer.
At last, water whooshed away in a tremendous rush, and Gelion lost his hold on her. When her head popped into the air, she tore the covering away from her mouth and inhaled. Without warning, the Gulf water retreated in a rush and left them both flopping like beached whales on damp sand.
Some fish squirmed beside her, but they wouldn’t last long. All the way to the horizon, no water remained. Nothing but bloated fish and wilting sea grass indicated water had ever covered the area. In the other direction, the empty seabed met the shoreline. Not too far from the cabin. If I can get there…
Siren Descending Page 7
