Siren Descending

by Katherine Smits

  “Where will we go?” Fidgeting, she bit her fingernail.

  “There’s a little town about fifty miles north of here called Crystal River. Seven rivers are in the area, and you can take any of them directly to the Gulf to rejuvenate. Don’t worry, we’ll be comfortable there.”

  “But where will we stay? Will we build another shelter in the mangroves?”

  He shook his head. “No, I rented a small house on a canal with a spot out back for the kayaks.”

  “What about neighbors?” Glancing back and forth between Thorne and the window, she paced the small room.

  “Yes, but we’ll be careful not to employ magic when anyone is around. Not an issue for you, since you aren’t using yours anyway.” Wheezing again, he paused, then took her arm. “Come on. Pack your things. I also arranged for a car. It’s waiting for us at the docks.”

  “You think of everything, and the place sounds ideal. I wish I could go.”

  “What do you mean? What little you brought with you should all fit in the boat. Since my clothes are ready, I’ll help you.” A slight whistle punctuated his words. As he moved toward her alcove, his chest heaved.

  Pulling away, she backed up a step. Since is this all my fault and my responsibility to stop the red tide before more die, I need to stay here and fix this. Even if he never speaks to me again, I must tell him. “Wait.”

  As he paused beside her alcove, his labored wheezing filled the room. “Lungs feel like they’re filling with gunk… need to take off soon.” He coughed hard, and his chest rattled.

  “First, I need to tell you something.” She hesitated. How can I explain when I can’t figure it out myself? “The situation is complicated.”

  When he waved his hands, a breezed stirred, like an invisible fan. The wheezing lessened. “All right, I’m filtering, but I can’t keep up the effort too long, so we only have a few minutes.” He moved to the dining area and sat at the table. “What’s going on?”

  She took the chair opposite him. “I should have told you before, but things happened so fast, and you were gone so much, I never found the right time.”

  “I’m listening.” He squinted his eyes, thinned his lips.

  That’s probably the expression I’ll see on his face from now on. Loss hit her hard when she pictured his caring eyes and how soft his mouth was the night before when he kissed her. He’s like a totally different man, in warrior mode, ready to do battle. With me.

  To comfort herself, she crossed her arms over her chest. “This is my fault.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “As I told you, no one knows the cause, but red tide is the extraordinary growth of a naturally occurring algae called Karenia brevis. When it receives too many nutrients, the microscopic organism grows too much. Lately, this has happened more often, probably from climate change. A freak storm hit last night. Maybe that’s what started this one, although it’s earlier in the year than usual.”

  “Yeah, I was out in it. The thing is—”

  He interrupted. “I thought you stayed in last night. So much lightning struck around here. Did something happen?” He stood, came over to her, and pulled her out of her chair. “Please tell me before you go to the water at night. You could have been killed in the storm.” He folded her in his arms.

  She hugged him back, but tears overflowed her eyes and soaked into his shirt. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay, but what if you got hurt? How would I help you?”

  “No, I mean...” She trailed off.

  Thorne held his head and lurched to his feet. “Feeling worse again… the filter stopped functioning. Let’s go, my head is pounding.”

  After he took one step, he choked, then barked out a raw, strangled cough. Grabbing his chest, he fell to his knees.

  Terrified, Athenia ran to him. “Are you all right?”

  When he didn’t answer, she called air and swirled it around him, trying to duplicate his filtering system. Though a breeze blew around him, he continued to cough. Something else he didn’t teach me to do.

  With a heave, she hauled him over her shoulder. Thank the goddess for my Nerei strength. Staggering, she got him out and down to the kayaks and slid him into one of them.

  He groaned, but he didn’t open his eyes.

  Is he conscious? Shaking him, she called his name several times, but he didn’t respond. In desperation, she pulled her phone from her pocket and dialed Rowan. When he answered, she said, “Thorne’s in trouble from the red tide. Come and meet me. Hurry.”

  She stripped, threw her clothes, a bikini, and her cell in the small craft and waded in the goopy liquid, bumping against dead, staring fish. So gross. Wish I could keep my head above water. I hate the idea of this stuff going through my gills, but I can’t make good time that way, and Thorne needs help as soon as possible.

  After she transformed, she shoved the boat into the water. Towing the kayak behind her, she swam as fast as she could.

  ΨΨΨ

  Rowan had agreed to meet her at Anclote River Park. Although north of Tarpon Springs, it was closer than the Sponge Docks. She had visited it during her rejuvenation periods at night when no one was there. The white sand beach and shallow water were perfect for lounging, but it was near some mangrove islands where she could hide if anyone did show up. The river park was lonely at night, and she wished she could be there in the day to watch children climb on the playground equipment or splash in the warm water. I guess I could go in human form. Although, not until this crisis is over.

  When she was within three feet of shore, she shifted, eeled into her bathing suit, and dragged the kayak the rest of the way out of the water.

  Rowan waited in the parking lot next to his car. He ran down, kicked off his flipflops, and waded in. Together, they lifted Thorne out and lay him on the ground. Kneeling beside him, Rowan reached for the pulse at Thorne’s carotid artery. “His heart is beating.” He put his ear to Thorne’s chest. “His breathing is shallow but regular. He’ll be okay.”

  Athenia’s legs went weak. Trembling, she sank to her knees.

  She swung her arms in a wave motion, then a spiral, the sign to honor the goddess Doris. “Thank you, divinity of the abundance of the sea.” She opened her eyes.

  Rowan said, “You did the right thing by bringing him to me.” A breeze ruffled Thorne’s hair. “There. I created a filter to remove the Karenia brevis. I’ll take him to Willow’s house. She recently moved to a home further inland because she was tired of living rough in the mangroves.”

  Willow’s beautiful, like a fragile orchid. “I’m sure she’s more comfortable.”

  Rowan chuckled. “Some of the men teased her, said she was soft.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Sometimes, they act like Marines.” He raised Thorne to a sitting position. He lolled against Rowan. “Never Thorne, though. He knew better.”

  Athenia took one of Thorne’s arms. “Willow appears delicate, but I bet she’s not.”

  Rowan snorted. “You should see her in a fight. Those males who laugh at her can only wish to be as tough.”

  They hefted Thorne and dragged him to Rowan’s car.

  Rowan belted him in the passenger side and snugged a crescent-shaped pillow around his neck. “He’ll be comfortable enough during the short ride. Willow and I can get him inside. She’s getting everything ready now.”

  Athenia’s throat clogged. “I’m so sorry about all this.”

  Rowan gave her a piercing stare. “You’re still finding your way. He’ll be fine. Do you want to come with us? I’m sure there’s room.”

  She shook her head. “No, there are some things I have to take care of.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Be careful and call if you need anything. You’re one of us now. We’ll lend our strength.”

  His support comforted her, but she berated herself. I don’t deserve anyone helping me.

  After Rowan left, Athenia walked along the shore, trying to figure out how to solve her problems. First the red tide. I could blo
w it away. No, it might grow from all the oxygen.

  As she considered her options, she waded into the shallows. Delphie and I developed some occult formulas to clean areas where humans dumped tons of plastic. One of them might work.

  A form materialized in front of her.

  Her heart sank to her feet. “Gelion. I thought you said I had time to decide what to do.”

  Tonight, he wore a navy-blue blazer and tan pants rolled to the knees. He was barefoot but carried a pair of loafers. His white dress shirt was open to the second button, and tendrils of black hair curled from it. Warmth emanated from him. To her extra senses, it felt like the sun calling to her on a cold day. When he smiled, his eyes flashed with what she guessed was humor. “Didn’t you miss me? I couldn’t wait to see you again.”

  She pulled back from the temptation of his radiating energy. “I told you, I’m not giving in to you sexually, and I won’t let you have my magic. Go away.”

  When he reached for her, she tried to step back, but something locked her in place. He leaned in, snuffling along her neck. “You’ve been busy since I saw you last. There’s new darkness in you.”

  “I didn’t do anything wrong.”

  He gloated. “Your soul bears a new stain. How do you explain that?”

  The red tide. All those fish and other marine life lost. It’s my fault. The vortex and storm triggered the algae bloom. So many dead because of me. How will I ever repay this debt? She bowed her head. “I caused harm unintentionally. I’ll pay for that but not by submitting to you.”

  He growled. “I’m losing patience with you.” With a snarl, he threw his arms wide and his head back. and A sizzling cone formed around them.

  Athenia choked on lung-searing air. “You might be able to take what you want by force, but I’ll never agree.”

  He raised his head and let his arms fall to his sides. The heat dissipated. “If I coerce you, I’ll only obtain a fraction of what I want.” Eyes narrowed, he stroked his chin. “Maybe I can convince you another way.”

  The expression on his face caused sweat, which had poured out during his attack, to chill her. The paralysis broke, and she stepped back. “Wh-what are you talking about?”

  “You acted awfully concerned about the mage you brought here tonight. In fact, when you heard he would be all right, you broadcast relief so loudly it called me here. I think you might be willing to give me your abilities to save him.”

  “No.” She kept her face blank. “He’s my master and mentor, but there’s no personal connection.”

  He snorted. “That smells like a colossal lie, as bad as all those dead fish on the shore.”

  She backed away. “I’m telling you, he means nothing to me. I’m only apprenticed to him because I betrayed him and got into big trouble. The others wouldn’t accept any other resolution, short of my execution.”

  He stepped toward her, matching every step she took away from him. “That rings true, but it isn’t quite all of it. I can almost taste your attraction to him.”

  “You’re wrong.”

  “All right. I’ll tell you what. I’ll give you a week. Try anything you want for seven days. It won’t help you any. When the time is up, you either submit to me and let me absorb your talents, or I’ll take him to the underworld.”

  “You’ll kill him?” Her voice screeched.

  “No, I won’t harm him. He’ll be in a deep sleep. However, I’ll take him with me to Hades. You should be happy to hear that since you’ll be rid of him.”

  “But no one’s that strong, except...” Understanding hit her like a rogue wave.

  He grabbed her arm and left a searing burn on her skin. “By George, I think she’s got it.”

  Pain flared and traveled over her entire body. “You’re...” She trailed off again. She couldn’t make the words come out of her mouth.

  “Yes, little mermaid, I’m the devil.” With a swirl of sand and boiling water, he winked out of sight, but his voice echoed after him. “And I’ll be back in a week for either you and your powers...or the mage.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Athenia called Thorne the next morning.

  Willow answered.

  Athenia’s heart stopped. “Is he all right?”

  “I’m keeping him in a medical trance while he recuperates from the effects of the red tide. He almost died.”

  Athenia tightened her grip on the cell. “When can I see him?”

  A few seconds of silence followed before Willow answered, “Let’s take this one day at a time. He’s not well enough to wake yet.”

  “I want to come over.”

  “There wouldn’t be any point. He wouldn’t realize you were here.”

  “He might. Patients in comas sometimes hear their friends and families when they speak to them.”

  “No, I can’t risk it. If you upset him, his condition might take a turn for the worse.”

  Athenia bristled. “I wouldn’t hurt him, and I want to show him I care.”

  “Not today. Maybe tomorrow.” Willow’s voice was cold.

  The connection went dead.

  Athenia called the next day and the next. The conversation went pretty much the same each time. Athenia begged to visit Thorne, but Willow wouldn’t relent.

  Six days later, Athenia slammed down the phone. I’m not tolerating this any longer. She’s freezing me out because of what happened before, but I have a right to be with Thorne.

  She pulled on a pair of quick-dry khaki shorts and a dark green cotton top. Going with the outfit, all to try to fit in. Not like me at all, but when you swim with sharks, you’d better look like one of them or you’re liable to get eaten.

  She paddled to Howard Park, the closest landing to where Willow lived. The ride service she had arranged picked her up, and two hours later, she rang the doorbell of Willow’s cream-colored stucco house.

  The terra cotta tiled roof gave the home a slight Spanish appearance. The earth toned pavers on the driveway, the curved arch entrance, and the ornamental ironwork around the windows accentuated the Mediterranean style.

  I hope Willow lets me in. Otherwise, I’ll have a long wait for another car to come way out here to Zephyrhills. Athenia listened for footsteps.

  The day was hot, almost ninety degrees. Sweat ran down her temples and tickled the small of her back. How long is she going to make me stand out here?

  Crows cawed. Two of the black birds landed a few feet from her and poked around the grass apparently unconcerned by her presence.

  A breeze brought some relief from the heat, and with it, the scent of roses and orange blossoms. Her throat was dry and her mouth sticky. She swallowed. Mmm, a glass of juice would taste delicious.

  With a click, the door opened, but Willow barred the entry, arms across her chest. “I told you, he’s not ready for guests.”

  Athenia held out her hands. “Please, I’m not a visitor. I’m his apprentice. He needs me.”

  Willow narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know...”

  Athenia tried to look meek. “I promise I’ll be careful.”

  Willow stood back and gestured for her to come in. “You’ll leave when I tell you to.”

  “Okay.” She followed Willow. The home was bright and airy with high ceilings and overhead fans creating a gentle flow. Soft music floated through the room. Athenia couldn’t tell where it came from.

  From the foyer, they entered a formal dining area. The others sat at a rectangular glass table. Remnants of a meal and glasses of wine sat in front of them.

  Athenia nodded. I’m not the only one who wasn’t invited since Bo isn’t here, either. Still, a hollow sensation filled her chest. I’m more alone than ever.

  With a wave, Rowan offered her a chair.

  Laurel said, “Sit and have a glass with us.”

  Athenia backed away. “I’m only here for Thorne.”

  She followed Willow through the dining area. In the back, picture windows displayed a garden. Shaded paver paths wound through orange tree
s and by a spring-fed pond. Beyond it, the stream spilled over a waterfall and rushed off into the distance. Entranced, Athenia stopped. “It’s incredible.”

  “Thank you. I wanted to move away from the mangrove swamps. The creek leads to a river, then flows to the Gulf, so I can travel by boat. I bought ten acres and the house, which needed some renovation, for a good price. Mainly I wanted the land and water. It’s my retreat, but I’m happy to share with the others when they need help. Thorne is welcome to stay here as long as he wants.”

  “Where is he?”

  “This way.” Willow led her to a room off to the side of the great room. “He’s using this bedroom. There’s another next to it. The master suite is on the other side.”

  She’s making it clear they aren’t sharing a room. Athenia’s rigid muscles relaxed a fraction. She’s so beautiful, but Thorne never acted interested in her.

  Willow continued. “I would do this for any of them. There’s never been anything between me and Thorne and never will be.”

  Relief surged through Athenia. “Thank you.”

  “However,” Willow fisted her hands on her hips. “I don’t approve of his involvement with you.”

  Athenia opened her mouth, but Willow continued. “You almost killed him. He told me you’ve been doing well, but I don’t think he should trust you. I don’t.”

  Athenia bowed her head. “Though I don’t deserve your confidence or his, I’m trying.”

  “Try harder.” Willow turned away. “I’ll give you some privacy.” She stalked off.

  ΨΨΨ

  Athenia stuck her head in the room. “Thorne, are you awake?”

  Rustling came from the bed. “Athenia?”

  “Can I come in?” She took a step inside.

  He was propped in a king bed with a massive carved canopy surrounded by gauzy white drapes which were pulled back. Sunlight poured in the room from glass doors that looked out on the garden. A folding chair sat beside the bed.

  Her gaze traveled from his muscled arms and shoulders to his bare chest and lower. However, the sheet concealed everything below his waist. Heat rushed to her cheeks. He’s been so ill, and all I can do is ogle him. What’s wrong with me?