Siren Descending

by Katherine Smits

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Shortly before midnight, she gathered her supplies and wrapped them in the silk. To the assembled items, she added a vial of seawater she had collected earlier in the day.

  Then she went outside. This witchcraft works better outdoors. Besides, I don’t want to bring evil to our home.

  When she arrived at her special spot in the woods, she spread the fabric on the ground. After that, she arranged the herbs and crystals around the candles. She lit them and the incense. At last, she shed the towel which she hung on a bush. Nude, she reached her arms to the sky.

  To summon the entity, she sang the ancient words, a throat-searing gargle no human and few Nerei could master. To it she attached her musical lure. That should capture his attention.

  As energy pulsed along her nerve endings, she spoke to him. “Dweller of the inferno, Surgat, you who can open all locks and provide passages where none exist. Hear my song. Heed my invocation. Come to me and do my bidding.”

  After she repeated the invocation twice, she grabbed the athame, sliced across her palm, and dripped blood into the flame representing earth.

  An image formed at the edge of the circle of light, a tall man dressed in black pants and shirt with bare feet. Though his dark eyes, hair, and handsome face reminded her of someone, she couldn’t decide who.

  No, not feet. Misshapen claws.

  With a glance, he scanned the area. “Who conjures me here.”

  In her most mesmerizing voice, she replied. “You will obey me.”

  “Who are you?”

  “Until you complete the task I demand, I am your ruler.”

  Squinting, he leaned toward her. “Tell me your name.”

  She folded her arms across her chest. “I’m not so foolish. Call me ‘Siren’.”

  With a grunt, he replied. “What do you want me to do?”

  “Bring the mage, Thorne Sanderson, from Hades here to me.”

  The being recoiled. “That I cannot do. No one may return once they enter the underworld.”

  Athenia cut her palm again and squeezed more drops over the altar. “By the power of my blood, I command you.”

  Surgat sank to his knees. “Forgive me, Mistress Siren, but I will be punished if I do such a thing.”

  With her most compelling song, she ordered him. “By the power of my voice, I command you.”

  Howling, he shielded his ears. “Indeed, I cannot, my strength is not sufficient to raise the dead.”

  Frustration welled. This is all so unfair. Tears threatened, but she refused to give in to them. Must show him I’m strong enough to control him. She forced patience into her tone. “Thorne is alive. He’s been kidnapped to the underworld, but he lives, and I must help him.”

  She lit the vellum containing the portal spell. When fire bloomed, she dropped the paper, threw all the packets of herbs on the fire, and dripped on more blood.

  Then she emptied the sea water in a circle around the fire. “By the power of earth, air, fire, and water, I command you. Bring Thorne through, or you’ll serve me until you do. If you don’t obey me, I’ll never free you.”

  As Surgat twisted and writhed, his efforts to break free strained her resources. Sweat coated her body. Grimly, she held on. Must make him do my bidding.

  In a strange tongue, he shouted unintelligible words, glaring at her the entire time.

  Probably cursing me. If I understood, I might be concerned. Or not, as I knew he wouldn’t be happy about this. Though I wouldn’t coerce another being except out of dire necessity, he’d never do this of his own free will. Doubling down, she infused more compulsion.

  Surgat stopped struggling and lowered his gaze.

  Athenia continued to sing. “Unlock the gates of Hell and bring him back to me.”

  “As you demand.” Smoke curled around the demon as he uttered a guttural chant.

  A boom and crash sounded to her left. A gaping maw opened in the ground, from which fire and rocks exploded, sending forth a plume of sparks.

  Is Thorne coming? Seeking some sign of him, she peered into the black cavity, but she couldn’t make out anything. She stared harder. Impenetrable. Like the hole pulls the light in.

  With her attention riveted on the crater, Athenia lost focus and her iron grip on Surgat slipped.

  Shouting, he shattered the compulsion. In an instant, he evaporated.

  No matter, he served his purpose. She allowed her vocalization to drift away, along with all domination of the entity, sending him thanks and her good will. Though I compelled you, I appreciate the risk you took.

  As the paper burned to ashes, she waited. Then, a breeze blew out the candle.

  Athenia still stood, staring at the opening.

  A sound like souls shrieking in pain came from below ground. Goddess, what is that horrible noise? Goose bumps raised, and a chill went through her.

  An odor like scorched electrical wiring permeated the area. She covered her nose and breathed through her mouth.

  The wind heated, wrapping around her like an itchy wool blanket. Though she scratched her arms until they bled, the crawling sensation lingered, like mites burrowing under her skin.

  The broiling temperature pulled moisture from her body, dehydrating her, and leaving red blotches on her back and chest. Goddess, that hurts. Either I rejuvenate soon, or I won’t survive, but I need to hold on until Thorne comes through the gateway.

  Without warning, the aperture rumbled, shook, and came together with a crash. Nothing remained of the opening except for a scrape of dirt.

  For a moment, she simply blinked in stunned disbelief. Heart sinking, she collapsed on the ground. I failed. Thorne can’t come back this way. She sobbed into her hands.

  When the pain from her burns became too much, she stood. Grabbing the wrap, she covered herself as she averted her eyes from the raw earth. Before I try something else, I need to heal. Besides, I can’t stand this place. It’s too much like a grave.

  ΨΨΨ

  After a sleepless night, Athenia called Rowan. “Please convene the mages. I need to talk to all of you about Thorne.”

  Rowan’s voice was cold. “Are you ready to tell us where he is? There’s no time for lies.”

  Athenia kept her tone as neutral as possible. “I’m going to be absolutely truthful with you. He’s in trouble and needs your help. Don’t do it for me. Do it for him.”

  “All right. We’ll come over tonight.”

  “It’s still pretty rank here. Will everyone be all right? I don’t want any of you to get sick.”

  “We can purge the air for a few hours, so we should be fine.”

  When they arrived, they were dressed almost alike, as usual. Once again, Bo was absent. They all wore white filter masks over their noses and mouths.

  She had on similar clothes to avoid being accused of using feminine wiles. It doesn’t help much though. I’ll never be one of them.

  They beached their kayaks and stalked toward her, a breeze surrounding them.

  She greeted them with a wave. “Please, come inside.” I want them to relax as much as possible. If any occasion ever called for wine, this is it.

  They all trooped in and sat cross-legged on the floor except for Rowan. He took the chair opposite her. “Why did you summon us?”

  She picked up one of the six bottles of wine she had opened earlier. I got three white and three red to please everyone. Had to make sure there’s enough, so they don’t flip out when I tell them. Trembling, she poured them each a glass. As she served, she took some steadying breaths.

  She filled her own goblet to the top. “There are some things I need to tell you. This is a long and strange story, but I won’t leave anything out. Please try to keep an open mind.”

  She passed around a platter of feta and gouda cheese, and another with crackers, along with a pinot grigio and a merlot. She gestured to the Riesling and the red blend on the table. “Help yourself to more whenever you want.” Okay, hosting duties complete.

&nbs
p; After swallowing a gulp of chardonnay, she started at the beginning and told them all about Gelion and her efforts to obtain power so she could defeat him. She even took responsibility for the red tide. As she reached the point where Gelion snatched Thorne and took him away, a lump rose in her throat. In a husky voice, she finished. She hid her face, but she couldn’t suppress a strangled sob.

  After too many awkward seconds, Rowan broke the silence. “Athenia, this story is pretty out there. I want to accept what you say, but the devil? I don’t believe there is such a thing.”

  Willow spoke up. “Evil is merely a concept. People do bad things resulting from traumas earlier in their lives or because they’re mentally ill. The idea of malevolence personified by a humanoid creature is a story for children.”

  Ash chimed in with a lecturing tone, “Our philosophy deems most terrible things are a consequence of natural phenomena. Sometimes, people call it karma, but actions create reactions in complex ways which rebound positive or negative energy to the sender. We have faith in science.

  Rowan added, “People are the ones who do things they shouldn’t and blame the devil to avoid responsibility.”

  Athenia finished her drink. She poured herself another glass. With almost enough force to shatter the bottle, she thumped it down on the table. It clunked on the wood and wine splashed her. “With all your powers, you can’t accept anything supernatural?” She wiped her hand on her pants.

  Rowan said, “Our abilities are simply manipulation of natural laws. Though some exhibit more talent than others, what we do only appears to be magic to those who are uninitiated. By now, you should comprehend this.”

  Do they think for themselves at all, or do they just parrot back what they were taught? They sound like textbooks. Athenia’s frustration boiled over. “What about me? I’m a supernatural creature. You can’t deny I’m real. Many more like me exist, too.”

  They muttered to one another. She didn’t even try to listen, too busy taking deep breaths and trying not to lose her temper.

  Rowan pinned her with an intense stare. “I’m not sure what to think. You told us a crazy story, but you aren’t trying to deflect blame. In fact, it sounds like you’re being hard on yourself. If any of this is true, we’re dealing with an entity we’ve never encountered. I don’t understand what’s going on here.”

  Athenia stood and pointed to the door. “Let me show you something. It isn’t proof, but this is all I’ve got.”

  They trooped outside to Athenia’s spot in the woods. “See that fresh dirt? An enormous hole opened there. I made a portal, but I couldn’t bring Thorne through it.”

  She pointed to the blackened earth. Her athame and the crystals remained on the charred ground. “I should have taken my tools inside, but I was too upset earlier.”

  Ash inspected the area. “Is there anything to show you called a demon?”

  She shook her head, but then remembered Surgat’s feet. “He might have left marks.”

  Rowan crouched and swept away a clump of pine needles. “Here, gouges like bear claws. Some live around here, but...”

  “Like I said, it’s not proof, but it happened.” What else can I do to convince them? Willing them to accept what she said, she gazed at each of them.

  Laurel patted Athenia’s arm. “I believe her. I can see she cares for Thorne.”

  Who would guess Laurel, the toughest of them, would be the one with the most empathy? Athenia straightened her shoulders. “He’s my mentor and my—” Her voice cracked. “He’s my friend.”

  Laurel narrowed her eyes. “I think there’s more to it than that.”

  Athenia tossed her head. “Think what you want.”

  They stared at her.

  “Listen, you’re his comrades. You should help bring him back.” Please don’t refuse.

  Ash smiled, and his blue-gray eyes warmed. “We’ll figure this out together. Don’t worry. You’re part of our family, now.”

  Athenia headed back, leading the silent group. Finally, they’re realizing how desperate the situation is.

  Inside, they sat back in the same spots.

  When no one said anything for several long minutes, Athenia asked, “So, what happens now?”

  Willow rose. She brought the platters of cheese and crackers to the table. Then, she poured herself more chardonnay. “I’m sorry about how I acted before. I thought you lied to us. I didn’t trust you. Please, forgive me.”

  Unable to force words past the lump in her throat, Athenia grasped Willow’s hand.

  Rowan gulped the last of his cabernet, then stood. “We’re in accord.” With a solemn expression, he spoke in a formal tone of voice, which told Athenia he promised on behalf of the group. “The mages of the Southwest Circle of the Florida Consortium support you.” Then, he patted her shoulder. “If we need to, we’ll petition our state organization to provide assistance. Try not to worry.”

  One by one, they hugged her, assuring her they would contact her as soon as they had any news. They left.

  Athenia poured the last of the fifth bottle into her glass. This will help me sleep tonight. They’ll find the answer.

  ΨΨΨ

  Athenia staggered to her alcove. One too many glasses of wine. With her head spinning, she threw off her clothes, letting them fall in a heap on the floor. I’ll probably wear the same ones tomorrow. Naked, she collapsed in the hammock then turned to her side. Wish it wouldn’t swing. Or is the room spinning? She pulled a light sheet over her body and closed her eyes.

  Air stirred on the back of her neck, and sizzling tentacles of power wove around her legs and arms, tingling and tickling. She opened her eyes.

  Gelion stood beside her. His chest and feet were bare, but a pair of linen pants rode low on his hips. His cut pecs and abs gleamed in the moonlight. “Hello, little witch. Have you made up your mind yet?”

  Athenia clutched the cover to her. “Is Thorne all right?”

  Gelion ran a finger down her neck. “You’re delectable in that. What’s under it?”

  She smacked his hand away. “Tell me. Is Thorne all right?”

  “Why wouldn’t he be?”

  She scrambled up, wrapping the bed linen around her. I can’t fight him lying down, and I can’t tolerate him looming over me. “Because you’re the devil, and you lie about everything.”

  “Not when I give my word.”

  She replayed their earlier conversation in her mind. “You didn’t make any promises.”

  He swelled to twice his size, his body growing both taller and wider. “As I said, he’ll remain unconscious until you agree to our bargain. His physical body is in stasis. He’ll remember nothing.”

  “What if he doesn’t come back?” She swallowed to get rid of the acid pulsing into her esophagus at the thought of Thorne staying in the underworld.

  He waggled his eyebrows at her. “I’m sure you won’t let that happen.”

  Athenia raised an arm and brushed her hair away from her face. She hummed a little below audible range. “I think you and I need to start over.” She reached over to him and touched his cheek. “Did I tell you I find you amazingly attractive?”

  He captured her hand and held it next to his face. Then, he kissed her palm. “You’re being nice all of a sudden. Are you playing me?”

  She fought her automatic reaction to pull back. Instead, she caressed his face. She subvocalized again, weaving the aura to lull him into a lust-filled haze. “Ah, but games are so much fun, wouldn’t you agree?”

  He chortled. “Bring it on.”

  She increased the volume of her song and tossed her hair. It crackled and stood out in a nimbus around her head. “Do you feel that? I’m a live wire.”

  He caressed her shoulder. Static electricity sparked between them. “You certainly are.”

  He kissed her. Power arced and flowed from him to her. “There’s so much I can give you. Surrender to me, and it will be yours.”

  “But I don’t want to lose my abilities.” She st
uck her bottom lip out in her approximation of a sexy pout.

  “Isn’t your mentor your primary concern?”

  She tamped down anxiety. “Certainly.”

  “So, you say.” He chuckled. “There’s something you want more though. Do you dare admit it?”

  His strength called to her, telling her to forget about Thorne and ally herself with this mighty being. His sexuality caused her pulse to pound and liquid to pool in her core. I could so easily give in to him. I wouldn’t be waiting around here for Thorne to notice me, and I would have the satisfaction I crave.

  She amped up her song until it became a soaring aria, which echoed throughout the small area. It imbued the room with a blue tint, like bioluminescence, and made the walls appear to shimmer as if underwater. The fresh scent of the sea poured through the windows, washing away the stench of dead fish.

  Her body hummed with leashed force. “Are you sure we can’t renegotiate? I don’t think you ever encountered anyone like me before. I’m not merely a Nerei or a mage. I’m both, and I possess witchery as well, a triple threat. Think how useful I would be to you as I am. Wouldn’t it be a shame to destroy such a weapon?”

  He gazed at her, not moving, as if hypnotized. He reached out to her, but she backed away. “You can’t have me unless we come to an agreement, a better one than you’ve offered me so far.”

  He dropped his hand. “You’re quite the intoxicating minx, more entertaining than anything I’ve seen in centuries.”

  She swallowed. What will happen to me if I go along with him? Will I become evil? If I do, it’ll be worth it. “I’m waiting for an answer.”

  His expression showed regret, but he shook his head. “No, my dear. You can’t bargain with me. You take the deal I offered or none at all.” He didn’t move, but he enveloped her in heat, caressing her body in all her most sensitive spots.

  Pure lust shot through her, and she moaned. Intense sexual visions unfolded in her mind of the two of them consummating the transaction as if they were already joined. A tide of sensation carried her away. It’s a lie, an illusion, what he wants me to believe it would be like, but he’s a fake. It would never be as good as what Thorne and I had.