Siren Descending Read online

  Though Athenia tried hard to keep the corners of her mouth from turning up, she lost the battle. Pretending to cough, she covered her mouth.

  He frowned. “Are you laughing at me?”

  “Of course not.” She put on her most innocent expression. Though she bit the inside of her cheek, she couldn’t hold back.

  As she dissolved into giggles, he threw his head back and laughed.

  When they stopped chuckling, they peered at each other through streaming eyes, only to set each other off again.

  Athenia poured two glasses of water and gave one to Thorne. “Here. Try to control yourself, mage.”

  As he accepted it, he nodded and raised his glass to give her a toast. “And you too, sea witch.”

  After they drank the cold, clear spring water, they sobered.

  “Gods and goddess, Thorne. This would make a great contraceptive because humans won’t be able to get near each other once they smear it on their skin.”

  “Consider the suggestion taken under advisement.” He sighed. “However, it’s worthless as it is. What do you think we should do?”

  Pondering, she stirred the simmering substance. “The miasma and the gluey texture must go. Although it needs to stay on for a while, the salve should wash off as soon as the skin heals.”

  “What about my idea of citrus? Or I could go inside for some herbs from the storage cabinet, maybe sage or juniper?”

  “Too irritating on the skin. The pain could get worse from it.”

  “True, but we have to get rid of the stench.”

  “Instead of covering the smell up, we should work on an incantation to change both the odor and the consistency to make it more like a beauty cream.”

  He puffed out his cheeks. “That might work.”

  “Would men use the remedy too?”

  He hesitated. “Most men like to be tough, but if they’re in pain they’ll drop the macho to feel better.” He shook his head. “But how?”

  “Let me go through the incantations Delphie and I invented to create and enhance cosmetics.”

  “As potent as your magic is, I’ll need to examine the spell before you do anything.”

  She stiffened. “Such is your prerogative, master.”

  “I’m sorry, but I want to be careful. Understand?”

  She inclined her head. I know a lot more about spells than he does, and I shouldn’t need his permission for every little thing. Rigid with repressed ire, she pulled her grimoire from beneath the clothes she stored in a wood box. After she carefully removed the sturdy cotton cloth protecting the tome, she set the book on the table and opened the section on attraction.

  When they had perused several pages, she pointed the long nail of her index finger. “Let’s try this one. It’s soft on the skin, and the fragrance is divine.

  As Thorne studied the writing, he rubbed his palm across the back of his neck. “Should be safe enough. Even so…”

  Though she had promised to submit to his judgment, resentment overcame her. “Don’t you trust me? Of course, you don’t have much reason to yet, but I’m trying.”

  He squeezed her hand. “Combining witchcraft and the potion might bring about something we aren’t planning on.”

  The irritation receded. “The law of unintended consequences. If anyone should think about that, it’s me.” Tears dripped from her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

  With his thumbs, Thorne swiped her cheeks. “Don’t keep apologizing.”

  “But what I did. How can you forgive me?”

  Thorne stood and pulled her into his arms. “With time, we’ll move beyond this.”

  Comforted, she rested her head on his broad shoulder. How could I have harmed such a wonderful man?

  With a brief pat on her back, he moved away from her. “Come on. Let’s give this a try.”

  She wiped her eyes. First, he consoles me, then he goes distant again. This will take longer than I expected.

  After Thorne spooned some of the noxious goo into a small bowl, he placed it on a stump.

  As she stood over the container, she sought to reassure him. “There’s a protection charm insulating the crock from whatever happens to the contents.” With her hands, she made a series of arcs and slashes and intoned the words of the glamour.

  “Aphrodite,

  Goddess of love and beauty

  Hear my plea.

  Imbue this cream

  With your full power.

  By my will

  And your authority,

  So, shall it be.”

  While wild canaries sang outside the window and a woodpecker tapped against a tree, they waited.

  The birds stopped singing, and the wind stopped. Utter silence reigned.

  Without warning, the wind swirled around them again, tossing the mangrove leaves. Like a small grey apparition, Spanish moss flew off a limb and sped around their heads.

  Athenia’s hair floated up and around her. “What—”

  When Thorne tackled her, he slammed her flat to the ground several yards away with his body covering hers.

  As the impact knocked out her air, her entire focus shifted to her lungs. Need to breathe. Within a few heartbeats, her shocked body inhaled oxygen again.

  Uncanny lightning flashed out of an unclouded blue sky, struck, and cracked the pot. The stump smoked.

  For a few seconds they lay where they landed. Stunned, she shook her head. When Thorne rolled away, Athenia pushed off the ground and ran over to the concoction.

  The stinky sludge had been transformed into the silkiest botanical. Pale lavender, the cream exuded a perfume like lilacs combined with gardenias. “Thorne, we did it.” She held up the crock to show him.

  Holding his forehead, he staggered.

  With the container tucked in the crook of her arm, she ran to him. “What’s wrong?”

  Groaning, he sagged against her and shook his head.

  As she led him to a folding chair in the shade, she supported him, afraid he would fall over. “Sit down.”

  “For a minute there I felt dizzy and weak, but I’m okay now.” He blinked. “It worked?”

  She searched his face, but he seemed unharmed, if dazed. She held the salve up to him. “What do you think?”

  After he sniffed the unguent, he touched it. “This is amazing.”

  She smiled. “We succeeded.”

  “Come on. Let’s show this to the others. Wait ‘til you see their faces when they realize we’ve solved the problem. Rowan and Laurel have been experimenting with this for years.” Taking their creation, he moved toward the door.

  She hung back. “No, you go.”

  “Come with me. This is your triumph.”

  Still, Athenia resisted. Can’t deal with mages who hate me today. “I forgot to tell you, but I got caught in a ghost net trying to rescue a baby manatee. It took a long time to free him and extricate myself, so I’m worn out. I want to stay here and rest.”

  “Good for you for saving him. Are you sure you’re all right?”

  She shrugged. “The water restores me.”

  The searching gaze he gave her stopped at her hands. “Some of your nails are sharp and ragged. Couldn’t you transform them back? If so, you’re more exhausted than you let on.”

  She lowered her gaze. “Too much today is all.”

  When he gently stroked her bruised knuckles, a thrill went through her.

  “If I caused you more pain by my thoughtless obsession with our work, I’m sorry. Not noticing you were injured was pretty callous of me.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “It’s nothing, but I prefer not to go out again. Besides, I have to get rid of the gods-damned net.”

  “Where is the miserable contraption?”

  “Back on the beach. Guess I should burn it.”

  He growled. “That’s the only way to be sure it doesn’t harm anything else. If you feel well enough, please take care of the infernal device while I fix dinner. The announcement can wait until tomorrow.”
/>   ΨΨΨ

  The next morning, Athenia dressed in a curve-hugging sundress. The sleeveless cut showed off her toned arms, and the short skirt called attention to her long legs. Got to have on my armor for when I enter shark infested water. After she added some pale pink lip gloss and powder to her nose, she shoved her feet into sparkly sandals. Guess I’m ready. She plastered on a pleasant expression. Maybe it won’t be as bad as last time.

  From the main room, Thorne called, “We’re late.”

  When she stepped out of her cubicle, he took an audible breath. “Um, usually no one dresses up for these get-togethers.”

  She gave him a flirtatious look she’d perfected long ago, glancing down before peeking up into his eyes. “Just want to look my best.”

  He coughed, then smoothed his moss green T-shirt down over his khaki shorts.

  He’s wearing the mage “uniform” again. The mages, including the women, usually all conformed to the same type of outfit. You’d think they’d add a little variety to their wardrobe sometimes.

  “Okay. Let’s go.” As he whirled around, his black rubber sandals squeaked on the tile floor.

  She smiled to herself. At least with Thorne, things seem to be improving a little. Then, she shuddered. The others, though, are something else.

  At the waterfront storage rack, Thorne and Athenia each took one end of a kayak, carried it to the beach, and slid it into the water. Carrying her shoes and holding up her dress, Athenia waded in a few steps, sat sideways, and swung her legs into the boat. Thorne rose into the air, skimmed over the water, and settled in front of her, his feet dry.

  She glared at him. “Show off.”

  He chuckled. “Jealous.”

  As she huffed, she sent him a glare. “You haven’t shared that trick with me either. Really, you haven’t taught me much of anything yet.” And I wonder how long it will be until you do.

  When Thorne gestured, they glided through the water. “As I’ve told you many times, your lessons must be conducted in their proper order to build a solid foundation. Or else accidents might happen, possibly worse than the one yesterday.”

  Her throat closed. “Like when I tried to defeat Merlindrake?”

  He turned back toward her, and his expression softened. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up a difficult subject again. But yes, that’s an example of how things can go wrong when one isn’t properly prepared.”

  Too sad and guilt-ridden to speak, she nodded. If only I hadn’t done it.

  As they approached the camp where the mages always gathered, the meeting hall came into view. The structure, though larger than their individual huts, was small, made of driftwood and palm fronds, and was surrounded by palmetto bushes and mangrove trees. Though the others lived not far from the rendezvous, in cabins hidden from the contemporary world like Thorne’s, no other human habitation was visible. A cool morning breeze ruffled her dress and she tugged it down. Tree frogs sang above them, and the scent of coffee wafted from the building.

  In her mind, she compared their lifestyle to the existence she had eked out in the cave beneath Spring Bayou back when she’d holed up to escape from Merlindrake and before she met Thorne. Since I couldn’t trust humans not to give away my location, I didn’t depend on them for anything. Instead of buying what she needed, she had searched submerged wrecks. My den seemed plain and utilitarian at the time, but I had what I found myself, or made. Like the sleeping furs and the wine. That’s what I miss the most. There’s no space for my things in Thorne’s cabin. Can’t retrieve them until I’m done with the apprenticeship. Her gut clenched. Although I wish I could have some of my old luxuries, and I want to be free again, I hate the idea of leaving him.

  When Thorne brought the kayak to rest on the sand, he hopped out and reached to help Athenia. Though she didn’t need it, she appreciated the gesture. If the others are watching, they’ll see our relationship is cordial. Squaring her shoulders, she held her head high. Whatever they may wish, I’m not his prisoner.

  A man approached them. “Welcome, Thorne Sanderson.”

  What’s his name again? Oh yes, Bo, the short, mouthy one. She groaned. Oh no, do I really have to deal with him again today?

  Thorne waved. “Good morning. Where are the others? We’re anxious to tell you our news.”

  Bo gestured toward the shelter. “All here, waiting for you. Did your little friend delay you?”

  Before Athenia could form a retort, Thorne spoke. “Don’t start, Bo.”

  Bo shrugged and walked inside ahead of them.

  The hut consisted of one open room which was more primitive than the one she shared with Thorne. No kitchen, but they cook their food by controlling the elements. No bathroom either. How do they handle that necessity? Even the mighty mages aren’t above physiological processes.

  Hammocks hung from pegs in the corners. A storage cabinet with herbs and ingredients for potions filled one wall. In the center of the room, a roughhewn trestle table with a long seat made from pine completed the furniture.

  Rowan, Laurel, Willow, and Ash sat at the bench, drinking coffee from ceramic mugs and talking in low voices. When they’d rescued her and Thorne from Merlindrake, Athenia had encountered Ash and Bo. Later, Laurel and Willow had joined them as they’d debated what to do with her. The agonizing wait had dragged on for days while they discussed possible punishments. She shivered. I thought they would execute me.

  They were all in the typical outfit of beige cutoffs, khaki T-shirts, and flip-flops.

  Willow’s short shorts highlighted her slender frame. Pulled back in a ponytail, her blonde hair emphasized her large, green eyes.

  Laurel’s knee-length pants didn’t conceal the muscles of her thighs. Her glossy black hair was cut in a short pixie style, like always, and the long scar down her cheek proclaimed her warrior status as much as the brawn in her athletic body. Every time I meet her, I’m more convinced I wouldn’t want to take her on.

  Ash sported the only new looking shirt, light green with a sponge logo and Sponger Souvenir’s printed across the chest. Bet Aristos got sick of the old one and gave him this from his shop. Despite that they’re all about conserving and recycling, the old one had more rips than shirt. Though it did show off his fine chest. She averted her eyes. Don’t want him to catch me staring. Besides, Thorne’s chest is better.

  As Thorne and Athenia reached the table, the others stopped talking.

  During the uncomfortable silence, Athenia lifted her chin and stared at each of them. I won’t let you intimidate me.

  One by one, they dropped their gazes.

  A hand at her waist, supporting her, but not taking over, Thorne stood next to her. If I don’t assert myself, they’ll never respect me, and he realizes that.

  Rowan looked around the group. “Well met, friends. We don’t share time with our companions often enough.”

  The mages smiled at one another. As usual, they ignored Athenia.

  Rowan made room, and Thorne sat next to him.

  On the end of the bench, Athenia scooted in on the other side of Thorne.

  Bo scrunched in beside Willow so that he, Willow, Laurel and Ash all occupied one side. Only Rowan sat with Thorne and Athenia.

  Guess they think I’m contagious or something. At least I have plenty of space.

  Thorne peered around. “Where’s the coffee?”

  Bo drained his cup before he clunked it down on the table. “All gone.”

  Though Rowan shot Thorne a rueful glance, he lifted a shoulder. “Sorry, man. We’ve been here a while.”

  Grimacing, Thorne glanced away. “Okay, I guess we should show you our amazing creation, so we don’t waste any more of your time.”

  As he fidgeted with his mug, Ash spoke. “Please do.”

  With a smile for Athenia, Thorne said, “We solved the problems of the sunburn remedy. Athenia came up with a fantastic salve adapted from a beauty potion.”

  Nodding to Thorne, Willow replied. “Intriguing. We didn’t think of
that because we focused only on the medical effects.”

  Laurel sneered. “We’re wielders of powerful magic, not sorority girls.”

  Athenia tossed her hair. “Showing some interest in your appearance wouldn’t kill you. There are times when looks can be a real asset.”

  With a glare at Athenia, Laurel stiffened and rose. “What are you saying?”

  Rowan leaned forward. “Can’t you see Athenia didn’t mean any harm? Let it go.”

  Bo chimed in, “No, her meaning is clear. She’s talking about using her allure to seduce men and steal their powers, like she did to Thorne. Did you forget so soon?”

  Willow tugged on Laurel’s other arm. “Please, sit down. I’m sorry I started this with my remark. Honestly, I think the idea’s genius and I didn’t intend to cause a fight.”

  Laurel sat back. “Not your fault, Willow.”

  With a grimace, Ash motioned. “Get on with it.”

  Thorne stood. “Please show them what we made, Athenia. Once they smell and touch it, they’ll understand what we accomplished.” He shook his head. “What you accomplished.”

  After Athenia pulled the small container from her pocket, she unscrewed the lid and gave the jar to Ash.

  Dabbing the cream between his fingers, he sniffed. “Not bad.”

  He passed it to Laurel who also drew in a whiff as she spread some on her arm. “No fish odor, a major improvement.”

  Willow took it from Laurel. As she inhaled deeply, she rubbed a dollop on the back of her hand. “Ooh, the scent is marvelous, and it’s velvety on my skin.”

  Bo tried it next, blinked, and passed it to Rowan.

  Rowan tested it and grinned. “You did it, Thorne. Humans will love this stuff. What an immense service it’ll provide to them.”

  “Thank you, but Athenia made it palatable.” Thorne squeezed her shoulder. “Otherwise, no one would go near it. I certainly couldn’t tolerate it before.”

  Holding the receptacle to the light, Rowan examined it. “What exactly did she do?”

  Pent up anger spilled over in a sizzling flash. Athenia stood and stared at Rowan. “I added a glamour that my twin sister, Delphie, and I perfected to enhance beauty products.” I’m not going to let them keep talking about me as if I’m not in the room. She stared icily around at each of them.