Siren Descending Page 3
Thorne sat back down.
The others shifted in their seats.
After a few seconds, Willow said, “We’re sorry for your loss. I heard you and your sister were close.”
A lump formed in Athenia’s throat. “She was my only family.”
Willow touched Athenia’s arm. “Thank you for sharing the alchemy you two created together. This is a real breakthrough.”
Rowan took another whiff. “This aroma is terrific, and it might be effective on other types of burns, too. Think of the pain we can prevent. No more debriding and long recovery periods. No more scarring. Would you mind if I took this to combine with some olive oil tinctures Laurel and I are working on? It’ll improve ours.”
Everyone beamed at her.
But it’s mine…
Thorne tilted his head a fraction.
Athenia sagged and sat. “Sure, anything for the greater good, right?”
As Thorne gave her a little side hug, he whispered, “You did well.”
Rowan, Bo, Willow, and Ash stood. As Ash and Willow headed for the door, Bo smirked. “Don’t look so disappointed. This is the least you can do to begin making up for trying to kill our friend.”
Tears came to Athenia’s eyes, and she bowed her head. “I’m sorry.”
Bo waved a hand, dismissing her reply. “Heard that before.”
Thorne and Rowan spoke at the same time.
Rising, Thorne said, “Leave her alone.”
And Rowan said, “Cut it out, Bo.”
With a wave of his hand, Bo walked out the door.
Thorne sank back on the ben turned to her. “Are you all right?”
She raised her chin. “Of course.”
Sighing, Rowan sat across from them. “Sorry about the way they acted. With time, they’ll come around.”
Athenia shook her head. “None of you can forgive me for abandoning Thorne to die.”
In a low voice, Thorne said, “But, in the end, you saved us both by overpowering Merlindrake with your song.”
“If you hadn’t come for me after the others rescued you, you wouldn’t have been there.”
He took her hand. “I could’ve let you go, but I was angry, and I wanted to punish you. Not very evolved on my part.”
“Except for you coming after me, Merlindrake would have me captive, raping and torturing me like he did to Delphie. Only I wouldn’t get the release of death for a long time because my Nerei nature would continue to heal me.”
Rowan stood. “It’s complicated. Both of you had reasons for your actions. What happened, happened. We’ll all get past it. My only concern is for you to be trustworthy now and in the future. We’ve never admitted a Nerei to our ranks before. If you give away our secrets to others of your kind, the balance of power will change. The Nerei might be able to overcome us.”
Athenia faced him. “I will never break my vows or hurt anyone again.”
The two males nodded, but their expressions remained solemn.
Her heart sank. They don’t believe me.
CHAPTER TWO
As Thorne guided the kayak upstream without paddling, Athenia relaxed and enjoyed the breeze on her flushed skin. A useful skill. Wish he would teach it to me. What a relief to get away from the mages, especially after they stole my creation. Resentment mixed with hurt bubbled up, but she suppressed it. Never mind. They know I’m the one who solved the problem. Next time, they’d better give me some credit.
The mangroves which grew together above them, created a shady canopy. Leaves rustled in the slight breeze, but the air was hot. Beads of sweat popped out on her forehead.
Small turtles rested on a log. Two Anhinga birds sat beside them drying their feathers and an osprey called as it flew overhead.
Athenia’s stomach rumbled. “Sorry, it’s been a while since breakfast.”
Thorne glanced back at her. His mouth curved down. “They didn’t even give us coffee.”
“They don’t like me.”
He sighed. “They don’t approve of a Nerei joining us.”
“And they don’t trust me because of what I did.”
Hix offered her an encouraging smile. “Your idea for the salve impressed them.”
She tilted a hand back and forth. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
“Trust me, it did. Now, I don’t want you going hungry. Let’s get some lunch.”
She trailed her fingers in the water, enjoying the cold against her overheated skin. “I can catch us some mackerel right here. You can cook yours with your power.”
“Nah, let’s go into town. You deserve a treat. I’ll buy you some baklava.”
She brightened. “Baklava? You should open with that. Okay.”
Thorne steered down another trail through the mangroves. Within a few minutes, they emerged into the bay and reached the sponge docks.
After they tied up, they sauntered across Dodecanese Avenue to the side opposite the water where most of the shops and restaurants were located. Delicious aromas of seafood and fresh baked bread wafted to her. Her stomach growled again, louder this time, sending a pang through her belly. I’m starving.
As Thorne held the door for her to enter Happy Dan’s, the mage’s favorite local hangout, someone called, “Hi guys. Over here.”
Athenia peered through the crowded room. “Deme’s here. Uh oh, Bo’s with her.”
Thorne rubbed the back of his neck. “Even though the other mages worry the Nerei are too powerful, he’s determined to keep seeing her. I’ve had about enough of that guy for one day.”
“Me, too, but Deme and I are friends, and their relationship is romantic, like star-crossed lovers.”
He sighed. “You’re alone too much. Sure. Let’s sit with them.”
“Thanks,” she said, grinning. “Besides, it’ll piss off Bo to no end.
Thorne chuckled. “You’re right about that.”
They headed over to where Deme and Bo had a table in a secluded nook behind an artificial palm. They sat next to each other with their backs to the wall. Deme wore a red and white striped boat-neck top over white capri’s. The color flattered her pale skin and black hair. When she tilted her head, green highlights caught rays of sun shining through the window and glowed as if she had braided emeralds into her hair.
Athenia touched her own auburn locks. Deme’s hair is much more typical for a Nerei, but I magically changed my color. Her features are more usual too, without tilted eyes or sharp cheekbones like mine. While she could pass for a human of Greek descent, I look more Spanish or Asian. Most of her clan won’t have anything to do with me. Could it be due to my unusual appearance, or simply because they don’t trust anyone working with the mages? Her clan certainly gives her a hard time about Bo being a human mage. Deme told me the Elders nearly had heart failure the first time they saw the two of them together.
Bo scowled at Athenia. “What are you two doing here? I thought we were done for today.”
Thorne stuck out his chin. “We have as much right to be here as you do.”
Deme squinted her eyes at Bo. “Your manners are almost as bad as my brother’s. Must I teach you how to behave in public?”
Bo bowed his head. “No, your majesty.”
“And stop calling me that. I’m Matriarch, not queen.”
Bo grinned at her. “For an old lady, you’re wicked hot.”
“Oh, for the Goddess’ sake. The word means head of the clan. I don’t need to be old to hold the title.”
“You’re in charge of the Elders, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“And the Elders are all old.”
“So what?”
“All the Matriarchs before you were Elders.”
She groaned. “Don’t remind me. They all think I’m too young for the job.”
Thorne pulled out a chair for Athenia then seated himself. “Deme, I don’t know how you tolerate him. No one else can.”
Bo put on a wounded expression. “Hey, not fair. I like to joke around.”
Bo beamed at her and puffed out his chest. “I will. For you.”
Athenia gagged a little inside at the nauseating sweetness, but she smiled for Deme’s sake.
Deme turned to Athenia. “I understand you made a major improvement with the sunburn cure. Congratulations.”
Thorne inhaled sharply. “Bo told you about that?”
“Sure. Wasn’t he supposed to?”
Thorne frowned. “No.”
Bo inspected his nails.
Deme glanced from Thorne to Bo and back again. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize. I’ll keep it confidential. We Nerei won’t need it since we don’t burn, but it’ll be an enormous help to humans. Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me until you’re ready to release it to the world. There are tons of things I keep to myself in my role as Matriarch.”
She turned to Athenia. “The invitation to come and join in clan activities is still open. Nik would love to see you again.”
Athenia shook her head. “She’s kind, but the others don’t want me. They think my apprenticeship with the mages makes me a traitor.”
Deme patted her. “The old ones are totally set in their ways. They don’t accept Nik since she’s only half Nerei, although she transforms and possesses most of the same abilities we do. They don’t respect me as clan Matriarch, either. I’m too young, and they’re pressuring me to stay away from Bo. I think they only voted for me because they didn’t trust each other not to become too influential and thought I would be easy to manage.” She bared her teeth, showing the predator within. “They’re finding out they’re wrong about that.
Athenia laughed. “I’ll bet you’ll keep those old biddies in line without much trouble.” She sighed. “I can’t spend time with the clan, anyway. The mages are scared to death I’ll give away their precious secrets.”
Thorne arched an eyebrow. “We should worry more about Bo talking too freely.”
Bo rolled his eyes. “I only told Deme because she’s concerned about all species. She’s so kind. She doesn’t want anyone to suffer.”
Thorne narrowed his eyes. “One of these days you’ll go too far.”
A waitress brought a platter laden with an enormous Greek salad, gyro sandwiches, and spanakopita. She placed the food on the table in front of Bo and Deme and addressed Thorne. “May I get you something?”
Deme said, “There’s plenty here for everyone. Bo ordered almost everything on the menu. Please bring a couple of extra plates, and we’ll share.”
Thorne glanced at Athenia. “All right with you?”
She eyed the food. No raw fish, but the Greek salad looks good. Guess Thorne forgot about the baklava, though. I want some, but I’m not in a position to demand anything. “Sure.”
Thorne said, “Okay. Oh, and add a platter of baklava, too. Enough for everybody.”
He caught Athenia’s eye and grinned.
A strange warmth spread through her like the Gulf Stream in the cold ocean.
The pastry tasted as delicious as she remembered. The honey, nuts, and spices layered between crisp phyllo was crunchy, rich, and sweet enough to make her teeth ache. Just the way I like it. She ate three slices.
ΨΨΨ
As they left the restaurant, they ran into Rowan and Laurel heading in.
“Oh, you’re leaving. Guess we just missed you,” the female mage said.
Thorne held the door. “Bo and Deme are still inside making eyes at each other and feeding each other bites of baklava.”
With a snort, Laurel rolled her eyes. “If I ever start acting like that, someone please smack some sense into me.”
Laughing, Rowan held up his hands. “That would be the day. No one would dare hit you.”
After everyone chuckled, Thorne’s manner turned serious. “So, you didn’t tell her.” When some other customers came up behind them, they moved back on the sidewalk to make space for them to enter the door.
With raised eyebrows, Athenia directed an inquiring gaze at each of them. “Who, Deme?”
Rowan rubbed his forehead. “The right opportunity hasn’t come around yet.”
Laurel gripped his arm. “Tell her.”
Rowan groaned. “Okay, I will.”
Thorne frowned. “Sooner rather than later.”
Laurel nodded. “Agreed.” She patted Rowan’s arm. “The clan matriarch is strong, and she can take it.”
He ran his hands through his hair. “Without proof, Deme might not believe me.”
At his statement, Laurel scoffed. “No one doubts your word, because you’re the world’s most honest person.”
Athenia shot a questioning glance at Thorne but he shook his head. In a low voice, he said, “I’ll tell you later.”
As Laurel opened her mouth, apparently to continue the conversation, a splash came from the docks and a woman screamed.
They raced across the street as people gathered and peered into the water.
Though Thorne reached the spot first, Athenia was right behind him. “What happened?”
A trembling woman plucked at Thorne’s arm. “My daughter fell in the water. She’s only two and can’t swim.” She sent a pleading look to the onlookers. “Please help her.”
As she swept the water with her enhanced vision, Athenia asked, “Where did she go in?”
The woman sobbed. “Here, but I can’t find her.” Face white and pinched, she kept her focus on the water. “Maybe under one of the boats?” The woman’s voice had climbed to a hysterical pitch.
Athenia didn’t see the child either, but she didn’t hesitate. While everyone else gawked, she stripped off her sundress, kicked away her sandals, and dove into the water. Once under, she transformed to her Nerei form. With her tail, she propelled through the bay as fast as she could go.
Since boat traffic had churned up mud on the bottom, the water was murky. She searched through the silt. How long has it been? About twenty seconds to run across the street and find out what was going on. Another thirty or so since I swam down here. Probably about a minute. How long can one so young last underwater?
More time ticked by. After what felt like decades, she spied a small figure drifting downward. With limbs slack and eyes closed, the little girl appeared unconscious. No bubbles came from her mouth.
Dear goddess, please let her be alive. Athenia grabbed the tiny body and blew into her mouth. This might not work, but I have to try. After she gave the girl another puff, she headed up with the small form tucked under her arm.
As soon as Athenia broke the surface, she held the girl’s head above water and streaked to the pier. Within a few feet of the bystanders, she shifted as quickly as she could.
Several people stretched down and pulled the girl out of the water. Strong arms enfolded Athenia and helped her on to the sidewalk. Thorne. As he wrapped her in a towel, he gave her a quick hug. He must have snatched it from one of the many tourist shops along the docks. Thank the heavens he did. When I changed, I shredded my panties, and they dropped off altogether. At least my bra’s intact.
Despite the hot day, Athenia shivered as she dashed over to where the girl lay on the ground. Several people surrounded her.
While Rowan gave the child chest compressions, and Laurel performed mouth to mouth resuscitation, the mother shrieked hysterically and tried to pull the girl into her arms.
The exact wrong thing for the woman to do. Though she’s desperate to help her child, she’ll only manage to interfere with the lifesaving efforts. Athenia took her by the shoulders. Gently, she moved the mother a few steps to the side, while she hummed her siren song, soothing the human like she had the manatee mama.
Finally, the woman stopped resisting and stood still, staring dully at the ground.
Though Athenia knew she shouldn’t have used her power without permission, she couldn’t regret it.
The magic in my voice will keep her calm, so she doesn’t make the rescue attempt harder. The sight of the petite, marble-white figure on the ground made Athenia’s heart sink, and she wanted to scream at the unfairness of a life being cut off so tragically. Why do things like this have to happen? A mother and daughter out enjoying a sunny Florida day and now… Athenia shook her head. Can Rowan and Laurel save her?
While the two mages continued with their efforts, time seemed to slow so that every second dragged on as long as an hour.
Beside Athenia, Thorne stood watching. He glanced at her and shook his head slightly. Nerves strung out from fear, she leaned against him, and he put his arm around her. “No matter what, you’re a hero for jumping in and finding her.”
Since she continued the subvocal hum to keep the mother quiescent, Athenia couldn’t reply, so she rested against him, absorbing his strength. Really, there’s no hope. Despair filled her, but she couldn’t turn away. Not yet. Please, child. Breathe. Please.
With a sudden gag, the little girl upheaved a spout of water. Laurel turned the toddler’s face to the side. Between retching to expel the water, the girl gasped and breathed on her own, drawing in huge, life-giving breaths.
The mother should be okay now. When Athenia stopped humming, the woman ran to her daughter and enfolded her in her arms.
In the distance, emergency alarms wailed, growing louder as the vehicle approached. An ambulance stopped at the curb, and EMT’s emerged, checked the little one, then bundled her on a stretcher. As the transport zoomed away, the back window revealed the mother clutching her daughter.
After they sped off, Laurel came over to Athenia. “Unbelievable--you saved her daughter, but she didn’t even bother to thank you.”
Athenia shook her hair out of her face. “No problem, she was focused on her child.”
When Bo joined them, he let out a disapproving sound. “People should watch their children better.”
As Deme walked up, she folded her arms across her chest. “Yes, but Athenia, you took a chance by diving into the water like that. What if someone saw you?” She gave Athenia a stern look.
With bowed head, Athenia said, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t let her drown.”