Page 73 of Siren in the Rain

This all sounds very woo-woo and out there, but I’m game to try it.

“Uh, so how exactly are we going to get to this inner spiritual plane?”

“As part of the ritual, you both undergo a form of mesmerism, akin to hypnosis, to help you dive deep within,” Anemone explains, and Coral nods in agreement.

I regard them both. “How much can a healing session like this help me?”

A tinge of sadness fills Coral’s eyes. “I cannot say for sure, as the ritual has different effects for each subject. What I can say, based on our recorded histories and from the few sirens I know who have undergone spiritual healing in the past, is that it will dramatically dull the pain of your memories, making them feel less recent and raw.”

I sit there, momentarily stunned, and a flicker of very real hope sparks within me.

Griffin breathes out in wonder. “That’s amazing. Someone with such powers could do so much to help others in need. We rescue a lot of Otherkind who would benefit from something like this.”

Coral smiles at him sadly. “Our Spirit-Healer wishes she could do just that, but unfortunately, her powers are limited to the sirens of Silverstorm Island. We do not know why the magic works this way, but it has always been the case for Spirit-Healers in our sept.”

Griffin’s ears and tail droop with disappointment.

I reach up and pet his head, and he brightens instantly. “I understand. What’s most important is that she can help Shae.”

“Exactly,” Coral says.

My mind fills with questions. “If she can only help people from our bloodline, how often are the Spirit-Healer’s services needed? Forgive me for being a little suspicious, but life seems pretty safe and idyllic here.”

“Ah, I see where you’re coming from. You’re right, the Spirit-Healer is not profoundly busy in her duties. However, she often assists those who have lost a loved one and are struggling with grief. She also helps those who are dying come to terms with the end of their lives.”

“Whoa. Like a death doula?” Griffin asks.

Anemone nods. “Very similar, yes.”

“Not all members of the sept stay on the island. Many leave to see more of the world, but not all of their experiences are good or happy ones,” Coral adds. “Sometimes members of the sept leave the island for months, years, or even decades before coming back. Some of them seek mental and spiritual healing when they return.”

“Trust us when we say her powers are potent and true,” Anemone says.

“This is a gift we wish to give to you, my child, as recompense for our failure to protect you when you needed us most.” Coral’s expression is full of sorrow, but her eyes are firm and steady as she keeps her gaze on me. “Please let us arrange this healing for you.”

I inhale deeply and let out a long, slow breath, before turning to Griffin. “What do you think? Should we check in with the coin?”

His eyes sparkle. “What a brilliant idea!” He pulls the strange golden coin from his pocket. “Lucky coin, should Shae undergo this healing ritual?”

The coin glows softly in Griff’s palm for a second before fresh writing appears underneath the dragon on one side. “All signs point to yes.”

“Magic 8-Coin for the win,” Griffin crows triumphantly.

I have to admit, the coin hasn’t steered us wrong yet.

“I’m willing to try it, but if I start freaking out, I need to be allowed to end the ritual,” I tell Coral and Anemone.

“Of course,” Coral agrees immediately. “There’s also one final ceremony we would like you to undergo before you leave the island.”

“There’s more?” Griffin asks in amazement.

My sentiments exactly. All of this is overwhelming enough.

“You missed your coming-of-age ceremony, which is when most sirens gain full access to and learn about the powers they have inherited. We would like to have that for you now.”

I frown at her. “I have sirensong, just like all of you.”

Granted, I haven’t really tried using it since Margaret’s collar was removed.

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