Page 86 of Siren in the Rain

Given what little I know about his own fucked-up family, I understand why my grandmother’s and aunt’s immediate acceptance of Griffin has carried so much weight with him. Also, by coordinating the healing rituals for me, Coral has basically entered Griffin’s good books for life. I suspect he’ll make sure we come back to the island for regular visits, no matter what. We may even move here permanently someday, but not yet.

There’s too much I need to take care of first.

We say our goodbyes and my grandmother waves us off as the ferry departs.

Haku heaves a wistful sigh and I reach up to stroke his head. It’s comforting to have him perched on my shoulder again. Even though we’ve only been apart for a week, I’ve missed him.

“I’m sad to say goodbye, but I know we’ll be back again before too long,” he says.

“You had a good visit then?”

He chirrups in my ear. “It was wonderful.” He nuzzles me and sniffs at my ear. “You smell different. You smell healthier.”

I explain how I underwent the purification and healing rituals, and his eyes widen. Then, to my horror, big, fat tears well in them. “M-Master Shae! I’m s-so happy for you.”

I start to panic, lifting my sleeve to awkwardly wipe at his tears. “Don’t cry, Haku.”

“I’m just so relieved. I’d suspected your grandmother had something like this planned but…” He sniffles.

I pat his head. “Everything turned out far better than I could have imagined. It’s as if I’ve finally been able to return to my true self and escape the internal shackles my father, Margaret, and Bella still had on my mind and soul. What happened to me will always be there, but it doesn’t dominate and overshadow everything else like it once did. I have the ability to start moving forward rather than being forever trapped in the past.”

That’s the best I can explain it for now.

Haku bobs his head. “And you’ve had your coming-of-age ceremony and tapped into your full powers. Congratulations!”

I still have a long way to go in figuring out how to use those powers, but I’m beginning to feel like things are starting to turn in my favor.

Griffin moves to wrap an arm around me, and I lean into his side.

“Are you sad to be leaving?”

“A bit. But I can always come back.” I smirk. “Besides, I kind of miss our ragtag little family back home.”

“I’m sure they’ve missed us too.”

I glance over at my aunt, who stands a distance away from us, staring out toward the mainland as the island gradually fades behind us. “Do you think she can help us?”

Griffin shrugs. “I’m not sure, but I think she needs this.”

Initially, I was surprised that my aunt decided to join us, but Griffin explained the situation to me. While I understand her desire to find her sister, I’m not sure how well she will adapt to being on the mainland since she hasn’t left the island in years. However, she assures me that some of her talents might prove useful to us and our efforts.

I can only hope she’s right.

Time is running out, dear old Dad. I’m coming for my mother and I’m more than willing to go through you to get to her if that’s what it takes.

Chapter

Twenty

Shae’s List of Life Goals

12. Learn how to use my siren powers.

(Addendum: Find ways to use them for good to help others, especially MEOW Squad.)

Shae

“We need to talk,” Dallas tells us when we arrive back at the compound.

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