Page 37 of Cursed By a Siren's Kiss

“Listen,” I said, all the soft edges and smooth lilts to my voice hardened by my annoyance as I leaned forward, my hands gripping the table to keep me from tearing these idiots into ribbons. “I get why you don’t trust me, but I don’t care what you want. You matter little to me. I’ve proven myself to this ship, to your captain, twice now. I’ve saved his life…” I jabbed my elbow into Kipp’s side, resulting in that infuriating smirk of his. “…twice now. So, you see, it doesn’t really matter if you trust me or not. I have my own reasons for wanting to find the sea witch.” I jabbed my finger to the map at a spot in the ocean, making sure all eyes were where I’d pinpointed. “Our quest begins there. It’s about time someone finally decided to ask me.”

I pulled my hand away, watching as Nelle immediately circled the spot I’d pointed out as I turned from the table. “I’m feeling rather cramped in here,” I said to Kipp as I passed him, “I think I’d rather the cold looks of hatred of your crew above deck instead.”

My bare feet smacked across the smooth boards with my angry steps as I made my way to the bow of the ship. It had quickly become my favorite place on the ship, where the wind whipped my dark hair behind me in waves that reminded me of the sea. I kept my back to the crew for several long moments, burying the hurt I shouldn’t feel at the crews’ lack of trust. Turning, I watched their movements as they worked tirelessly beneath the hot sun.

I lifted my chin, feeling the warmth on my skin and relishing in the warmth. All my life, I’d been used to the frigid kiss of the deep waters, but I could get used to this. I’d been at sea on this ship for weeks now, and as I peered up into the clear skies above, the sun a glittering ball of white, I realized I hadn’t once caught aglimpse of Apollo riding his chariot across the sky to bring in the sun. My mother used to tell me stories of seeing him once, his white Pegasus steeds glowing in the fading light as he guided the world from darkness into light. Perhaps they had only ever been just stories.

A shanty lifted into the air, and my gaze landed on a sailor as his voice carried over the waves lapping against the ship. He only sang a few words before the rest of the crew joined in, their voices harmonizing effortlessly as they worked together. I couldn’t help but feel envious of their bond, how they knew each other completely, and worked together naturally. They were like a family, a real family built not by blood but by years spent together at sea. It made me yearn for that kind of camaraderie and belonging, something I hadn’t had since my mother had perished.

A young boy with dark curly hair and ebony skin emerged from below deck, carrying a wicker basket the same size as his chest across deck until he reached the roped ladder. I’d seen him around over these weeks, always busying himself with minor tasks. Even he did his part to help this ship. I moved forward before I realized what I’d planned, knowing I needed to start doing my part if this crew were to ever see me as anything other than an enemy.

“Watch where you’re going, siren,” an older man grunted as his shoulder bumped into mine.

I ignored him as he passed me, continuing across the ship, past the masts.

“Hey you! To the left!” another barked as he dropped a heavy coil of ropes that nearly hit me from above.

I sidestepped, a crease forming along my brow as I tried to cut carefully across the deck. Another woman came around the mast, gathering the ropes, her lips pressed tightly together as she spoke between her clenched teeth, “Find something todo. You’re in our way.” She clutched the ropes to her chest as she turned and carried them toward the helm without another glance back.

Kipp stood in the doorway leading toward the cabins, and I stopped as I realized he’d been watching me. My cheeks burned with humiliation, wondering how long he’d been standing there as I crossed the deck toward him. He stood leaning against the frame, his arms crossed his chest and his dark eyes glittered with amusement that made me want to drag my claws down his chest.

“I think it is time we find you something you can do to contribute,” he said as I stopped in front of him.

“I don’t think any of them want my help,” I said, trying not to sound as bitter as I felt.

The woman stood over my shoulder, saying, “Perhaps something below deck. I don’t need her underfoot while we’re working our asses off up here.”

Kipp held a hand up. “I’ve got it, Camilla.”

Her green eyes the shade of kelp narrowed as she looked at me. “I’ll be keeping an eye on you,” she said, turning and walking away.

“Splendid,” I mumbled, “I’ll do the same.”

Kipp’s lips twitched, but he said nothing as he guided me back below deck to the large common room. “Barlow, I have some more help for you,” Kipp announced as we crossed the room toward the back corner next to the arched doorway that led to the kitchen.

An older man sat in the corner on an overturned half-barrel with a younger boy by his side. Another half-barrel sat at their feet, quickly filling with potato peels as they skinned vegetables. Barlow didn’t even lift an eye as he grunted, “Take a knife and peel some potatoes, if you would.”

The young boy hesitated, fear evident in his eyes as he handed me a small, curved knife. I took it in my hand gently, mylips stretching into a wicked grin as I let my eyes flash. “Don’t worry, I don’t eat little children,” I said softly with a wink.

Barlow chuckled, sliding a barrel my way for me to sit upon. Kipp gave his head a shake as he left me with his kitchen crew. I grabbed a potato from the edge of the barrel with the skin still intact and held the knife firmly in my hand as I watched Barlow and the kid work, trying to figure out exactly what was expected of me. I tried to mimic their movements, but the knife slipped, and I fumbled the potato, sending it rolling across the deck with a rumbling thud.

“Never peeled anything before?” Barlow asked, his voice deep and gravelly. I shook my head as I sat back down, having collected the rollaway vegetable. He pointed his knife at me as he said, “Not even when you peel your victims? You don’t dress them up any? You just gnaw on them?”

I flinched at his words, my grip tightening on the handle of the knife as I breathed. “I don’t eat people,” I said, my teeth gritted as I held back my rage just barely.

“That’s not true,” the boy piped up, his voice squeaky as he scooted closer to Barlow. “The captain caught you eating a poor man’s heart when he found you. I heard the crew talking about it.”

Barlow continued peeling potatoes as he nodded, grunting in agreement as he worked.

“It’s not like I wanted to,” I explained. I didn’t know why I wanted them to understand, but I wanted them to know I hadn’t done what I’d done by choice. These weren’t my friends, but it was clear they knew nothing about sirens, not really.

“Why not?” the boy asked. He peeled the potatoes at a much slower rate than Barlow did, but he worked tirelessly to contribute.

Barlow held up his knife and the boy quieted. “Hush,” Barlow chided as he turned to me and demonstrated with his hands howto properly peel the vegetables without hacking away at it as I’d been doing. I mimicked his movements, grateful that it worked. I wasn’t as efficient as Barlow, or even the boy, but at least I no longer dropped them.

We continued peeling in comfortable silence until the boy’s curiosity piqued. “So, why did you do it then?”

“Do what?” I dropped my first potato into the bin and reached for another one.

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