Page 43 of A Song of Death and Desire

“You don’t think…” Eagan looks at me in confusion as I trail off, unable to voice my suspicions.

“What is it?” he asks.

“Is it possible that when the witch took your siren abilities, she found a way to harness your song and use it herself?” Raidne questions, having reached the same possible conclusion as me.

I run my fingers through my hair and chew on the inside of my cheek. “I don’t know. Is that even possible?”

“Fuck,” Eagan hisses when he realizes what this might mean.

“Do you think she could have been using my song against humans this whole time while I’ve been out enjoying life as a human?” Guilt coils in my stomach. I can’t even begin to comprehend the extent of the damage Vala might be able to cause with a siren’s power. “What would she even be doing with it?”

Eagan turns to me, eyes wide and lips parted in horror. “No,” he whispers.

“What?” Raidne and I both ask.

“The missing people,” he answers, and a lead weight drops in my gut. No, it can’t be. Surely, she isn’t using my song to lure humans to her cave. Why would she do that? What purpose does it serve? She doesn’t need souls to survive. How does she even use it without being in siren form? I’m silent as the questions whirl around my brain as I try to comprehend just how completely I have fucked up. I gave a powerful witch even more power. In trying to save one human, I have condemned others to death.

Chapter 42

My head feels like it’s going to explode. There is pressure throbbing behind my eyes and the sound of my pulse thuds in my ears. This is so fucking messed up. Kairi has turned ashen and tears pool in her eyes at the realization that Vala not only took her song but is also using it to harm others. I know enough about her now to know how horrified she is by this. One thing I’ve learnt about Kairi is that she has a kind soul. Despite her questionable history of food choices, she would never voluntarily harm someone.

I take in the appearance of Kairi’s best friend, Raidne. It is similar to the vague memory I have of Kairi’s siren form with only a few differences. Her hair is short and chocolate brown, falling just past her shoulders. Her eyes, a warm golden brown that I almost didn’t notice as the slitted pupils, distracted me. Her skin is the same blue-gray color as Kairi’s was, however,Raidne’s is a little darker. I wonder if her skin is also darker than Kairi’s in her human form. And just like Kairi, Raidne is also gorgeous. Perhaps all sirens are extremely attractive.

It strikes me how different this meeting is to the first time I saw Kairi and understood what she was. I am apprehensive of Raidne but not afraid. I am also not repulsed by her appearance like I expected to be. There is beauty in the siren form and in talking to her, I can recognize that there is a person worth knowing.

Moments pass in silence as we all come to terms with the new knowledge we have discovered. I can’t even begin to contemplate what we could do to fix things. Kairi holds onto my hand like it’s an anchor keeping her grounded. I’m shocked by the realization that my anxiety about the water and the sirens has dissipated, the threat of Vala pushing the thoughts of smaller dangers to the back of my mind.

“What are we going to do?” Kairi says softly.

“It’s okay. We will figure something out. You’re not alone. Now that I know that you haven’t perished in some weird accident like I thought you did, I can help you. You don’t have to face this alone.”

I want to tell Raidne that Kairi isn’t alone, she has me. But I see the smile that lights up her face at Raidne’s words, so I keep my admission to myself for now.

“Do you think you’ll be able to come and visit me on land sometime?” Kairi asks hopefully.

“I’ll come as often as I can without needing to feed too frequently,” she replies with a glance at me that sends a shiver down my spine. “It feels different now to think of hunting after what you’ve told me about the humans,” she admits to Kairi.

Kairi nods. “It’s felt wrong to me for a while but it’s necessary. Only come visit when you feel like you can manage. I’d love to show you around. I think I’ll also need to brainstorm with youwhat we can do about Vala. I’m struggling to see how we could possibly do anything at all, but I feel like it’s my mess to clean up.”

“When we get back, I’ll do some research, see if I can find anything documented about Vala. It’s unlikely but perhaps something is recorded, disguised as a myth that might be useful,” I offer, running a hand through her long hair and staring into her eyes.

“Goddess you guys are so adorable it makes me want to barf,” Raidne jokes, ruining the moment and pulling my gaze away from Kairi’s.

“And you’re as bitchy as always,” Kairi bites back, the smirk on her face telling me that she too, is teasing.

“I have to get back to our sisters and answer the million questions they probably have for me. I love you so much Kairi and I could not be happier that you’re alive and doing so well.” Raidne then meets my eyes. “It was nice to meet you too, Eagan. I don’t have much experience with humans but if Kairi likes you then you must be all right. You better look after her though. Remember what I can do to you if you don’t.” She emphasizes the threat by flashing her long talons and razor-sharp teeth and I gulp.

“Don’t forget to wear condoms!” She cackles before swimming off.

“Oh, my goddess,” Kairi whispers as Raidne disappears from sight.

I laugh at her discomfort. “I can see why you like her so much.”

Chapter 43

When we walk through the front door of the apartment, Kairi walks straight to the fridge looking for some comfort food. She barely spoke on the way back and I don’t like the frown that has settled on her face. It’s vastly different to the smiles I’m used to seeing; the teasing ones, the sarcastic ones, the peaceful ones, and those of pure, unadulterated joy. The furrow between her brows and the gnawing on her bottom lip makes me desperate to bring back her happiness. But I don’t know how, given the new information we have learnt.

Kairi moves to go to her bedroom, I don’t want her to be alone right now so I place a hand on her hip to halt her. She sighs and turns to face me. “Don’t hide away right now, vicious one. Let’s talk it through, okay?”

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