Page 69 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

“We all have to do things we don’t want to do,” I said firmly.

She nodded before taking my hand in hers. “I know, I just don’t want you to fall into your old ways.”

How would she know about my old ways?

I shook my head. Stop looking for reasons to suspect Baylis—that would be falling back into your old ways.

“Well, if anyone can do it, you can,” Amolie said, breaking the tension growing between and my sister.

I took another drag off my cigarette. “Yeah, well, I was hoping not to make any more enemies on this trip, but here we are.”

“Can someone fill me in on sirens? I mean, I’ve heard the stories,” Baylis asked.

“They’re sea creatures who lure sailors to their lairs and… well, I suppose eat them. I’m not really sure. All I know is the men never come back.”

“So you can see why Aelia would be nervous,” Amolie said.

“Maybe I can help,” Baylis chimed in. “Maybe I can try to use my gift to see the outcome?”

My chest tightened at the thought of making Baylis use her powers, but I was willing to try anything if it could help me with the siren queen.

“I don’t think that will be necessary yet. But thank you.”

As we walked back to the townhome, the sky darkened—clouds heavy with snow. Would I be so lucky as to be snowed in for a few days? To stave off my visit to the sirens? Only the Trinity knew.

17AELIA

I paced around my room,emotions swirling in my head. Between my suspicion of Baylis and Tharan, I didn’t know who to trust. I didn’t want to think either of them would betray me, but then again, I had been tricked before.

I let out a long breath. I needed to talk to Tharan.

Twisting the stone in my ear, Tharan’s jovial voice came through, “Hello, my darling.”

“Your friend wants me to steal the siren’s song, Tharan. Did you know about this?” I tried my best to keep my voice calm.

“I knew he would ask you something far-fetched. I just wasn’t sure what exactly he wanted. He was very cagey about it in his letter.” From the defensiveness in his voice, he knew I suspected something.

“Oh, so he knew I was coming? Why didn’t you just tell me before I left?”

“I’m sorry, Aelia, I wasn’t sure if he’d even agree to see you. As you know, he’s quite eccentric.” He paused. “Is everything alright?”

I shut my eyes. Was I being too hard on him? He had only ever shown me love, affection, and acceptance. I couldn’t let myold relationships influence this one. Tharan loved me and I loved him. I didn’t need to be afraid, but old habits are hard to shake.

“I’m fine. Just tell me next time. I can handle it.”

“You know you can tell me if you’re not fine.”

Guilt struck at my heart, and a familiar loneliness washed over me. I shouldn’t have been so harsh with Tharan. I should’ve trusted him.

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“So, are you going to the siren’s lair?”

“I don’t think I really have another choice. We asked around the docks, and everyone else laughed in our faces when we asked if they’d take us to the Isle of Fate.”

“Well, you knew that going in. No one has stepped foot on that island for at least two hundred years. There’s no telling how wild it has become.”

I blew out a breath. “Lovely. Can’t wait to face certain death to see my own mother.”

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