Page 123 of Song of Her Siren

Oh, you have no idea. I thought she and Tari were going to kill each other.

I gritted my teeth, remembering the coy looks Malvolia had given Helian when we’d first arrived in Thebes.I feared this would happen. I hope she’s sincere in her apology.Though, knowing our queen, I had my doubts.

Me too.

I squeezed her hand.Take me to see Drae.

She stopped, facing me.Okay, but first, you should know something.

The spark of fear in her eyes was enough to make my heart skip a beat.What?

The demon inside him is powerful.Her eyes welled with tears as she averted her gaze.He’s completely taken over.

My world came to a slow halt, the sounds of the war games outside fading into the background as my vision tunneled on my mate. This couldn’t be good.You’re not able to talk to Drae at all?

No, she answered, turning her gaze to the floor.I think the demon inside him is The Darkness, the one Malvolia warned us about.

I felt her depression in the marrow of my bones. For some reason, I got the feeling Shiri blamed herself for this. Cupping her chin, I forced her to look at me.Shiri, none of this is your fault.

She swiped tears from her eyes.I should’ve checked Wolfy.

I squeezed her shoulders.How could you have known? I didn’t even know hounds could become infected.

She shrugged.I should’ve recognized the smell.

We all should have, I said,though it’s too late for regrets. Now we need to concentrate on saving Drae. Tell me about his demon.

His familiar name is Mephis, and he says I won’t be able to learn the siren song.Her chest caved inward as she heaved a shaky breath.That my heart is impure.

I gritted my teeth, knowing that we’d come to the crux of the problem. Shiri had lost faith in herself.He’s lying. He wants you to believe it so he’ll win. No Fae has a purer heart than you.

The hopelessness in her eyes was enough to shatter my heart to dust.He says he will discard Drae’s soul.She looked away again. He may have already.

“Shiri, look at me,” I said aloud, startling her. “He’s lying.”

“I was using my siren voice on him,” she blurted. “I-I don’t think he was lying.”

“Come on.” I squeezed her hand, my wings fluttering as I pulled her down the hall. “We’re going to confront him.”

Did you not hear he’s a white witch, too?Her panicked thought rang in my head like a gong.

I spun on her, my tone softening. “Tari is a white witch. You disabled her with your siren, did you not?”

She frowned, biting her lip. “Well, yes.”

Damn that demon for rattling my mate’s confidence, for making her doubt her amazing and powerful magic. “You are in control, Shiri. You can overpower this demon. You will save Drae.” Cupping her face, I planted the tenderest of kisses on her lips, letting my love infuse her with strength. When I pressed my forehead to hers, she rewarded me with a sigh as she fell against my chest. I rubbed warmth into her back, reminding her that she was no longer alone. “Let’s go show that demon just how powerful you are.”

* * *

Shiri

EVEN THOUGH I WAS GRATEFULto have Blaze by my side, my stomach churned at the thought of facing Mephis again. I still couldn’t believe my mate was possessed and possibly even lost to me forever.

Blaze held my hand as we navigated the dark stone stairs into the castle dungeon. The farther we descended into the pit, the more my stomach dropped. It felt as if I was walking into my own crypt.

He squeezed my hand, projecting to me.I can feel you trembling, Shiri. Don’t worry. I’m here.

I returned the squeeze.I wouldn’t be able to do this without you.

---