Page 22 of Song of Her Siren

Malvolia’s features pinched as she kept her focus on me, refusing to look in my mother’s direction. “Now that his injury is healed, he must be moved to the dungeon before he wakes.”

“Derrick stays here,” my mother spat, her voice unwavering as she fixed her twin with a murderous glare.

“No, sister.” Malvolia turned on my mother with a snarl. “I’m no longer accommodating your ridiculous demands, when the safety of my nieces is at stake.”

My mother’s face paled, then turned as red as the lava flowing through the Fallax Islands. “As if you’ve ever cared about them.”

Malvolia wagged a smoky finger in my mother’s face. “Don’t lecture me about caring, after the way you treated your children.”

“How dare you!” She bowed up to her sister, seemingly unfazed by the deadly magic that poured from Malvolia like smoke rising off a cauldron. “I love my children!”

I shared a look with Drae while wondering how much of that love extended to me.

“Enough to change their memories and send them with a demon!” Malvolia waved in my direction. “Enough to accuse Shirina of turning evil!”

Rage flashed in my mother’s eyes and shame colored her cheeks. “The mindspinner tricked me, just as he did you.” She wagged a fist at Malvolia. “The only difference is, you murdered thousands of innocents!”

“You can hurl insults and accusations all you want. It won’t change my mind.” Malvolia crossed her arms, flashing a smug smile. “My servants will see to Derrick’s comfort. He will be kept warm, but from behind reinforced walls.” She snapped her fingers, and four firemages appeared in the doorway. They carried a wide stretcher with straps attached.

My mother backed up, pressing against Derrick’s bed, as if she could stop Malvolia’s mages from taking him. “I’m not parting from my mate.”

Malvolia tossed back her head with a laugh. “Then, by all means, join him. We could all use a reprieve from your sulking.”

The firemages pushed past my mother, unhooking Derrick’s chains from the wall.

“Marius!” My mother spun on her heel, calling out to my hapless father, who looked at her and then my aunt like a gnome caught in a fox’s paws.

Marius visibly swallowed, holding up both hands in a defensive gesture. “My love, we must think of our children, and especially our grandchildren.”

My mother gaped at him as if he’d thrust a blade through her heart before turning to me, her eyes wild with desperation. “Shirina, your father has always kept us safe and warm. Is this how you wish to repay him?”

I felt like a flower wilting beneath the noonday sun when she focused her iron-eyed glare on me. Fearing she’d loathe me if I didn’t agree with her, I almost capitulated to her demands. For a moment, I was a small child again, hoping she’d love me if I was obedient.

Shiri. Drae’s voice echoed in my skull.It’s okay to disagree with her. You don’t need her approval.

I flashed my mate a watery smile. He had no idea what those words meant to me. I cleared my throat, forcing myself to be brave, though I still feared my mother’s reaction. “I-I know my father, and I know this is what he would want too.”

The look she gave me made me want to duck beneath the covers of my father’s bed and never come back out.

“Shiri is right, Mother,” Tari added while squeezing my arm. “Father would never forgive himself if he accidentally hurt us.”

Our mother clutched her heart in an overly dramatic gesture. Then she turned her back on me, spine stiffening. “Fine.” She smoothed her hands down her skirts. “I’ll go to the dungeon with him.”

Malvolia shrugged a shoulder, her mouth hitched in a triumphant grin. “Suit yourself.” Then my aunt beckoned me toward her with the crook of a finger. “Shirina, with the growing threat of demons trying to infiltrate Delfi, I must insist you test my staff and soldiers.”

“Of course, Aunt.” Who was I to refuse her, especially since I didn’t want any more demons sneaking into our midst?

“To the gardens.” Malvolia pulled back her shoulders, protruding her generous cleavage while giving Helian another sly smile. “We’ll check the staff there and then move to the beach like last time.”

“Of course,” I answered. “Tari should come too.”

“We don’t need her.” Malvolia waved Tari away with a sneer. “Your siren should be enough.”

“It’s okay.” Tari’s smile appeared plastered to her face. “We promised the children we’d take them to visit their nursery.”

I squeezed her arm, speaking to her through thought.I’m sorry, sister.Though I wondered why I needed to apologize. It’s not like Tari needed Malvolia’s approval. At least she had our mother’s undying love.

Don’t be.She bared her teeth.I couldn’t care less if our bitch aunt likes me.

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