Page 95 of Song of Her Siren

Chapter Fifteen

Tari

After Shiri and Mariusleft, my mother returned to sit beside Derrick in the dungeon, and Cassandra and Gadea retired to their bedchamber. I finally tucked in the girls for the night, sitting at the top end of our makeshift bed while stroking their arms. Ember sucked on her thumb and crushed one of her dolls while snuggling against her sister. Aurora fought sleep, her eyes falling heavy while she draped an arm over Ember’s side, her bottom lip caught behind her top fang.

Though I knew I needed rest, too, I could watch my precious cherubs sleep all night. My heart ached when I thought of all the years I’d missed with them, and I thanked the goddess every day for Shiri. I hoped the children appreciated their aunt as much as I did. She was a better Fae than I, the kindest, most giving woman I’d ever known. It broke my heart to discover how much she was hurting. I had always known our mother favored me, though I hadn’t realized how keenly Shiri still suffered as a result. I remember feeling badly for her and giving her extra hugs as a child when our mother had refused to show her affection.

Why had I believed my love would’ve been enough? And what did that say about me that I didn’t understand the full weight of her sorrow? Our parents had been so wrong about us. If one of us would’ve turned evil, it would’ve been me. I’d certainly inherited our aunt’s selfish streak.

Goddess, a dark dragon’s voice called in my mind. I could hear the thumping of her paws and swishing of her tail nearby. She must’ve been in the garden beneath the balcony.

Yes?I asked.

Come riding with me.

I can’t leave the children.I tensed, feeling bad for refusing when her sigh echoed in my mind.

“Tari,” Helian whispered while kneeling beside me, “Radnor and Isa want us to go riding.”

“I know.” I repressed a shiver when the terrace doors cracked open, letting in the frigid northern night air. “I can’t leave the girls. I just got them to sleep.”

Helian’s features fell before he plastered on a smile. “Then we will wait for Shiri to return.”

I shook my head while clutching my stomach. I’d been particularly nauseated today and feared I’d lose my tarts if I went for a ride on a dragon.

Helian, go with Radnor.Isa’s voice rang in my mind.Triss and I will stay with the goddess.

I need to stay with Tari in case a demon attacks, Helian answered.

The double doors banged open as a puff of steam blew into the room. My gaze dropped to the girls as they continued to sleep, unbothered by the smoky air.

Isa wedged her snout inside the room, snarling.You think I can’t protect our goddess from a demon?

I went to the doors, rubbing Isa’s snout while peering outside the window. She stood in the garden, her paws resting on the railing, her long neck snaked across the balcony. I sure hoped the balcony was sturdy.

“Go, Helian.” I waved toward the moonlit clouds outside. “Don’t let me stop you.”

Helian didn’t bother arguing as he strapped on his sword. “We’ll be quick,” he said, kissing my cheek.

“Enjoy yourself,” I called as he slipped past Isa. Then I gave Isa’s snout another good rub. “Thanks, friend.”

Her nostrils flared as she looked me over.You need rest, Goddess.

I nodded, fatigue weighing heavily on my bones. “I know.” I returned to the girls, slipping beneath the covers and snuggling against Aurora.

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