Page 347 of Kingdoms of Night

Captain Elian Westin wasn’t the only one strong enough to lift a man as if it was nothing.

“I’m taking you to my home,” I whispered to him into the roar of the windy night.

I was grateful for the darkness as I made my way down the steep dune to the bottom of the hill where the beach awaited. I paused at the edge of the sand where it met the cold water of the ocean.

The Colony had been home to me since my mission began. It was where other sea-folk like me were stationed. Some were too weak to remain underwater for long periods of time, and others were knights like me, off on missions.

It was just beyond the deepest depths of the water, and I needed to prepare myself for the journey. My eyes fluttered closed as the rain trickled onto my head. I kicked off my boots, tore off my wet socks, and shimmied out of the pants that clung to my legs.

The ocean lapped at my feet.

The refreshing salt water did its job—it transformed me.

Scales shimmered in the night sky along my face, back, and arms, stretching to the base of my pale hands.

I wiggled my toes as the webbing appeared between each one. The same went for my fingers, as clear webbing stretched from one finger to the next, preparing me for the long swim ahead of me.

Breathing came easier as gills revealed themselves along both sides of my neck and ribcage.

For the first time in months, I felt like myself again. It was a shame that it took a murder to bring me home.

I glanced at the bright moon, and how it reflected on the raging ocean.

Now, I was ready.

The dark water awaited as I carried the fragile body of the young man into the ocean.

The water surrounded me, welcoming me back with its cool embrace. I dove deep, into the inky darkness that my eyes were well-equipped for. They highlighted the water, showing me the direction toward home that I knew all too well. But, the weight of the body weighed me down. I swam harder, faster, yet felt as though I were going nowhere. The sandy bottom displayed an intricate pattern that was a secret map to the siren kingdom.

I paused for a moment to observe the swirls and ancient symbols. It was easy for one to lose their way at the bottom of the ocean. This, was my guide. Confident in the directions, I pushed off of the ground, away from the seaweed and coral, and higher into the water.

A school of fish made a path for me, as if rooting me on. I glanced to the left and right at their silver scales, happy for the company. This deep, the storm’s effect was muted. The water was calm, and still. Through the pitch black, I could see the opening of the cave that signified home. I swam above a sunken ship, careful to avoid the jagged rusted fragments. That ship always reminded me that I was close. But, this time, I found it laborious to breathe with the extra weight of the dead siren.

My lungs burned when they shouldn’t.

Have I been away too long?

The pain surprised me, and for a split second, panic shot through my body. I couldn’t let the fear of drowning slow me down. It would take fierce concentration to make it home before lack of oxygen affected me. I pumped my legs, and held one arm around the body, and one before me, fighting to cut through the resistance of the water as quickly as I could.

So close.

A white haze shifted in the water, alerting me that I had arrived at the entrance of the Colony, one of the outposts of the kingdom of Celantris. The fluorescent lights of the city gate gave me the boost I needed, and I swam faster.

It was so close, I just had a to push a little bit more.

A horn was blown the instant I emerged from the water and into the cavern that led into the sea-folk village.

I was immediately recognized and two of the kingdom guards—Makoa and Noa—pulled me and the body from the water and onto the smooth stone ground that stood between the ocean pool and the golden gates that led into the main sanctuary.

“Siddhe!” Aruna called to me as I lay on my back, gasping for air. She knelt down next to me.

My sister.

I looked up at the beautiful siren, whose long emerald green hair hung over her slender shoulders covered in iridescent purple and green scales.

While I was a Sea-Knight, she was a healer—like our mother.

Her brows knit together, and she softened her voice. “Are you all right?”

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