Page 5 of Rise of the Siren Queen
The fear that I had kept at bay crashed over me. Of course, I will. I knew it all too well. Being the crown princess of Aetheria came with responsibility, and now that weight was sinking me deeper. I looked at her, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest. “I’ll accept whatever decision they deem fit.”
His breathing was the only sound in the cave. The man—a fragile human—still lying there, oblivious to the chaos he caused, the sacred law he broke it. His fate was now tied to ours in a way that none of us could fully comprehend. The cave was supposed to remain hidden, veiled from human eyes. It was our sanctuary, our secret, and he had found it.
But tonight, the full moon had brought something else with it, a new era. One none of us were ready for. And deep down, I knew tonight truly marked the beginning of chaos.
2
He is different
After the Decree of the Seven Seas, a fragile peace settled over the ocean, but not all sirens remained bound by its rules.
From among them rose those born with rare gifts, souls stirred by curiosity and forbidden longing. Some crossed the sea’s edge, drawn to the world of men.
The scrolls speak of one, a siren who fell in love with a mortal. She left her kind, forsaking the sea to walk beside him. From their union came the first hybrid.
Neither fully siren nor human, these beings possessed the strength of both worlds, near-immortal, swift, powerful beyond measure. Feared by some, revered by others, their existence threatened the balance the Elders fought to preserve.
But prophecy whispered of one who would change everything.
“When a hybrid, born of sea and land, sets foot upon Astralis, the world will tremble, and the kingdom will find its true ruler.”
Whether salvation or ruin follows… only time will tell.
And so, through currents and legend, the hybrids endure, symbols of forbidden love, untamed power, and a destiny yet to unfold.
* **
Iryen
Aetheria council’s grand chamber, nestled deep in the royal, was as imposing as ever.
Towering pillars adorned with coral and aquatic flora stretched up towards the domed glass ceiling through which natural light filtered, casting shimmering rays across the chamber.
The ornate carvings on the arches and sculptures bore the marks of the kingdom’s lineage—my lineage, merging elegance with the natural beauty of the ocean.
Despite the grandeur, today the chamber felt different. A palpable tension overshadowed the usual serenity of the blue and green hues.
An unspoken unease permeated the water, its ripples touching the very pillars that had stood the test of time. Even the beauty of the surroundings, with hints of gold and bronze glinting off the decorations, couldn’t dispel the thick air of anticipation and apprehension that filled the chamber.
They sat in a semi-circle around the chamber, wore expressions ranging from skepticism to outright hostility.
The only gaze offering warmth and reassurance was my grandmother’s. Seated upon the throne that commanded all eyes, she radiated the timeless authority of our ancestors, her regal figure at the center of the raised dais like a beacon of unwavering strength.
The throne itself was a magnificent structure of dark polished wood, its high back elegantly arched and carved with tales of Aetheria, mythical creatures entwined with waves. Rich blue and gold fabric, plush yet authoritative, upholstered the wide seat, signifying its power.
Flanking its sides were elegant armrests shaped like mythical fins, while an ornate canopy draped in silks above mimicked the ocean waves, embroidered with celestial motifs that connected to the sea.
As I stood there, a wave of anxiety threatened to engulf me. TheQueen’s voice, though softer than usual, held an undeniable authority as she began the meeting.
“I have summoned you to discuss urgent matters facing our kingdom. A man exploring the island stumble into the cave and fell into the Moon Pond tonight.”
The murmurs among the council erupted, growing louder with her words, a chorus of concern and speculation that echoed in the grand chamber.
“As you know,” Nerina continued, her gaze sweeping across the room, “Princess Iryen, along with Lady Elora and Lady Sienna, were performing the ritual tonight. They found him and immediately requested my presence.”
“Why wasn’t the cave shielded?” Thalor snapped, his tone dripping with menace. “Surely, Your Highness, you could have ensured a simple shield spell to fortify the barrier. Could you not?” He sneered at my title, contempt clear in his eyes.
I loathed him, always against me, perpetually looking me down.
