Page 25 of The Lost Siren

“Thatpower is what keeps us here, and lets me know she is still out there, somewhere. It was black magic of the most magnificent kind.”

My hands covered my mouth in horror. “That’s sosad,and yet so…”

“I know.”

Our eyes met, and for a moment, I felt like Isawhim. Then he looked away. “What was the Draken’s name?” I asked. I couldn’t explain it, but it felt important that I knew.

“Rhyfel.”

Goosebumps erupted along my skin, and I crossed my arms to ward off a sudden chill.

“Kieran saidyoukeep everyone under the mountain, not some enchantment.”

He looked away.

“The child is lost to us, so I can’t claim what doesn’t technically exist. Besides, how would you feel if your mate were picked out before you were even born, and you had no choice in the matter—” He cut himself off, realizing he was revealing too much.

“Yeah, how awful would that be, to have no choices in life?” I snapped back, then sighed.

“Just… maybe if you introduce me to some of the other Drakens, it will make this easier. I would have someoneelseto bother and talk to.”

His mouth tightened.

“Fine. I will...introduce you to a few of the Drakens I can actually stand to be around.”

I aimed for a lighter tone, feeling guilty for darkening his mood with such an unhappy story.

“Thank you, oh mighty king.”

I’d meant it in jest, but he closed his eyes and sighed. I put a hand on his arm, not sure why I’d felt the sudden need to comfort him.

“You will find her. Youmust. It’s a great story, and all great stories have happy endings.”

He leaned in, running his hand softly over my cheek. His gaze was searching, as if I were some great puzzle he had yet to figure out.

“My stupid little siren.”

It was tempting to punch him, but his eyes were too sad, taking all the venom out of his insult.

“There are no happy endings, just moments where the world doesn’t seem all bad.”

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair.

“Do you know where she is, this lost daughter?”

Benedict nodded, and I prodded further.

“Do the other Drakens know?”

A pause, then he shook his head no. I ran my fingers down his forearm, my nails scraping against his skin. To my surprise, he closed his eyes and tilted his head back. Then in one smooth motion, he stood.

“One more question,” I begged, knowing this tentative peace between us was unlikely to last. He shot me a resigned look, since both of us knew that was impossible.

“If this lost Draken is still out there, why are you bothering with me? It can’t just be for your men. That’s only an excuse.”

He frowned as he contemplated what to say.

“You have shelter, food, and company, even if it is questionable. Is this life better than your previous one?”

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