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I blink at her, my grip on her hand tightening in surprise.What do you mean?

Her eyes blaze with fire, the most energy I’ve seen her give so far, and she fixes me in their gaze.Don’t you know what happened? When Nill came back and told us what Edonia did to you, father sent the whole kingdom out to find you.

I can’t believe it.He did what?He would do that for me? That’s what I want to say.But he knew I was above water not below.

She manages a weak nod. We were looking for Edonia too, to get her to bring you back and reverse the spell. Nill told us how she tricked you. You were only sixteen, you weren’t of sound mind and she knew it. But no matter where we went, there was no trace of you. None of the Syrens to the south or north of Limonos had seen you when they watched the shore and for passing ships, and none had found Edonia either.

She takes in a deep breath through her gills and nose. Then, she goes on, her eyes closing.So I decided to come this way. We had never explored what was to the west of us. This big ocean. Larimar came with me but we got separated when I was caught. They didn’t catch her, she tried to save me but couldn’t. She’s okay, don’t worry. She’s out there still.

I swallow the lump in my throat.And father? Is he back in Limonos? Is he…is he well?

Asherah’s eyes open, filled with sorrow, and I know. I know in my heart that he is gone, just like my mother is.

“No,” I say softly, out loud. “Please, not him.”

“What are you doing, woman?” Aerik moans. “Talking to a fish?”

“Shut your mouth or I’ll shut it for you!” I snap at him viciously before turning back to my sister.

Please tell me father is okay, I can’t bear it, I plead.

She gives her head the subtlest shake.He died. A broken heart, some said. After losing our mother, he couldn’t stand the idea of losing you and he lost the will to live.

Oh, gods. No.

The tears are rolling down my face like a river.

So many of the Syrens are gone now, she goes on, giving my hand a faint squeeze back.We are a dying breed, Maren. We have been for a while. I shudder to think how many are left. Soon they will be less one.

No!I cry out, holding her hand to my face, her skin clammy and cold. My tears roll over it.You are not going to die. I will protect you from them. I will pick you up and take you to the water and you will be free.

But how free can I really be without my dear sister?she says sadly, giving me a soft smile.You were so reckless and selfish and brave, and I have missed you so.

“I have missed you too,” I say through a sob, ignoring Aerik’s mockery behind me.But I will free you, I promise. You will live.

I am dying, Maren. They captured me many moons ago. They’ve been slowly drinking my blood ever since.Her gaze moves to her wrist and I hold it away from my face to see a deep wound that looks like it’s been scarred over and over again.

Monsters, I growl.I will kill them all.

They are already dead,she says.I only helped them feel alive but it’s something they will never be. I may be in pain, but I will die and my pain will be over. Their pain will never be.

I don’t care about them, I care about you!

And I care about you, so much,she says.I know you have a new life here, but from the looks of it, her gaze goes briefly to Aerik,perhaps it’s not all that you were promised it would be. I am so glad to see you alive and I hope to the gods that they don’t discover what you really are.

I practically growl.Is that so? Because now I hope they do. Now I wish I had your power to rip everyone’s heads right off. Let’s see them try and take my blood.

She manages a smile, showing just a hint of translucent pointed teeth.That’s my sister. That’s my Maren. So much anger and rage for such a small creature. That’s the Syren I love so dearly.

She reaches up with her hand, pressing it against my cheek and I lean in, briefly pressing my closed mouth against hers. But instead of feeling her dry lips, there’s a faint buzz of electricity passing from her mouth to mine and I pull back to stare at her.

Perhaps a Syren’s kiss even works while she’s dying,she says.

I go still. Did my kiss give her the power to rejuvenate herself, like the elders spoke of reviving drowned sailors?

But she doesn’t seem any stronger.

If anything, I’m feeling stronger. My heart is racing fast and I feel my blood starting to boil white-hot, a not unpleasant feeling, considering.