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“Layala,” her voice took on that motherly sternness. “I’ve watched hurt, sorrowful girls like you fall for charm and good looks. My instincts tell me he is not as terrible as his father, but there is something there, in the way he moves, his predatory gaze. He watches you with unnerving closeness. And you, if you’re not near him, I see the panic in your eyes. It’s not healthy. Thane is dangerous and not the one for you.”

“Because he’s afraid something will happen to me and so what if I worry when he’s not near me. I’m scared to death of losing him. I almost lost him once.”

Aunt Evalyn went quiet. They both watched the blue-black water cutting against the ship for a while. “That’s what scares me the most. When Novak died—it broke my heart to see you go through that. I thought I might lose you. You weren’t yourself ever again.”

Layala brushed her fingers over her hair. Aunt Evalyn didn’t know how Novak died. And the truth was, with Novak, it was guilt that nearly did her in, thinking she was responsible for his death. But if Thane died, her suffering wouldn’t compare, for their love was as endless as the stars. “Novak died because of the mate spell between Thane and me. He and I slept together, and it killed him because he wasn’t my mate. For a long time, I harbored guilt about that. I thought it was my magic, that I had killed Novak. I didn’t know there was a loyalty clause in the mate spell.”

Aunt Evalyn’s eyes widened. She remained quiet for what felt like too long, rubbing her hands over the slick wood railing. “So again, Tenebris killed someone you loved. He’s the reason you were mate bonded to Thane to begin with.”

“Yes,” Layala said.

“I am sorry you placed that burden on yourself. I wish you would have told me sooner so I could have at least bore it with you.”

“I was afraid everyone would think I was an abomination—even you. Everyone adored Novak.”

She pursed her lips. “Layala, you carry too much.” She glanced at Thane. “If you love Thane, then I will trust you. I will give him a chance.”

Layala smiled and pulled Aunt Evalyn into a hug. It meant more to Layala than Aunt Evalyn even knew. “Thank you. I want to tell you all about him, and everything that has happened since he came for me.” Layala looked down at the other side of the ship. The crew’s demeanor was focused, wary, even a little fearful. Whatever was in the water that her friends joked about was no laughing matter to them. “But I’m afraid we’ll have to talk more about that later.”

With her hand gliding along the ship’s slick railing, she made her way over to one of the crew. Silver-flecked gray eyes, so bright against her black skin, inspected Layala before she said, “Something I can help you with?” She reached up and touched one of her two thick, braids, dragging her hand over the length to the ends at her waist.

“What’s in the water that has you all so nervous?”

She took a deep breath. “They’ve been called many things—temptress, evil, water nymphs—but we call them sirens.”

She’d never heard the name. “And what are they exactly?” Surely Leif’s story couldn’t be true? Water women who called males with songs?

“Unfortunately, I’m sure you’ll see for yourself soon enough. Your men folk should be a lot more nervous than they are.”

The island was in close proximity now. It must be only a mile in length, but it was covered in trees and foliage, darkening the view of anything that might be inside.

“Get ready,” the woman said and hurried over to a six-foot-long chest. The click and grinding of other trunks opening all over the deck put Layala even more on edge. She gripped the railing for balance as the ship dipped sharply to one side. The crew didn’t seem to notice the movement and tossed out ropes, clunking loudly to the deck. What were those for? To capture these sirens?

Captain Fella smiled down at them. “Time to tie up, boys. We’re getting close.”

Thane turned and found Layala, pinning her with a concerned stare from across the ship. Fennan chuckled when one of the women handed him a long thick rope.

“Around the metal loops on the floorboards,” she said. “Quickly.”

Thane hurried up the steps to the Captain and Layala dashed after him. “Tie up?” Thane demanded.

“Yes, darling,” Captain Fella winked, gripping the wheel. “The sirens will take ya if you don’t. It’s the males they want. And their songs will call even the most resistant male to the depths of the lake. I’ve seen it many times. Men and elves who think they won’t fall victim and splish splash.” She waved. “Bye-bye.”

“Is this a joke?” Thane asked.

A gust of wind blew Layala’s hair wildly, and Fella put a hand on top of her hat. “You think all those men at the dock are simply cowards? I joke about many things but not this. It’s why I run an all-woman crew. We’re not subservient to the sirens. We hear them but it’s nothing more than a lovely tune. Sometimes we gotta fight the nasty wenches off but the island holds precious plants we sell for a fortune and we’re the only ones willing to go. Now strap down, handsome, or you won’t live to hump your girl again.”

Layala gripped Thane’s forearm. He would without a doubt be able to break the rope, especially with his magic, and she had a sick feeling the only reason the chains held him in Calladira was because he’d been weakened by poison. How could they keep Thane restrained? “We need chains. Strong ones.”

Thane leaned over the side of the railing. “All male Ravens, tie yourselves down. Piper, Evalyn, make sure none can get loose, or they’ll die.”

“You can’t be serious,” Fennan said, tossing the rope across his shoulder.

Piper and Aunt Evalyn both looked at each other then ran to pick up ropes off the deck. Not waiting for anyone, Leif dashed across the ship’s wood planks and grabbed a rope himself. “Guess Nana didn’t lie, and I’m no saint.”

“Whatcha need chains for?” Fella narrowed her eyes. “These ropes will hold anyone.”

“Ineedchains.” Layala pointed at Thane’s back. “For him.” She hoped that would even be enough.