18 AELIA

I stood on the balcony of the Alder Townhome, cigarette in hand, watching the lights of the city twinkle around me. My stomach twisted. I hadn’t intended to hurt Ursula, but our relationship started as a job and needed to stay that way. She was bound to her queen in a way I never could be. It had taken me a long time to realize that not all relationships were meant to be forever, but everyone taught me something new. Ursula taught me how to embrace myself. I meant what I said—I wanted to be friends with Ursula. I never meant to hurt her, but things are never cut and dry when it comes to matters of the heart.

Besides, that part of me needed to die. I was not the merciless mercenary anymore. I was not the “Mind Breaker,” or the “Traitorous Queen.” Taking a drag of my cigarette, I let smoke billow into the cold night air. To be honest, I didn’t know what I was—stuck somewhere in the middle of becoming someone new while carrying the weight of who I used to be.

Footsteps behind me caught my attention.

“You don’t have to sneak around. I know it’s you two.”

“You’re no fun,” Amolie said, joining me on the balcony, followed by Baylis.

“Fun is a privilege I haven’t been afforded in a very long time.” I took another drag.

“Well? What did Ursula want?” She tapped her toe on the cold stone.

I blew out a breath.

“She wanted what Conrad wanted. The siren’s song.”

Baylis and Amolie just blinked at me.

“That’s peculiar,” Baylis said, wrapping her wool shawl tighter around herself.

“Nothing surprises me anymore,” I said. “I am the only person immune to their song. I can block it out. Queen Calliope has been waiting for me to need a favor. I may have stolen her pearl, but the song is worth more than my weight in pearls.”

“So, what are you going to do?” Amolie swallowed nervously.

“I made a bargain with Ursula and intend to keep it.”

“But what about Conrad?”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it under control. Let’s just focus on getting the song. Then we can deal with who to give it to.” I shot Amolie a look that said don’t push it. I was still wary of Baylis’s allegiance and didn’t want to give out too much information in front of her.

“When are you going?” Amolie asked.

“In two days. And apparently, Ursula will be there to chaperone. How lovely.”

“Well, at least you’ll have company.” Amolie grabbed a piece of willow bark from her satchel and placed it between her teeth.

“Since when do you chew willow bark?”

“Since we started saving the world.” She giggled.

“Fair enough. Speaking of… could you mix up a little of that valerian root? You never know when you’re going to have to sedate someone.”

“Of course.” She yawned. “I’ll get started on it in the morning. Do you want me to stay with you tonight, or are you alright to sleep alone? I heard Ursula leave in a huff.”

A breath slipped between my lips.

“I’m fine, but the bed is big enough for all three of us.” My chest twisted a little. With Baylis and Amolie in my bed, I couldn’t use my whisper stone. I hoped Tharan would understand. I sent a silent prayer up to Ammena to watch over him and keep him safe. I had to find time tomorrow to slip away and speak with him.

We all climbed into the plush bed and stared at the star-covered ceiling.

“Just like when we were kids,” Baylis whispered softly.

“Yep. Only this time, no one can get us here.” I threaded my fingers through hers. “This is the safest I’ve felt in a long time.”

“Me too.” She rested her head against my arm, and Amolie did the same on the other.

I thought of Tharan—his warm smile, the way he always twisted his feet with mine when we slept. If I had to sleep without him, at least it was between my sister and my best friend. Amolie was no doubt missing Roderick.

“Amolie?”

“Yes?”

“Tell me about your wedding.”

“Caiden’s father, Tonin, married us in the afternoon at their townhome in Vantris. The sunset, just as we said our vows, forged the unbreakable bond.”

“What did it feel like?” Baylis asked.

“It felt like losing and gaining part of your soul.” She gave a little chuckle. “I don’t know any other way of describing it beyond that.”

Baylis let out a sigh, and I swore I heard her say, “I know what you mean,” under her breath. Was she talking about Gideon? The scene I’d witnessed in her mind flashed before my eyes. My chest tightened. Had they truly been in love? Were they still in love now?

I pushed the thoughts away. I needed to focus on the sirens. Ursula was right. It would take everything in me to face them. I had to conserve my energy. I’d need to take food with me; focusing on keeping the siren song out would take a massive amount of mental fortitude.

Amolie continued, “I wish you could have been there, Aelia. You would have loved it.”

“I wish I could have been there too.” I choked back tears. “I bet you looked so beautiful. I bet Roderick cried.”

She squeezed my hand. “He did. He’s really a big softy. And then we had a wonderful dinner and danced the night away.”

“Did Caiden dance?”

“I… I don’t think he did. I couldn’t really tell. The world just kind of faded away when Roderick and I were dancing.” She fiddled with the ring around her finger. “But even now, I can feel the bond pulled tight between us. I know he’s thinking of me, just as I am thinking of him. I can’t wait to see him when we return to the Alder Palace.”

I sighed.

“Amolie. I don’t want you to wait. I want you to go back to Vantris. To Roderick and have a lovely little honeymoon.”

She waved me off.

“Don’t be silly, Aelia. I love Roderick, but I want to be here to support you when you go to the Isle of Fate. Who knows what will happen? You need someone here who can get help if you don’t come back.”

“Alright, alright. You’re right. Though you’re being very presumptuous in assuming we’ll even make it to the island.”

“Like you’ve ever failed at anything you’ve set out to do.” She clicked her tongue at me, and Baylis laughed in agreement.

A small streak of light in an otherwise bleak situation. We all knew the risks of what we were here to do. Death waited for us around every corner. I was grateful for this time with my best friend, and even my sister—despite being suspicious of her. I just hoped she proved me wrong.

“I’ve failed at lots of things. I failed at being a wife, a queen, a?—”

Amolie interrupted me, “Don’t finish that sentence. Some of those things were out of your control.”

“And some were only controlled by me. But that is in the past now. All I can do is move on.” That familiar heaviness weighed on my heart.

“That’s right,” Amolie agreed.

“Amolie, while we’re gone, can you do a little more research into necromancy? Particularly the kind Erissa would use?”

Amolie yawned.

“Of course, but tomorrow.” Her words faded off into nothing. I looked to see if Baylis was still awake but found her breathing softly beside me.

I shut my eyes and drifted off into a deep and dreamless sleep.

I awoke to the whisper stone vibrating in my ear. Pulling myself from between the two sleeping women, I slid into the changing room. “Tharan?”

“Oh, thank the Trinity, you’re alright. I got worried when you didn’t buzz me earlier.” The concern in his voice made my heart beat a little faster.

“It’s been a long night, to say the least.”

“Well, we made it to Elohim. I haven’t seen my grandfather yet. This place is so cold. So empty.”

“What does it look like? I’ve heard Elohim is the most beautiful city in all of Moriana.”

I could hear him light his cigarette and take a drag. “The elegance is tainted by the fact it was built on the backs of my people. This could be a sylph city. It was built with sylph hands.” He let out a sigh. “But I must admit it is beautiful. All white marble and granite, like the city we stayed in the first night we met. Only there’s a castle that rises into the sky with spindled spires. You can see all the way to the Atruskan River from my balcony. And there’s a huge river that cuts the city in two. Boats from across the continent come and go all day long. It is like Ruska in that way.”

“I wish I were there to see it,” I said, trying to hide the sadness in my voice.

“Me too, Aelia. I can’t sleep without you.”

My heart twisted at those words. I had felt this way before, first with Caiden and then with Gideon, but this tug was different. It wasn’t a need, more like an urge. I wasn’t whole without him.

“Come back to me as soon as you can.”

“I should say the same to you. You’re the one who has to convince a siren to give you her song and see your mother.”

I chuckled. “At least you will avoid an awkward reunion.”

“Oh, it’ll still be awkward.”

I could hear Tharan’s smile through the whisper stone.

I let out a yawn.

“I’ll let you get your rest,” he said.

“Not yet. Don’t go yet. I…” I slumped down on the plush couch in his study. Even without him there I could feel him all around me. His energy, his scent—I wanted him.

“Yes?” He asked. Hope radiated through his voice.

“I want you, Tharan. I miss your touch, your scent, the feeling of your lips on mine.”

“Oh Trinity, Aelia. I want you too.”

Sliding my silk nightgown down. I clasped my nipple in between my fingers. “Touch yourself Tharan and pretend it’s me.”

“Fuck, Aelia…I already am.”

I envisioned him gripping his glistening cock, eyes shut as he pleasured himself.

“Are you imagining what it’s like to feel my tight pussy around you?”

Tharan let out a heady breath. “Yes.”

I reached down between my legs and began to rub my clit. “Tell me what you want to do to me.”

“I want to fuck that tight little cunt of yours. I want to fill you, stretch you, make you moan my name.”

“Yes, oh fuck, Tharan.” I rubbed my clit harder, sending shocks of pleasure through my veins all the while twisting my nipple, delighting in the mixture of pain and pleasure.

“Put your fingers inside yourself.”

I did as he commanded. Savoring the delightful feeling of my wetness. “I am.”

“Slow, darling, we don’t want you coming too soon.”

I arched my back as I slid my fingers in and out, making sure to scrape the front of my mound. My breaths came faster as heat grew in my core.

“That’s a good girl, Aelia. Just like that. Slow and steady, just like my cock would be.”

“Tharan…”

“Shh... Just keep stroking. I love it when you touch yourself for me. It makes me so fucking hard, knowing you’re getting off at just the thought of me inside you.”

My breath caught in my throat. “Can I… go harder?”

“Just a bit. I want to make you work for it. Trinity I’m so hard right now.”

“I want to wrap my lips around your throbbing cock and suck you until you come in my mouth.”

“Shit, Aelia.” I could hear his hand rapidly stroking his erection, and I increased my pace, tightening my pussy around my fingers, groaning with pleasure.

“Aelia, you better not come yet. Good girls only come when commanded.”

“Yes. Are you close?”

“So close.”

“I want you to think of me bent over the desk in your study. Gripping the edges, as you thrust deep inside of me.”

Tharan let out a loud moan.

“I’m so wet, baby. Your cock is making me so wet.”

“You’re so tight. Fuck you’re so tight. I’m going to come.”

“Not yet. You made me wait.” I thrust my fingers harder and harder imagining Tharan’s body over top of mine. Filling me, stretching me, as I gripped the edge of his desk. My nipples hard against the cold, polished wood.

“I can’t hold it back much longer.”

“Do you feel me tightening around your cock?”

“Yes. Trinity yes.” His breath caught in his throat.

“Come for me, Tharan.”

“Oh…Oh…Trinity. Fuck”

His orgasm only made mine yearn to be released. The sound of my fingers penetrating my wet pussy radiated through the silent study. “I’m so close…”

“Yes, my darling. Come for me.”

Working my clit harder and harder a swell of pleasure grew inside me. Electricity radiated through every limb of my body, begging for release.

“Say my name, Aelia. Say my name when you come.”

Leaning back, I let my orgasm overtake me. My breath hitched in my throat and as I exhaled, I said, “I’m coming Tharan. For you. Only for you.” My body went limp, and a beautiful ache bloomed between my legs. The need extinguished for now.

“Good girl.”

The doorbell to the Alder Townhome rang bright and early on the second day.

Finneas escorted Ursula into the morning room, where bright blue wallpaper adorned with drawings of orange trees covered the walls.

“Good morning, Ursula. You’re looking well,” I said before biting into a piece of toast covered in orange jam. She wore her scaled armor. Its iridescent steel sparkled in the morning light, making her look like one of those exotic fish you find on the coasts.

“As are you, Aelia. Or should I call you Lady now?” She poured herself a cup of coffee, resting the cup between her slender fingers.

“Just Aelia is fine. Hungry?”

“I ate before I came. And I prefer the fresh fish of the markets to that of land dwellers.” She pushed away a plate of small pies in disgust.

I shrugged and kept eating.

“Suit yourself.”

Ursula waited patiently, sipping her coffee while I finished my breakfast.

When I was done, I got up and pushed my chair in.

“Does the siren queen know we’re coming?”

She rolled her eyes. “No, of course not. Early in the morning, most of her clan will be gone hunting. Only the breeders will be left behind, and they can’t do much to stop us.”

“What about guards? She is a queen, after all.”

“There should only be a few this early in the day. But we may have dispatched a few, if you know what I mean.”

Now it was my turn for an eye roll.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“I miss the old Aelia, who wasn’t afraid to kill anyone. That Aelia was a lot hotter.”

I breathed deeply. “Let’s try to keep the killing to a minimum. I’m sure your queen would appreciate that.”

“Fine. If you say so.” She finished her coffee, and I watched her eyes take in my new Woodland armor. Boiled leather embossed with golden leaves and braces with a hidden blade.

“The Alder King treats you well. I am almost jealous of your armor… almost.”

“I’m happy to ask Tharan to provide you with a set if you’re ever in the market for a new employer.”

She scoffed. “And live on land full time? Never.”

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips.

“Suit yourself.”

We took a carriage to the edge of Ruska, where the elven lands touched the free city.

“What exactly are we going to say we’re here for, Ursula?” I asked as the carriage bumped along the quiet morning streets.

“Official Undersea business.”

She stared out the window, unable to meet my gaze.

By now, I knew what to expect from Ursula. She was loyal to a fault to her queen, which meant she would try to double-cross me at some point, but what choice did I have?

“So, we’re just going to waltz in there and what? Demand the queen let me dig around in her mind?”

“The siren queen has angered Queen Calliope, and we are there to discuss diplomatic terms.”

My stomach hardened at her words. I couldn’t shake the feeling something bad was headed our way.

“Mmhmm,” I said, knowing full well there was more to this than just procuring a simple song. “I’ll let you lead.”

She smirked. “I always do.”

The carriage stopped just before the border, where a path led down to the riverbank. I pulled my cloak tighter around my neck, preparing for the icy chill of the breeze wafting off the river.

“It’s just down here,” Ursula said, whipping her blue hair behind her shoulder.

We followed the narrow path marked with footprints down to the river’s edge, then along a narrow ledge to where the mouth of a massive cave opened. The smell of fish mixed with the salty scent of the cave made my stomach turn. Two male sirens kept guard, spears in hand. Seaweed crowns twisted over their heads. Their bare chests exposed to the elements. Waves crashed upon the jagged rocks, spraying us with frigid water.

“What business do you have with Queen Calypso, mer?” one of the guards said, disdain dripping from every word.

“That’s for me to discuss with Queen Calypso and her alone. You may show her this if she insists.” Ursula held out a piece of parchment embossed with the seal of the Undersea; a trident skewering a fish.

The guards eyed the letter before exchanging glances.

“Fine. But stick to the path.”

Ursula pocketed the letter, and we continued into the cave. On one side of us were stalactites and an underground river on the other. I craned my neck to catch a glimpse of any sirens, but only the crystal-clear water stared back at me.

“I told you. It’s empty here during the mornings,” Ursula said, leading us farther into the cave. Light beamed in from cracks in the thick rock, illuminating our way.

“She’ll be in the birthing wing.” She took a hard left down a narrow corridor leading to a large opening where shallow pools of water housed pregnant sirens. Some were in human form, others in their more mer shape, but each one’s belly swelled with a child.

The siren queen sat high above the pools, perched on a stone throne. She was unlike anything I expected. Eight purple tentacles wriggled beneath her human torso. Hair as black as night cascaded down ample breasts, where two sailors suckled greedily. Tentacles wrapped around their necks.

“Let my milk nourish you. So that you may, in turn, nourish our young,” she said, tilting her head back in pleasure. Around her neck sat a large sapphire encrusted with diamonds.

I noted the guards positioned sporadically throughout the room. Ursula and I could easily take them down if necessary.

A low hum echoed through the air. I looked at Ursula, who quickly stuffed something into her ears. I raised my mental shields, focusing on keeping their song out.

We approached the throne. The siren queen lowered her intimidating gaze upon us.

“You dare to interrupt my feeding time? These sirens are nearly ready to birth.”

I swallowed hard, trying to hide my growing fear that something terrible was going to happen.

Ursula clicked her tongue at the queen before bowing low. “Queen Calliope sends her regards and hopes you have a fertile and successful birthing season.”

I bowed in unison with Ursula, and she gave me a look that said, “ Any time you want to jump into her mind would be great. ”

I widened my eyes at her, wishing she had planned this better.

The queen scoffed. “Now, I know that’s a lie. My sister and I have been at each other’s throats for centuries.” She turned her fishlike gaze upon me. “And who, may I ask, are you?”

My mind screamed at me to lie, but my Woodland armor already gave me away.

“I am Aelia Springborn.”

“Ah, the Traitorous Queen. Looking to burn down another kingdom? Or do you only do that to your own family?” She chuckled to herself.

I gritted my teeth; she was technically a member of my court. I needed to keep the wild part of me contained for as long as I could. She was trying to provoke me. I knew it, and she knew it. Still, it did not ease the sting of her words.

“I am here as an emissary from the Woodland Realm to send my king’s well wishes.”

The siren queen eyed me suspiciously.

“It’s about time the Alder King took some interest in me. I had been trying to court his father for years. And now that his heir has taken over, it would be wise for him to make an alliance with me.”

Jealousy pooled in my stomach, and I dug my nails into my palms to keep myself calm. Is this how Tharan felt when he saw me look at Caiden? I stilled myself before responding.

“What kind of alliance are you proposing?”

She let out a hearty laugh. “Why, marriage, of course. We could rule land and sea together. Calliope would have to bow before me. And our offspring would reign for a thousand years—sylph who walk on land and breathe in the sea.”

“I’m happy to bring it up with my king.” A lie, and one I hoped she would believe.

Calypso opened her mouth to speak, but a loud wail ripped through the room before she could, bringing Ursula and me to our knees.

“What’s that noise?” Ursula said, covering her ears with her hands.

More wails came from below.

“It’s the birthing. It’s beginning early.” Calypso motioned for her attendants to help the laboring mothers.

Below us, dozens of pregnant sirens lay on their back in pools of pristine water, legs spread, pushing with all their might.

“Yes! My children! Yes! You’re bringing the next generation of sirens into the world.”

With no guards nearby and the queen distracted, I launched into her mind.