Page 102 of Liar Witch

“Sweet Lady Moonlight,”Opal mumbles.“How long have they…?”

I don’t want to think about it.

When all the cells are open, the remaining sirens huddle together in a corner. Vespar actually has to remain in front of them to stop them from diving back for their cells.

A few understand what I’ve told them. Fewer still actually seem to accept that they’re truly free. None of them are in any condition to do more than lean on one another and stare at us with wide eyes.

On most of them, the scars on their arms and legs are so thick that their skin appears shiny and mottled.

It’s a demoralising sight, but I’m determined not to let it get to me. Perhaps when Galen finishes creating a tunnel from the sea and floods the rooms to let them escape, they’ll finally believe they’re free.

Or maybe shifting back into their siren form will drag them further under. Some of them are looking at their legs like they’ve forgotten what they look like.

Monroe, closest to them, shifts back and takes a deep breath, nostrils flaring as the sirens cower further. He looks at his brothers and shakes his head.

Not for the first time, I wonder what they’re up to, then dismiss it. If they want to be all secretive, it’s really not my business.

I grimace, but start towards the door. “Onto the next block.”

“How many are there?” Rossiter growls through bared teeth.

I shake my head. “I don’t know. I only saw two on my way in, but there may be more. At least most of the guards will be dealt with.”

“Monroe will remain here in his beast form to guard these sirens,” he orders, picking up Shen like she weighs nothing. “Vespar, you search for any other prisons. I will accompany the witch.”

Splitting up doesn’t seem like a wise idea, but I’m almost relieved at only having to deal with one of them for the next few minutes. I need a second to get my head back on.

Cassie’s not been here that long. I can only pray that means she’ll be less distressed by the idea of freedom.

Even as I think it, I know it’s foolish to believe that. Torture affects everyone differently. One day of suffering at the hands of other sentient beings can cause years of trauma for the mind, longer even.

I hope, when this is over, that these survivors seek out a Solar witch with the gift of healing mental scars.

“What business does a witch have with this place?” Rossiter asks, as we stride down the next hallway.

“I promised my new mother-by-mating the head of Rinaldi as a groom price.”

“And the prisoners?”

“I’m not so heartless that I’ll just leave them to suffer. Plus, the fewer sirens under the Eagle’s thumb, the better.” I pause. “Your turn; how did four powerful shifters end up collared by one of the Queen’s mage lackeys?”

He shrugs. “Let’s just say we won’t ever make that mistake twice.”

That tells me absolutely nothing. Not that I blame him. Why would he give out his weakness to a witch he’s only just met?

“We’re nearly there,” I say, quickening my pace when I see the door to the cavern ahead. “I doubt there are many guards left in the facility after all the noise you made, but stay on your guard just the same.”

“Battle not your thing, witch?”

“I prefer to avoid unnecessary risks. I could have picked them off before they even knew I was there.”

“Spoken like a true assassin.”

“The politically correct term is Shadow.”

Rossiter snorts, and I roll my eyes. “Either way, maybe you should let me go in first, before you—”

He drops Shen in the doorway and shoulders into the cavern before I can finish. The former Captain groans, but can’t go anywhere, so I abandon her without a second thought as I rush to follow him.