Page 75 of Liar Witch

No, ever since we first touched in dreams, I’ve known she deserved a different song. A warrior’s song.

The notes which leave my lips are soft, almost mournful, yet gentle and fierce all the same. Each note begins optimistic, then fades softly to something more sincere. The lilting tune leaves a haunting aftertaste in my mouth.

It’s a song for a priestess who worships death and pleasure. A promise to be beside her through joy and sorrow, to the end and whatever lies beyond. A tumultuous mix of need, want and devotion that exposes exactly how I feel for her.

And because it’s a sirens’ song, she feels every emotion I put into it. Everything I feel for her laid bare for her and everyone else to hear.

When the noise tapers away, even my mother has to look away.

“I declare this mating sealed by the Sea,” she mutters. “May the waves provide for and watch over you both.”

I’m barely aware of the three witnesses leaving with low bows to my mother. I can’t focus on anything except the feeling of utter rightness that settles over me.

It’s done.

I’m hers.

Nilsa

My eyes aren’t burning. That’s just the salt in the air.

The song Klaus just sang for me was… unbelievable. After how violent Adella’s song had been on the sands of the Arena, I’d not been prepared for the other side of a siren’s voice.

There were no words in Klaus’s song, but somehow it was all the more expressive for it. I felt everything he did, and it was more intimate than anything I’d ever experienced with another person.

“You said you’re already packed?” The Empress’s words cut through the moment like shards of glass.

Klaus merely inclines his head, and I suppress the urge to groan.

The sooner we’re out of here, the better. I had to promise Rysen that I’d return in two hours just to get him and the others to return to theDeadwoodwithout me. If Athena makes us late, they won’t just wait around patiently. They’ll come for me. No matter how much chaos it causes.

Fortunately, the Empress doesn’t seem to have much interest in hindering us further.

“Then I will not delay you,” she mutters. “The servants will bring your things to the ship. Your sisters can escort you to the marksinger, and you may say your goodbyes on the way. I require a moment alone with your mate.” She hesitates, obviously considering her words. “Niklaus, I wish you well. And should you ever wish to return, your ship shall always find safe harbour in my city.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

The look the two of them share is hard to put into words. The emotions hang so heavily in the air that I can practically taste them. Years of anger, resentment and disappointment are too poignant to make it a fond goodbye, or even a civil one. But there is respect there too, and even a small sense of relief.

The two of them no longer have to play games. If they ever meet again, the playing field will be much more level.

It takes them breaking eye contact for the moment to pass.

The sirens, recognising the dismissal for what it is, disappear without argument. The only show of resistance is the glance Klaus steals at us as he leaves. Empress Athena takes a deep breath and gives her son a final nod. She smiles sadly at his retreating back until the doors close behind him.

“Your win was dishonourable, but skilled. I’m impressed.”

Was that a compliment? I almost double over in shock.

“Thanks.”

“It’s shameful that you bested a great warrior so easily, even if it was underhanded.”

“Underhanded was going after my familiar.”

“Yes, Adella certainly learned her lesson,” she mutters.

We’re wasting time. “You didn’t keep me here to go over the finer points of the fight.”