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Evelyn

F reedom.

That's what I feel at this moment, as I look out over the beauty of clear blue skies and the seemingly endless expanse of the sparkling sea. I want to swim and explore the far reaches of the world.

I am free.

The realization comes at me fast and hard, in a rush of exhilarating excitement. I can’t believe the storms are gone, and I can go anywhere and do anything I please for the first time in my life.

I look over to the men, to Kai and Mathius. It has been two glorious days since the darkened, angry skies of Kafigda were vanquished, and Mathius had led the men in constructing a vessel for all those wanting to leave the island.

With Yvette now gone, the sirens and sailors were left to do as they pleased, and many of the men wanted to stay. This not only made my siren sisters who loved their island home happy, but it also made Kafigda happy.

At the end of it all, Yvette was the foolish one.

She hadn’t needed to lure Mathius and others to the island.

If she had only listened to my mother all those years ago, she would have realized that the sirens and Kafigda were a place that men and other creatures wanted to visit.

She hadn’t needed to trick anyone, but I suppose she had only wanted the power for herself all along, and in the end, that was her mistake.

Now the ship was almost done, and we would be sailing our way toward Halvendor at sunset, with Mathius and Dru at the helm.

Dru had decided to leave my sister Kat to go home and take on his duties for his people.

Kai seemed significantly relieved by that choice.

Mathius had assured both Dru and Kai that he wouldn’t be tearing away their claim on Renyir, the province their father had secured many years ago.

It was theirs still, and he would figure out the rest when he got back and took his seat as king of Halvendor once again.

He won’t admit it, but I can see the trepidation and anxiety in the way that Mathius has been working these past few days.

He is scared. Scared of what the kingdom might be like, afraid of taking back his rightful place in a land that has lived without him for so long.

There is no knowing what will happen upon his return to the mainland.

Mathius explained to me last night that without an elven ruler on the throne of Halvendor, magic ceased to exist there.

And many of the beings who had lived in Halvendor were tied to magic.

He was worried for them, unsure what had befallen them in his absence.

From what Kai and Dru have said, there are no longer magical beings in Halvendor, only men.

After hearing that Mathius had gone quiet, he hadn’t talked to a soul since. He worked tirelessly on building the vessel, seeming more desperate to leave with each passing moment.

Unsurprisingly, I am the only siren who wants to leave with the men and sail to Halvendor. My sisters are all perfectly happy to stay on Kafigda. I vowed to visit whenever possible, but I will miss them all dearly, especially Florence and Kat.

As if conjuring her from the mere thought, Kat materializes from the ocean, walking toward me with a broad smile on her lips. “I’ve never been so far out to sea,” she squeals.

“I told you this place was a cage, but you never wanted to listen.”

“I’m not too proud to admit it, E. You were right, this freedom feels so good. It feels right.” Kat smirks at me. “And now I’ve an entire sea full of sailors to lure with my song. I mean, the possibilities are endless.”

I shake my head at her because, of course, she is only thinking about bringing more men here.

“I’m glad you are happy here, Kat. I’m going to miss you.”

She instantly wraps me in a crushing hug, still wet from her swim, but I don’t care. I hug her back just as tightly. This might be the last time I see her for months, maybe years, and I will savor this moment for as long as I can.

“I love you, E.” She whispers.

“I love you too, Kat. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do while I’m away.”

She breaks our hug and raises a brow at me, “Oh, I will most definitely do everything you wouldn’t do while you are away.”

We both laugh, enjoying each other's company, when Florence walks over to us. Kat grabs my hand, squeezing it before giving me a wink and leaving the two of us alone.

Flo stands beside me, looking out at the setting sun as it casts streaks of orange and pink across the sky.

“The world out there is different than what we have here, Eve.” Her voice is reserved, even, but holds just the tiniest bit of emotion. “It won’t be easy learning their way of life.”

I grab her hand, lacing our fingers together, “I know, Flo.”

She finally looks at me, and I can see the unshed tears welling in her eyes. “You can come back at any time, you hear me. If you need anything, I am here for you, always.”

The sting of tears prickles behind my eyes, and I wrap my arms around her. “I’m going to miss you so much, Flo.”

She releases our embrace, holding onto my shoulders and looking me pointedly in the eye.

“Your gifts will grow stronger on the mainland, child. You are half elf, half siren. It is why your gifts have always been more toward healing. The elven magic comes from the forests and the earth. Your gifts are tied directly to the nature around you. Practice and use it well.”

I smile at her, the tears now trailing down my cheeks. “Thank you, Flo. For all you’ve done for me, for loving and teaching me over the years.”

“I would do the same time and again, child.” Her eyes crinkle at the edges, and a sadness comes over me because, since the magic Yvette was using is now gone, all of the Elders have aged rapidly in the past two days, Florence included.

I make it a point to come back and visit as soon as I can, but now it’s time to do something for myself. To live out my dreams.

Florence nods her head behind me, and I find Kai walking down the beach toward us. She gives me one more hug before heading back to the huts, and Kai suddenly smiles down at me with all the love and elation in the world.

“It’s done.” He says, “The boat is ready.”

I let out an unsteady breath, feeling eager to start this new adventure but nervous at the same time.

“What do you say, Evie? Are you ready to sail to Halvendor? To see the world outside of Kafigda.” Kai’s eyes twinkle with excitement.

The dawn of a new life was on the horizon, and I was ready to go out and meet it.

“I’m ready, Kai. Let's go home.”