Page 17 of Of Rime and Ruin (Sirens of Adria #2)

Chapter fifteen

Beast

Freedom.

Power.

Plunging into water.

Cold, invigorating water.

Submerge.

Swim.

Open my mouth.

Inhale.

Search for her scent.

Is she where I left her?

Warm scent. Like sunshine.

Yes.

Still there.

Intoxicating.

Swim faster.

Have you ever seen the sun?

Her voice. Inside my head the other day. Like music.

The female with a golden tail. Golden, like the sun.

Sunfish.

Must see her again.

Must hear her music.

Follow her scent.

Enter the tunnels.

No one sees. I am alone.

Good.

Slick water. Quick tail. Easy as breathing.

“Friend?” she asked.

Confusing. What did she mean?

I have no friends.

I am a Beast.

She is soft, like lapping waves. Harmless.

Follow her scent.

Closer, now.

There. End of the tunnel.

Right where I left her.

Small tunnel. Not enough room for me.

Body fills the tight space. Horns scrape the ceiling.

Fuck.

I crouch low. Bend so I can see her.

That’s better.

Her face, peering through bars. Soft and warm. I remember those eyes.

Happy to see me?

Hard to say.

I dig my claws into ice.

Get closer.

Closer.

Last time, she said “friend.”

Did she mean me?

I think so.

Heartbeat.

Excitement.

Nervous, aching hope.

I’ve never had a friend.

Poke bars with my claw.

Pathetic metal. Cage would never contain me.

Powerful Beast.

Raging Beast.

I am a hunter.

She is prey. With large, round eyes.

So fragile.

She’s beautiful.

I wait for her music.

Crouch. Wait. Stare.

What’s taking so long?

Her mouth shuts. Frowning. No music, this time. No thoughts in my head.

Why not?

Maybe she needs encouragement.

A friendship sign.

I widen my mouth. Show her all my teeth.

Polished, sharp teeth. Handsome teeth.

The teeth of friendship.

Is it working?

She cowers. Eyes wide. Trembling lip.

She is scared?

Fuck.

Why?

I don’t want her scared.

I want a friend.

Widen mouth until my cheeks hurt.

She cowers again. No song.

No!

I slam the bars.

Growl.

She doesn’t want a friend?

Liar!

Slam the bars. Harder.

Rattling, shrieking metal.

Claws slashing.

Anger. Betrayal.

No friend!

Liar!

Sunfish stares. Cold stare.

No song? Fine.

Inspect the lock.

It’s secure.

She will stay.

Tomorrow, she will sing.

Trap her. Keep her.

Mine.

I growl, to let her know.

Possessive, loud growl.

Unmistakable.

Water trembles.

Finally—emotion in her eyes.

But not friendly.

Sunfish is angry. No warmth.

She opens her mouth.

“Go away, asshole.”

I snort. Crude word from pretty lips.

Can’t be friends. I am her enemy.

Sunfish said so.

But Sunfish lies.

Slink away.

Leave her.

Leave her.

Until tomorrow.