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CHAPTER FOUR

“I can’t believe we’re going to the surface today!” Maeve pulled her spear from her back. “At last we get to see action, you know?”

After Madam Auralia dismissed them to their combat training early, no one had been able to stop talking about the mission.

“I know.” Celeste looked at her own spear, passing it from one hand to the other. “I’m surprised they’re inviting us at all. They must be certain nothing will happen, right?”

They swam together to an open section of the courtyard to begin their warm-up. Although they’d done this countless times, everything suddenly felt new again.

“I thought you’d be more excited,” Maeve said, brows knitting. “You love going beyond Staria’s walls. What’s wrong? Are you worried?”

“No! No, I am excited. What’s there to worry about?” Celeste pushed memories of Raiden Sharp’s ink-black hair from her mind as she readied her spear. “Especially when you’ll be there, best in class .”

“Right!” Maeve grinned, lowering into fighting position. “They will sing songs of us for generations! The day the human prince was lured to his doom by the Chorus and their princess .”

Celeste had no time to react, for suddenly Maeve’s spear was flying at her head. She shifted, knocking the weapon away with her own. Then she pulled her spear to her body before lunging at Maeve. Her friend ducked out of the way, but barely.

“Distracting me with flattery will not work,” Celeste snarled in jest.

Maeve laughed, and they began again, running through their usual routine until their chests rose and fell from the effort. While Celeste had never been very confident with her Song, her skill with the spear was the one place in which she shone.

“Initiates, in line,” Captain Io interrupted.

At once the sirens stopped, swimming into line before their instructor, a large siren with cropped green hair. Io wore a bright smile as they gazed upon the initiates before them. Behind them, five sirens entered the courtyard, each dressed in armor with spears strapped to their backs. Although Celeste had never met them, she’d recognize them anywhere. Members of the Chorus.

“General Xandra, these are our current initiates. Initiates, I would like to introduce you all to General Xandra and our team,” Captain Io said proudly. “This specific team is tasked with missions involving errant ships.”

The general swam forward, radiating dominance. Even Captain Io looked small in comparison to her large blue frame and roping muscles. General Xandra’s black eyes scanned each initiate, pausing for a moment when she reached Celeste. The princess lowered her gaze, and soon the general moved on.

“Good tides, recruits,” Xandra said, her tone deep and gravely. “While we still do not know why this ship entered our lands, it is our job to stop them before they can pose a threat. No survivors.”

The feeling of Maeve’s gaze on her made Celeste aware that she was picking at her scales. She dropped her hands to her sides, embarrassed. She’d expected to feel excited. Proud. After four cycles of training, it was hard to believe her chance to prove herself was here at last. But all she felt was tense.

“We will swim in pairs,” the general continued, swimming up to the first of the initiates. “Your name, Recruit?”

“Nautica,” the siren answered, bowing their head in respect.

“You will be with Officer Zale.” She gestured to a siren with skin striped in orange and cerulean. Zale bowed his head in response, and Nautica fell in line beside him. “Your name?” Xandra asked the next initiate, who turned a brilliant shade of red.

“Analora,” she said, twisting her soft purple hair tightly around her fingers. Analora was paired with Officer Wrasse, a very slender siren with sharp features and pale blue skin. And Leif was paired with Captain Io, their regular drill instructor. When Leif swam up to join Io, the instructor clapped him on the back so hard it made Leif cough. Celeste and Maeve covered their mouths, stifling laughter.

“Your name, Recruit?”

Under General Xandra’s hard gaze, the cecaelia dropped her hand as though it’d bitten her. “Maeve, General.”

“You’ll be paired with Officer Rae.” Xandra nodded to a silvery siren. Celeste’s eyes widened. She’d heard stories of Rae. Of how she’d led the rescue of two sirens from a human fishing boat after they’d been caught in a net. After they were safe, Rae drowned the entire crew in a matter of minutes. A living legend.

“And last, Princess Celeste,” the general said, not needing to ask her name and not pretending otherwise. “You will be paired with General Echo.”

Celeste nodded, trying not to let the surprise show on her face. General? Echo was beautiful, as all sirens were, but she’d stand out in any group. Her skin was a soft peach, like Celeste’s, but she was covered from head to fin in red and white stripes. Spiky fins protruded from her hips, fanning around her like a lionfish. She appraised Celeste, her bloodred hair billowing around her heart-shaped face. Beyond her beauty there was an intensity that made Celeste recoil. Why would someone so highly ranked be on this mission? Each squad only required one general to lead. Was it the mission? Or was it her ? Did Madam Auralia think Celeste needed someone to watch over her? Or... did the queen have something to do with this? Celeste’s stomach twisted.

“If there are no questions,” General Xandra said with a look that didn’t invite questions, “then let us move on to the subject of your final examination.”

This was it. The final thing that stood between Celeste and her future.

“This evening you will be judged on four metrics: how you follow instruction; how you blend within the group; your knowledge of procedure; and, of course, your Song. In every mission, a siren must have each of these qualities to be an asset to their unit. As you know, each Chorus unit is made up of five members. And tonight all five units will be in attendance.

“It is of the utmost importance that you can work together as a team. The Chorus is a blend of many. An unbreakable force. Pay attention to those around you. Fill in gaps. Keep your formations tight, and above all else, listen to your superior.” General Xandra scanned each initiate. “You have already been tested in your strength, agility, speed, endurance, and knowledge of human language, geography, ship structure, and weaponry.”

Several heads nodded in agreement.

“Tonight is your chance to prove you deserve to be a member of this team. So take a good look at your assigned Chorus member”—she gestured toward them—“for they will be the ones examining you this evening. It will be their decision whether you succeed or fail.”

Celeste glanced toward Echo, whose expression was unreadable. Stoic.

“Now,” Xandra said, clapping her deep blue hands together, “I’ll pass things to Captain Io, who will be running our drills in preparation for this evening.”

“Thank you,” Io said, bobbing up to the front beside the general. “Let’s begin by breaking into pairs—a Chorus’s harmony is more than just vocal.” They winked.

Numbly, Celeste followed Echo to a space in the courtyard. It was happening. She had her chance to join the Chorus, permanently. So why did she feel sick? She looked over toward Maeve in hopes of sharing the feeling but saw her friend was already deep in conversation with her new mentor, Rae. The cecaelia’s eyes glimmered with excitement as the officer gave her pointers about her spear grip.

Celeste turned to Echo. “It’s an honor to have you as my mentor,” she said, head dipping.

The siren looked her over and nodded graciously. “The honor is mine, Princess.”

“Do you—” Celeste paused, trying to pick which question to ask first. She had so many. But she knew she couldn’t ask anything about the humans. Even if it was the one subject she wished to speak about the most. “Is there anything I need to keep in mind as I prepare for this mission? Something you wish you’d known as an initiate?”

“As long as you listen to General Xandra and follow her command, you will be fine, Princess,” Echo assured her. “There is no need to worry yourself.”

Celeste frowned. Although the words gave the impression Echo was confident in Celeste’s abilities, something about it felt off. Echo made no further effort to converse, and Celeste stifled her questions. It was clear she did not intend to answer them.

In the awkward silence, Celeste overheard Leif and Io arguing about strategy behind them, smiles on their faces.

“Why wait and attack at night? Wouldn’t it be better to strike as soon as possible?” the young initiate asked.

Io shook their head. “Daylight offers little protection. The element of surprise is paramount, and it’s better for the Chorus to be in position and focused before any humans raise the alarm. Not to mention it’s easier for humans to see and use their weapons during the day.”

“Right, of course,” Leif replied, nodding. “I hadn’t thought about how the dark might protect against their cannons and guns.”

A sigh escaped Celeste’s lips. It seemed all the others were gaining useful knowledge from their mentors. And despite having the highest-ranking member assigned to her, Celeste gained nothing more than assurance that she should listen to her superior. A fact she already knew.

“All right,” Io called after a moment, “I hope you all feel a little more comfortable around your new companions. Let’s fall into line and practice our formations. This will feel different, especially with a larger group. The key is to think as a group. Don’t leave any gaps.”

The sirens swam into position, Celeste and Echo falling into line at the end.

“Ray!” Io bellowed, making the accompanying hand signal.

As quick as a sudden storm, the group arranged into a perfect diamond.

“School!”

On and on, Captain Io tested them on each and every formation, reminding the initiates which ones would be used on their mission that night. It was strange to adjust to the senior members, who responded so quickly Celeste had to focus to keep up. Each movement was completed wordlessly.

“The Chorus must move as one mind,” Io shouted. “More often than not, you won’t use your spears. The Song is your true weapon.”

Staria had a large military, but the most elite and specialized of those formed the Chorus. As children, sirens were schooled by their family members. Only at the age of seven did they begin a more formal education. Celeste and Maeve, like most children of prominent families, were taught in a private school on the palace grounds. When a siren reached the age of thirteen cycles, they underwent a series of tests to help align them with a job or role within the kingdom. It was tradition and ensured that each siren had a place in society. A way to contribute.

After testing, young sirens were given two or three options for their role in Staria from which they could choose. Celeste, however, was not tested. Royal children within the House of Neris did not have the option to become such things as a teacher, a storyteller, or a craftsiren. At birth, Celeste’s future was decided for her: to be a figurehead and perform royal duties. A role that didn’t suit her at all. Celeste always talked too much during social appearances, making speeches that were entirely too long or went off topic. But when she didn’t speak, she found it difficult to sit still. To focus on what was happening. So many times the queen suggested she stay at the palace. Focus on her studies.

“A princess’s first priority is to her people,” Queen Halia had told Celeste on her thirteenth birthday, when she’d cried and begged to be given a test like Maeve. “Our role is to protect the kingdom.”

Which had given her an idea. For it was true, her family had a long tradition of fighting to protect their people. Why, even Queen Isla herself was known for her strength. So when Celeste asked if she could join the Chorus, to fight for her people as Queen Isla had, her parents agreed. Having a member of the royal family join the military had happened before, and having one in the most esteemed division looked good. For the Chorus protected the kingdom from humans. They were heroes. And it didn’t hurt that her best friend, Maeve, had planned to join as well.

They’d done everything else together, after all.

* * *

After finishing the final test, Captain Io dismissed the ragged initiates. Maeve and Celeste fell into rhythm, swimming together toward the atrium. A nagging feeling tugged at Celeste’s heart. She felt guilty lying to her friend about why she’d been late. She wished more than anything to tell Maeve about the ship she had seen. The human prince. Their music. Celeste didn’t have many friends. It was only ever her, Maeve, and Sephone. Halia preferred to keep her daughter’s group small. But now with Sephone gone, Maeve was the only one Celeste could talk to, the only one she might tell.

And it had been a while since the two had time together. Maeve was busy with her new girlfriend, and Celeste—well, she was practicing. Or with her family. Or sneaking out to get some air. She missed the times when the two had been inseparable. When they would stay up late together trying to catch seahorses with their hands or swapping stories of the human world they had overheard.

But now they were soldiers.

Celeste looked at her friend, lips pressed closed. What would Maeve say if she told her about the prince? Would she be curious? Angry? Did she ever have doubts about the humans too? Time was running out to ask.

“Care to float around a bit?” Celeste said, bumping her shoulder into her friend.

Maeve’s face fell. “I have plans with Serafina.”

Serafina. That was her name. Not an L name, then . Serafina, the weaponsmith’s apprentice. They must have been seeing each other for quite some time now.

“Oh! Oh, of course,” Celeste said, then added in a singsong tone, “ sounds serious .”

Maeve whacked Celeste on the shoulder. “Don’t say it like that!”

“Are you in loooove ?” Celeste teased, batting her eyelashes. But instead of laughing, Maeve froze. As she averted her eyes, bright blue rings appeared all over the cecaelia’s body. Celeste let out a gasp. “Wait—are you?”

“I—let’s talk later, all right? Maybe tomorrow! After the mission,” Maeve stammered as they continued out of the building, catching sight of Serafina.

“All right,” Celeste said, shoulders sagging a little.

She watched as the two of them swam off, Maeve sharing the news of their new mission. Celeste’s heart squeezed a little in her chest at the sight. If Maeve was in love, why hadn’t she told her? Celeste hadn’t expected that anything serious was going on. Maeve was always dating someone, after all. She flitted between love interests so regularly it was hard for Celeste to keep track. Celeste never thought Maeve would be the one to settle down. Many sirens never partnered. But this—she’d never seen Maeve react that way before.

Celeste wasn’t a stranger to romance. She was merely a stranger to it being reciprocated. When she was seven, her first love was a siren boy whose family worked in the palace. She saw him almost every day and fell madly in love with him. It took her three cycles to confess her feelings. But when she did, he admitted he loved her older sister, Sephone. The little blowfish then proceeded to tell the tale to every siren their age, boasting about how he turned her down. Celeste had cried herself to sleep for a week.

None of her other dalliances had fared much better, and now, at the age of seventeen, Celeste had all but resigned herself to a partnerless life. Not that seventeen was all that old for a siren. In many ways, she was still a child, given how long sirens lived. Although they aged similarly to humans, their magic made their life cycles nearly twice a human’s. Once I’m a full member, I’m sure I’ll have time to make plenty of other friends in the Chorus , she told herself, the pang of loneliness creeping under her skin. I will have no time to worry about romance.

Along the journey home, Celeste’s mind turned over all that she had seen. The humans had been nothing like she’d imagined. They laughed. Took care of animals. Made jokes. They even had music like sirens. Were they hiding their murderous tendencies? Was there something she hadn’t seen? Everything she’d wanted was falling into place. But it all felt wrong. As childish as it sounded, Celeste had always pictured being a member of the Chorus like a heroic ballad. Epic battles against bloodthirsty monsters with nothing but her Song and spear. Protecting the innocent and punishing the evil. But evil didn’t look the way she had imagined.

She couldn’t recall any mention of Raiden before. Only his father, King Leonidas. And Celeste knew that a parent’s decisions often had little to do with their children. Still, if the Chorus decided to take these measures, then he must be a threat. And hadn’t she known firsthand what horrors humans could do? In the past fourteen cycles, since King Leonidas had become a threat, a few sirens had been captured. Killed. It wasn’t common, but that was because of the Chorus. Missions like the one tonight kept them safe.

But weren’t they passing judgment before any wrong was committed? What if the Chorus killed innocents too? Were there any innocent humans?

Celeste’s stomach turned as she sped toward home. These thoughts felt like treason. And what did this say about her? She had trained so hard to be a member, and on the first mission she got cold fins? Yet somehow she couldn’t erase the vision of the prince. His dark hair and smile as he kicked up his feet and danced. The tenderness he showed to that small animal.

Nerves. That’s all it was. I’ll feel differently tonight , she assured herself as she swam into the halls of the palace. Training and lack of sleep had made her tired. A good nap would help restore her jumbled thoughts. Celeste passed the familiar tapestry of the Goddess’s daughters. Queen Isla the Protector, first of House Neris and founder of Staria, floated at the center. Around her, her three sisters gathered. Queen Suna the Wise, who founded the Kingdom of Ayakashi, stared straight at the viewer, wearing nothing but a large pearl necklace. Queen Klara the Strong, of Skalvaske, wore a crown of stars. And seated along the sand floor was the fourth daughter, Lyra the Beautiful. In her hands, Lyra held the Goddess’s legendary three-pronged trident.

Celeste was still gazing at the intricate plant-woven tapestry when her shoulder collided with another.

“Apologies,” Celeste said, righting herself in the water before recognizing her eldest sister, Shye, before her. “Good tides!” she added, rubbing the back of her neck.

Shye, the perfect image of their mother, wore an annoyed expression. The red hair of House Neris was cropped short on her head, hanging into piercing silver eyes. “Good tides, Celeste,” she said simply, tucking her harp beneath her arm before continuing in the opposite direction. It wasn’t a surprising reaction from Shye. The sisters were fifteen cycles apart. Although they grew up together in the castle, there had always been a great divide.

“Coming from lessons?” Celeste asked, following. “Where are you headed?” She was rather thankful for the distraction. It was rare to see Shye in the halls, given she was almost always with Halia, studying to become the next great queen of Staria.

“Yes. And I am on my way to Mother’s quarters,” Shye answered, then glanced sideways at her sister. “I presume you have heard about the Chorus’s mission this evening.”

“I have,” Celeste responded, lifting her chin. “In fact, my class is going as well.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Shye’s face for a moment, before it fell back into her mask of calm. “You know, Celeste,” she said, as if she were picking each word carefully, “you must listen to whatever the senior members tell you. This is a very serious and important mission.”

Celeste stiffened. It was the same advice Echo had given her. “Of course, Shye. I have been training for this for the last four cycles. I know what to do.”

Shye sighed. “I know you have, little star. I’m giving you some sisterly advice.”

Face burning, Celeste crossed her arms over her chest. However well-intentioned, the comment stung. Why does everyone keep telling me that? She was seventeen! But no matter how hard she trained and worked, she still somehow couldn’t escape being a silly little girl in their eyes. I’m probably just being sensitive , she told herself, pushing away her feelings.

“I understand,” she replied instead.

Shye gave her sister a smile and then continued on her way, leaving Celeste floating listlessly behind. For most of her life, Celeste had enjoyed being the youngest daughter. There was very little responsibility, and her parents gave her everything she ever wanted, so long as she stayed in line. But somewhere along the way, Celeste had begun to realize that no one expected anything from her. Which also meant no one trusted her with anything.

She turned back toward her rooms, attempting to calm herself and failing. Whenever she felt like this, the only thing that always soothed her was going to the surface. But since that was out of the question at present, Celeste decided the next best thing would be finding some peace among her collection of treasures.