Page 56 of When the Wicked Sing (The Leruna Sea #1)

Mariana stared ahead at the looming foggy land of Sirenia on the horizon and thought about what would come after. After she brought Astra home. After the amulet was safe. After her sisters were safe.

King Stavros had pleaded with her to bring his son back with the amulet; he assured her that he only wanted peace between their people.

But how could she take the chance? Bringing back Helios would be a disaster.

Though she didn’t completely trust the Siren Witch, Mariana knew she would never hurt her.

If she killed Helios, then Mariana would essentially have aided in the witch’s death.

The witch had been there for her all her life.

Could she turn her back on her after everything?

Mariana pulled her hand up to fiddle with the tiny black shell dangling from her bracelet, the same charm the Siren Witch had given her right before she left Salus.

It had been a birthday gift. The witch was hardly affectionate, but when she wanted to, she had ways of showing she cared about her family.

No, Mariana couldn’t help the king .

When she returned to Salus with the amulet, she and her sisters would discuss their options with the council.

Together, they would come up with a plan to restore Sirenia without risking the witch’s life.

And Mariana would have a very long and hard conversation with her and Cybele.

They had kept too many secrets, and it was time to release them.

Mariana swallowed and dropped her hand again, praying that once she had the amulet in her hands, she could reverse the binding spell her mother had placed on her, and she would be free to swim again.

“What is that?” Aurora’s question was laced with fear, making Mariana’s heart stutter as she turned around. Her gaze trailed to where Aurora was staring behind the boat. Her stomach tightened.

“How?” she breathed in horror.

Kosta and Dax finally realized what was happening and saw what was on the horizon. A royal ship. Sailing with Aurelia’s colors, directly toward them. Toward Sirenia.

As quick as a whip, Kosta jerked Aurora close and held a knife against her throat. “This ends here,” he said darkly while glaring at Mariana.

Aurora started laughing, a deep cackle that raised the hair on Mariana’s arms. “I knew it. I knew one of you would find a way to lead that snake to us. We should’ve killed you,” she said, staring at Dax.

Mariana’s eyes shifted to him, seeing the look of rage on his face. “Dax wouldn’t do this.” She focused on Kosta, determination in his cold, hard gaze.

“You selfish, arrogant bastard,” Dax growled .

Mariana touched his arm. Dax turned to her, setting his hands on her cheeks. “You have to leave now,” he blurted. “Get off the ship. I’ll distract them so you can get away.”

Kosta shouted, “Surrender now! There’s no escaping—”

A flash of dark, silvery scales launched up from the sea, and teeth sank deep into Kosta’s neck.