by Tara West
Grandmother frowned. “Nathaniel has placed a memory spell on her.” She spoke about Serah as if she wasn’t right in front of her.
A memory spell? Messing with a witch’s memory was forbidden. Any witch caught using it was sent to prison for life. Grandfather wouldn’t have done that to her.
“He’s not here to enforce it.” Mother gazed at the vast sea, an endless blackness that reminded Serah of her personal hell.
“Something is anchoring the false memory to her,” Grandmother hissed. “Remove her earrings.”
“No,” she screamed, but the other sirens pinned her arms. “He gave me these,” she cried as they were slipped from her ears. She let out a wail when her mother tossed them in the water. She heard the plop of each earring as it landed and then sank.
“I must get them!”
“Hold her!” Grandmother said. “She’ll calm down when the spell wears off, and she remembers.”
“Seraphina, my darling girl.” Mother cupped her face in her hands. “Wake up from your spell. Please come back to me.”
Panting like a wounded animal, she stared into her mother’s eyes as tears cascaded down her face. Why was Mother crying? She loathed Serah, didn’t she? But memories started to come back, like pieces of a distant dream. Grandfather had invited her for a swim and then trapped her in a net. She’d been dragged into a boat by mean faces. Miss Pratt had been one of her captors, calling Serah a hideous whore with a tail. A man had helped Miss Pratt haul her in. She thought hard, trying to remember out who it was.
But, no, how could that be? Prometheus Periwinkle? His hands had roved over her breasts when he tied her up, then he’d pinned her to the ground with his wand, immobilizing her while she tried to scream in terror. Grandfather had returned, dripping salt water on the deck and sneering at her, casting a shadow over her while she squinted against the glaring sun. She’d pleaded with him for help, but he’d forced those earrings into her ears, making holes where there were none. The memory of the pain shocked her back to reality.
“Oh, Mother!” she cried, throwing her arms around her neck. “He kidnapped me!”
Mother held her tight, kissing her forehead. “He asked to take you from us, but when we refused, he stole you.”
She felt her earlobes, the memory of the pain from the forced piercing making bile rise at the back of her throat. “He said I was never to take them off, that they were worth one million merlins and the rarest jewels in the world.” But that had been a ruse to make sure she kept them on and remained under his spell. The thought of how badly she’d been used made her sick to her stomach.
“You are far more rare a jewel than those earrings.” Grandmother, stroked her hair. “We’ve mourned every day since he took you from us.”
The pain in Grandmother’s eyes made her ache with guilt.
She pressed her forehead against Grandmother’s. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry.” She brushed her lips across Serah’s forehead. “It is I who should be sorry. I knew that wizard wasn’t to be trusted. I would regret taking him as a lover, except then I wouldn’t have your mother and you.”
“All of that is behind us now.” Mother pulled them both into a hug. “Our Seraphina has returned to us, and that’s all that matters.”
“Who sent you here?” Grandmother asked, the fine lines running across her brow deepening with concern. “Why were you bound?” She frowned at Serah’s blood-crusted shoulders. “And why are you injured?”
Serah repressed a curse when she remembered Katherine’s twisted features. She‘d thought she was sending Serah to her doom. Ha! She only hoped her mates didn’t think she’d deliberately run off. “A jealous bitch who’s trying to separate me from my mates.”
Mother was surprised. “You have mates?”
“I did.” Her shoulders fell. “Three dragon shifters. They saved me after someone burned down our school, and my fairy godmother tried to kill me.” She decided to leave out the forced marriage. “It’s a very long story,” she said, wishing their last encounter hadn’t been so unpleasant. They probably did think she’d escaped and she was positive that’s exactly what Katherine was telling them. What would happen if Grandfather showed up, demanding her release? As much as Serah would have liked to enjoy a reunion with her family, she couldn’t stay.
Her mom hooked an arm through hers. “Let’s go home, and you can tell us everything, my darling.”
Serah remembered the way home was through a maze of underwater tunnels that took them to their private lagoon.
She closed her eyes and embraced the change, but she couldn’t summon Thelix. “I can’t shift. That bitch put me under a spell.”
Grandmother shook her head. “You’ve been bewitched again?” She ran her webbed fingers over Serah’s body. Grandmother laughed softly. “This one is easy.” She pulled the tau stone off her neck and pocketed it.
It’s about fucking time! Thelix bellowed.
“Well?” Grandmother asked with a smirk. “Did it work?”
“Yes, unfortunately,” Serah chuckled. “Thank you, Grandmother.”
She changed with fluid grace, so pleased that she didn’t have to look like a fool in front of her family. She’d missed them, yet she’d no idea until a few moments ago how much. She had to return to her dragons soon. There was no telling the desperate lengths Grandfather would go to in order to wage war, and Serah had to make sure she was there to stop him.
SITTING AT THE BASE of Grandmother’s watery throne, Serah drank the sweet juice from a palma pod and laughed with her and Mother. Her injuries felt much better after Grandmother had rubbed ointment on her. They were in their private cove, accessible only by swimming under the island through a maze of tunnels or by flying over the jagged rocks that protected them from winter’s rough waves. It wasn’t accessible from the beach, for the foliage was too thick to traverse. Tall palma and many other fruit trees and flowers flourished here, making it look like the images of paradise in the elven fourth realm. Grandmother’s throne was placed between two waterfalls. It was a carefully constructed succession of stone slabs half submerged in the water. Below the throne was a large slab, where Serah and her close friends and family sat, languidly splashing the blue-green water with their tails.
She enjoyed the soothing sounds of Acacia’s harp while relaxing in Mother’s arms. Warmth flooded her cheeks when Acacia kept giving her sly looks as she plucked the harp strings with dexterity.
A little tryst won’t hurt, Thelix begged.
Be quiet, she scolded. I’m not cheating on my mates.
Serah’s loyalty to the dragon princes surprised her, especially after Draque had tried to force her to submit to their betrothal, but she was smitten over them and couldn’t help it.
But Acacia has such delectable breasts, Thelix pointed out. Creamy and heavy, like two ripe palma pods.
Serah admired Acacia’s perfectly round breasts but wasn’t tempted.
Redheaded Acacia had been one of Serah’s two lovers and the primary reason she’d refused Grandfather when he’d asked her to return with him to the third realm. He’d promised her riches and jewels, but she’d found heaven in Acacia’s arms. Funny how when she closed her eyes, it wasn’t Acacia’s sweet smile she pictured, but Ladon’s. The dragon prince had stolen her heart, and she’d forever pine for him if she remained in Siren’s Cove. Loathe though she was to admit it, she’d long for Teju and even Draque, too. Her gut twisted at the thought of not being able to stay long with her family; she didn’t want to break their hearts all over again.
Mother stroked her cheek. “Tell us about the world of witches.”
She rested her head against her mother’s shoulder, feeling more at home than she’d ever felt with her deceptive grandfather. “It was far different,” she said, looking around at her friends and family. Some were laughing and splashing each other, others were brushing each other’s hair with coral shell combs. A trio had transformed into humans and were making love on th
e shore. “They place great value in material things, especially their wands,” she said, feeling a blush creep into her cheeks as she looked away from the lovers. She remembered making love on that very spot with Acacia and Violante.
“Your grandfather thought his wealth would impress me,” Grandmother said. “But we sirens don’t care much for material things.”
No, they didn’t. And to think her grandfather had brainwashed her into believing that expensive shoes and jewelry mattered. Holding tightly to Mother’s hand, she knew what mattered.
“Tell us about your mates,” her mother said.
She smiled when she thought of Ladon holding her and stroking her back. “They are dragon princes.”
Grandmother arched a brow. “Sons of the Kings Firesbreath?”
She swallowed back a knot of apprehension at the concerned look in her grandmother’s eyes. “Yes.”
But Grandmother nodded. “A wise and noble family.”
She heaved a sigh of relief. Her approval meant so much, especially as it wasn’t typically the siren’s way to mate with males—unless a siren wanted to conceive, and even then the bond was temporary. “Grandfather wishes to wage war on them.”
Her mother gasped. “Whatever for?”
“He’s hated them since their grandmother spurned him for the late dragon kings.”
“Ah, yes, I remember,” Grandmother said wryly. “He sought solace in my arms. It obviously wasn’t enough.”
“Obviously,” Mother answered with an eyeroll.
“The dragon queen was a powerful witch,” Grandmother added. “There’s a rumor that she not only broke his heart but cursed him, too.”
I hope she shrunk his balls, Thelix hissed. Periwinkle-style.
Serah sat up, jaw dropping. This was the first she’d heard of her mates’ grandmother cursing Grandfather. Had she put a curse on his heart? Was that why he was so cruel? Serah hoped it was so. It made the heartbreak of him abducting and trying to murder her more bearable. “Did she?”
“I believe so.” Grandmother grimaced. “He’d only allow me to see him during the day. He sought solace in his guest quarters each night.”
Serah remembered Grandfather’s sour moods the few times she’d dined with him at supper. He’d retire after eating only a small portion of his meal and didn’t reappear until breakfast. “He was the same way with me.” She worried her bottom lip. “What kind of curse would keep him hidden away each night?”
“There’s no telling.” Grandmother tossed her long silver braid over her shoulder. “Perhaps he shifts into a hideous creature. All I know is that he can fly, for he appeared on our island one morning, no ship in sight and no broom.”
That didn’t make sense. “But he hates shifters.” Because he’s got small-ball-itis, Thelix teased.
“Ironic, isn’t it?” Grandmother laughed. “He’s an enigma. I could never figure him out during the short time he stayed with us.” She paused, tapping her chin. “He showed no interest when I sent him word of your mother’s birth. He didn’t bother calling until he’d learned of your birth.” She shot Serah a pointed look.
“Why me, Grandmother?”
Her tail changed into legs, and she stood, holding a hand down to Serah. “Come, child. We’ll discuss this privately.” She flashed a smile that appeared forced as she waved to the other sirens in the cove.
Taking Serah’s hand, she led her to her private chamber accompanied by Mother. As she studied her mother’s toned legs and smooth back, she thought it strange that her siren family refused to wear clothes, yet witches covered themselves as if they were ashamed of their flesh.
They reached an underground cavern with a deep pool illuminated by flickering sconces. Mother and Grandmother waded into the pool, shifting into sirens once more, reminding Serah that most sirens couldn’t stay out of water long or their human skin became scaly and brittle. She joined them, treading water in the deep part while they sat on a narrow shelf, their shimmering tails curled up beside them.
“You’re special,” Grandmother said. “Able to survive out of water for long periods of time and walk among the witches as if you are one of them.”
“But I am one of them. Grandfather and father are witches, right?” Mother had told her that she’d been conceived during a witch orgy, and she’d no idea who her father was. For the most part, it hadn’t bothered her, as most of her friends didn’t have relationships with their fathers.
“You are part witch from your grandfather’s blood,” her mother answered solemnly, “but your father was fae.”
Fae, huh? Thelix’s laughter rang in her ears. That explains why you’re so uptight.
“Fae?” A shiver stole up her spine. She shot her mother an accusatory glare. “You told me he was a witch.”
“I know.” Her mother frowned. “I’m sorry. We kept that secret from you for your own protection.”
She didn’t understand why she wouldn’t be safe. She swam over and sat between them on the shelf. After shifting, she pulled her human legs to her chest. “Why?”
“It’s complicated,” Grandmother answered, “but our siren goddess Maiadra was part fae, as you know.”
Mother cupped her chin, a wistfulness in her eyes. “And her mates were dragon princes.”
Pulling away, she tried to make sense of what they were telling her. “But the fae haven’t left their realm in centuries.”
“They haven’t.” Her mother bit her lower lip, twirling a long lock of auburn hair around her finger. “But your father was no ordinary fae.”
Serah was momentarily shocked into silence when she realized her mother still had tender feelings for her father. It made her sad that their relationship hadn’t lasted longer. “So I’m fae, siren, and witch?”
“You are.” Grandmother’s face hardened. “We believe you are the second coming of Maiadra.”
Her throat tightened. “What?”
Thelix sighed. I’m not calling you goddess.
Her grandmother stood on human legs and held down a hand. “Let us show you.”
They took her down a narrow hall, at the back of Grandmother’s chamber, to the prayer room. Serah remembered praying there many times with her family to a shrine of the goddess, a beautiful mermaid carved in bronze. She studied the goddess’s face and for the first time realized they had the same facial features. Behind the statue was a tapestry of a blue-green mermaid tail entwined with three golden barbed dragon tails.
Grandmother moved the tapestry aside, revealing a small wooden chest tucked in a niche in the wall. She set the chest on a table beside the tapestry and opened it, hinges squeaking. A faded scroll was revealed.
“What is this?” she asked as she unrolled it and flattened it on the table.
“Maiadra and her mates.” Grandmother pointed to the faded image on the scroll. “This was painted over two thousand years ago.”
Though the colors had faded, she recognized the people in the painting. The woman nestled in her three mates’ arms looked just like Serah, and the men had to have been triplets of her dragon lovers. One of the young men, who looked at Maiadra as if she had stars in her eyes, had Ladon’s smile. Another had Draque’s dark eyes and flaring nostrils as he clutched her shoulder in a protective gesture. The third man had a wise look about him and held what appeared to be a primitive wand. It was as if Serah and her mates had traveled back through time to pose for this painting.
“She looks like you, doesn’t she?” Grandmother asked.
“Exactly.” Serah traced the smile of the one who reminded her of Ladon, wishing he was holding her. “They look like my mates.”
“The very first dragon shifters,” Mother said.
Her heart stilled. “So we are them reincarnated?”
Grandmother’s smile thinned. “We believe so.”
You’ve seen images of the goddess before. I’m surprised you didn’t notice the similarities, Thelix scolded.
I was young then. Maybe I noticed similarities, bu
t not as strong as now.
“Maiadra was a wise and noble queen, and her mates were strong, fair kings,” Mother said wistfully. “During their reign we needed only one realm.”
“What happened?” Serah asked.
Grandmother frowned. “A war hundreds of years ago, so violent and bloody that the unbreakable curse was banned, and our world was forced to separate into realms to keep the peace.”
“The humans were sent to one realm,” her mother said, “their minds erased of all memories of magic. The remaining realms were enchanted to prevent humans from seeing us. The sea folk dominated the second realm. The witches and shifters took the third realm, and the fae took the fourth.”
Serah hugged herself tight as a chill snaked up her spine. “But most shifters broke from the witches and created a fifth realm.”
Grandmother’s eyes darkened. “Though the witches refuse to acknowledge it.”
“How do we get them to do so?” Serah asked, for she now understood the need for the fifth realm. Shifters and witches were too mistrusting of each other. Separating seemed the only way to keep the peace.
Grandmother slumped on a bench carved into the wall. “I’m not sure more realms is the answer. What we need is a powerful witch to bring back peace.”
Serah’s heart stuttered, and she eyed them. “And you think I’m that witch?”
Mother beamed. “I know you are. Maiadra stopped a great war with her siren tongue. She brought peace to our world for centuries.”
Serah’s heart sank. How could they think her the second coming of Maiadra? She barely knew any spells, and she couldn’t even command her mates to untie her bonds. “My siren tongue is weak.”
“What are you talking about?” Mother looked at her in disbelief. “Your siren tongue is more powerful than any I’ve ever heard.”
Memories washed over her, like the time she’d lured a ship of sailors to their shore all by herself. They’d eagerly jumped in the water, mating with sirens on the rocks and along the white, sandy beach. She hadn’t been interested in men then, as she had only recently begun exploring her body with two siren lovers, but still her voice was powerful enough to draw a ship to shore. It usually took several sirens to accomplish such a feat.