Siren Descending

by Katherine Smits

  For comfort, Athenia sought the shelter of Thorne’s arms. Stars blazed overhead, and the fresh night air cooled her skin. “We almost lost everything, but here we are.”

  He nuzzled her neck. “Yes, love. We made it.”

  She shivered from the sensation of his lips skimming over her skin. “I’ll never get tired of you kissing me, but I feel guilty being happy when Deme’s so sad.”

  Thorne turned her around and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

  As they stared out at the water, their breathing synched with each other and the soft murmur of the wavelets.

  He rested his chin on her head. “She’ll be okay. Remember, she has her own path, her own destiny to follow.”

  “I wish I could help her.”

  “Maybe you will.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Nothing, just a feeling.” He gave her a hug. “But let’s talk about us now.”

  Anxiety quivered through her. “What about?”

  He motioned toward the cabin. “After we’re married, do you want to find someplace nicer to live?”

  She shook her head. “Here is fine. As long as I’m with you, sharing your bed, I’ll be content.”

  He grinned. “Good.”

  “Why?”

  “I would find you a real house, if you wanted one, but the cabin is perfect for what comes next.”

  “Next?” Wariness zinged through her. What now?

  “Starting tomorrow, I’ll instruct you in all the elements. We’re moving on to water and fire, so we need somewhere for you to experiment where no one will get hurt if you make a mistake.”

  “Really?” She squealed with happiness.

  With a proud expression, he replied. “Absolutely. You’ve proved you can handle it.” His features sobered. “Athenia, you’re going to be an extraordinary mage. What you’ll be able to do is unprecedented. A Nerei witch with control of the forces of nature… The world has never seen your like. I can’t predict how powerful you will be, and I’m not sure the world is ready for you.”

  Understanding his caution, she squelched her enthusiasm. “This is an awesome responsibility. I swear I won’t use my power to harm anyone ever again.”

  He hugged her. “I trust you completely.”

  Athenia rested her head on his shoulder. “This is the happiest night of my life.”

  A wisp of energy shivered around her, and she raised her head, peering into the darkness.

  “What is it?” He tensed as he glanced from side to side.

  She said, “I thought I felt something for a second.”

  “What?”

  She hesitated. “Uh…”

  “You can tell me.” His soft voice held no hint of accusation.

  “I thought I felt Gelion.”

  Thorne set her behind him. “If he’s around here tonight of all nights, he’ll be sorry.”

  Outside the circle of light, bushes quaked, though no breeze stirred the air. She pointed. “There. I think something’s in the brush.”

  Thorne strode to the scrub and pulled it back.

  Gelion stood there with arms folded across his chest.

  Thorne gestured at him. “Begone, devil.”

  Gelion stepped out into the open. “Get over yourself, mage. I’m here for her.”

  As Athenia backed away a step, she poured forth a roar designed to deplete some of Gelion’s power. Not enough by itself, but Thorne and I might stop him together. She also gathered air as a defensive buffer around her.

  Gelion stalked toward her.

  Thorne ran in her direction, but Gelion was closer.

  Thorne can’t reach me in time. Athenia readied herself to try to fend off Gelion.

  With a shimmer of the air, a formidable white horse appeared between her and the devil. The demon Bathin rode the steed. He nodded to her. “Good to see you, mistress.” Then he pointed at Gelion. “Time for us to return to the underworld.”

  Gelion scowled. “I didn’t call you.”

  As Bathin reached down, he twisted Gelion’s collar, then he hauled the lord of the underworld up and sat him in front of him on his mount. “Whenever my queen needs me, I’ll come. No one has to summon me. I’m hers to command, and I’ll protect her from any threat.”

  Athenia smiled in confusion and relief. “Thank you, Bathin. I have the wine glasses whenever you want them.”

  Gelion struggled, twisting and turning and cursing.

  Bathin dropped the reins and smacked him on the head. “Stop, you’re going back where you belong.”

  Then he bowed in Athenia’s direction. “Next time, mistress. I’m a little busy now. I can’t hold him for long.” He touched his forehead, gathered his reins, and spurred his steed. In an instant, they vanished.

  Thorne leapt the last few steps and took her in his arms.

  She held on tight to him. “What was that all about?”

  He shook his head. “I’m not sure, but I think you indentured a servant for life.”

  She shuddered. “I only hope I never need his help again.”

  Thorne kissed her and stroked her hair. “Whatever happens, remember, you’re the toughest woman I know. You can do anything. You defeated the devil in a duel in his domain. He’ll never dare threaten you, again.”

  She shivered. “But he was here, he wanted something.”

  Thorne rubbed her arms. “He was seething from losing to you. He won’t be back, but if he tries anything in the future, you’ll be stronger next time.”

  She searched the tree line, looking for any signs of Gelion. “I hope you’re right.”

  “I’m always right.” He chuckled with his mouth against her ear, sending pleasurable shivers down her spine. “Besides, you achieved something more important.”

  “What?”

  “You found yourself, accepted yourself, and now you’re living fully within your own identity. Nothing is as amazing as that.”

  He took her hand and led her toward the cabin. “Come on. Let’s go back to our friends. This is our time. Let’s enjoy it to the fullest. Whatever happens in the future, I’ll be at your side. So will the mages.” He nodded toward the cabin. “And the Nerei of Deme’s clan. Not only that, but your personal demon will help you, too. You never need to worry about facing the world alone again.”