Page 366 of Kingdoms of Night

I sucked in a deep breath.

He raced to stop me, but there was no stopping what I’d activated.

It wasn’t a Siren’s Call. It wasn’t a scream.

It was something my mother taught me and my sister—something forbidden and only known to those with ancient lines to the original siren.

It was the Siren’s Curse.

I’d never done it before, and hoped I’d never have to do it after this.

But, as I released the air I’d collected in my lungs, it didn’t rage our like a storm like the Siren’s Call. It floated out like a gentle breeze, and with it, I chanted the incantation, and lifted my hands in the form of a triangle right before my heart center. My glowing palms faced outward toward the pirate who seemed to race toward me in a tenth of the speed.

He was defenseless, having used his potion against his bitter rival.

But, I felt no remorse.

I had no mercy for him.

He’d killed my sisters. There would be no forgiveness.

In wonder, I watched the curse take effect. He stopped dead in his tracks as the glowing mist wafted through the air and bathed him in green light. Runes and ancient symbols now burned into his skin.

He went stiff, and looked toward the moon and stars. Slack-jawed, the light in his eyes faded. Then, he spun on his heels, and turned to walk the other way.

He stepped over Elian’s body, and stalked into the dark. He would keep walking until he reached his ship, and he would sail away never to return.

And, if we ever crossed paths again, he would feel a pain unlike any other.

I could barely breathe.

My body was tense while I waited for him to walk out of view. Once he was gone, I raced to Elian.

Falling to my knees—I worked quickly—moving my hair behind my shoulders. I rubbed my hands together, heating them up. Then, I drew symbols on my hand, and one above Elian’s head.

My memory served me well, for we’d practiced several times throughout my childhood and teen years.

Thank you for these gifts, Mama.

I closed my eyes until I felt the energy build. I spoke the rites; come to me now, come to me now, ancestors come to me now.

I beseeched my ancestors for assistance, and—to my surprise—they came.

Glowing female mermaid apparitions now joined me around Elian’s body. I gasped, and nearly choked on tears at seeing my mother and grandmother amongst them.

Draped in the ceremonial pearls and crystals they’d been sent to the spirit realm in, the knelt around Elian, their tails shimmering with iridescent scales.

I wanted to reach for them and hug them, but their attention was focused on Elian.

My shoulders slumped.

I had to remember; this wasn’t a reunion.

They’d come for one purpose.

I trembled, but returned to my focus on the task at hand.

Together—with my ancestors—we created a powerful protective circle. Our powers combined, and we worked to heal the pirate captain, and reverse the curse Blackthorn had cast upon him.

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