Page 70 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

“Gross, Grayden,” Selenia teased, and he gave her a grin, reminiscent of the old times and the teasing they had shared.

Triston, Esmeralda, and Julietta moved as far back from the center of the ship as they could, allowing the dragons to land. Only Selenia, Grayden and Renya weren't instantly alarmed by their presence.

Brutus landed first, and Selenia watched with grotesque fascination as the dragon tapped its long talons on the deck, as if trying to get the measure of the boat. Cressida remained on Brutus, but Cyrus slid off and moved quickly to his daughter.

“Sunshine,” he exclaimed, as if they had been parted for years instead of days. “How are you?” He looked at Renya's face carefully, as if looking to make sure she was happy and safe. Selenia felt a pang of jealousy for a split second, envious that Renya had a parental figure. “You've been ill.”

Renya laughed. “It's just the baby, father. I'm fine. We—both are.”

A wave of relief came over Cyrus's face as he embraced her.

Beauty landed next to Brutus, more graceful than the larger dragon. The juvenile dragon was smaller than the others, even though she was full grown. Renya hypothesized that it was all the flying she did around the Snow Lands, and that she was healthier because of the room to roam.

Renya’s aunt also embraced her niece, looking at her carefully, as if she expected something to be amiss. “I’m glad to see you, Sunshine.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Auntie,” Renya said, and then she gave a pointed glance at an unusually silent Cressida. “What are we going to do about her?”

Cyrus jumped in. “She’s magically tethered to the dragon. She can’t get off of him. I’ve also…bound her speech as well. She can’t speak unless directly spoken to.”

At this, Selenia glanced at the fallen Shadow Queen, and she could see the hot anger and miserable anguish as she tried to communicate with them. Selenia took several seconds to memorize the look so she could share it later with Sion. It was good to see her uncomfortable for a change.

Cyrus continued. “She’s going to follow us on the dragon. She can touchdown for small amounts of time, but she won’t be a problem.”

“Thank you, Cyrus,” Selenia said, acknowledging how this development would ease Sion’s journey. “It’s appreciated.”

Before he could respond, a loud snort drew their attention. Beauty was nudging at Renya, trying desperately to get her attention.

“Honestly, Beauty!” Renya chided. “You’re like a gigantic dog.”

Selenia wasn’t sure what exactly a dog was, but it had to be an affectionate animal, she thought, watching the dragon nearly knock Renya over in pursuit of pets.

“Beauty! That’s enough!” Grayden’s voice was firm and commanding, and Beauty looked at him with bored eyes before she sat. Selenia knew from the look on her brother’s face that he was concerned about Renya and the baby.

Selenia decided on the spot that she wasn’t ready to become a mother. She wanted to experience things, see more of their world and explore before she was treated like breakable glass.

Brutus suddenly took to the sky, circling overhead.

“That’s our signal to raise the anchor,” Triston said, his eyes fixed on the sun. “It would be best to be past the Siren’s Sea before it gets too dark.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Triston kept his gaze on the ocean, eyes constantly darting. The Siren's Sea was a dangerous place, and he knew that most sailors avoided it if they could. But it was the only passage through the islands that was big enough and deep enough for their ship.

He watched Julietta, too. It took everything inside of him to allow her to remain on deck with him. He wanted her locked in a cabin below, safe and secure. But he knew she would fight him on it, and he selfishly needed the sweet comfort she provided him.

Every step of this sea voyage was taxing for him, both physically and emotionally. He really should have brought trained sailors aboard, but he just couldn't bargain with their lives. He felt like he had to right the wrong that his parents did, bringing an entire company of men who all met their end.

The sun seemed to be disappearing rather quickly, and Triston wondered if perhaps this was a feature of the Siren's Sea. All the tales he heard about it, from giant squids to mysterious phantoms, took place at night. But as the sun lowered more and more rapidly, he decided that the entire sea must be dark.

“Grayden,” he mumbled out of the corner of his mouth. “I think—I sense that this could be dangerous. I feel as though we're sailing into some kind of trap. Perhaps we should send the women below?”

Before Grayden could respond, a shrill call wove through the air. The sound was high-pitched and ethereal, yet hauntingly beautiful. It seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality, sending chills down Triston's spine.

“What's that?” Phillippe shouted, running to the far side of the ship to the source of the noise. His boots thudded against the wooden deck as he sprinted.

“Renya, Selenia! Below deck now!” Grayden thundered, his voice booming across the ship.

“Same for you, Julietta! Esmeralda, go!” Triston frantically searched the deck for his sister, and saw her fearful look. He instantly regretted bringing them both.

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