The ship rocked like the center knot of a tug of war rope, wrested back and forth by the sirens’ tearing at The Freedom’s hull from either side. I wobbled an uneven path to my uncle, grabbing hold of masts, barrels, rails, and sail ropes to keep me upright. The swaying amulet’s chain rubbed the back of my neck.

“It’s now or never, nephew,” Smitter said, slapping a hand onto my shoulder. Before I could say anything, he drew me into a tight embrace. As he released me, his eyes drifted to my talisman before reconnecting with mine. “You be careful.”

“I will,” I said in a soft voice.

Smitter turned back to his position at the helm, fighting to steady The Freedom. The rest was up to me.

I slipped out of my boots, then my tunic, tossing it onto the deck like an old sail. Clutching my amulet, I whispered a silent prayer to Zeus. The cold glass pressed into my palm, and the magic inside thrummed against my skin.

She’s singing to me.

My mother’s song found me, there in my fear.

I pinched my eyes closed, her face coming into perfect view. Her hand pressed against my chest and the amulet let out a bright light. Save us all, my darling.

My eyes snapped open with renewed strength. I climbed onto the starboard rail and peered down into the frothing waves. With one gulped breath, I leapt. My skin chilled as my pin-straight body pierced the sea, hardly disturbing the foam. The cold bit into my flesh, raising goosepimples along my limbs. An infinite, navy abyss stretched in every direction. I floated toward the surface, kicking wildly to fight the turbulent current and warm myself against the chill. There was something in the familiarity of the raging sea that calmed me. It reminded me of home, the water around the island I grew up on.

The sun heated my cheeks as I sucked in air, filling my chest. I needed a moment to gather sufficient breath for the lengthy swim under the helm. I’d release my weapon there, for maximum reach. My lungs contracted, expelling all stale air, and expanding to create a familiar pressure between my ribs. I dragged in until I held a heavy cask of air, then dove through the dark waters.

I smiled, looking around me to the siren filled scene. My whole childhood I swam with my sister’s clans never fearing their bloodlust and today would be no different. My ears popped as I carved deeper through the ocean. I blinked through the salt sting until my seafaring eyes adjusted and the siren pupils inherited from my mother lowered their clear lens.