I watched as Bernard leaned over the rail, one burly arm tangled in rope, the other reaching for something I couldn’t see. Another shipmate with ink slithering up his arms and cresting at his neck ran to his aid. White markings covered his forehead and cheeks, and a carved tusk of ivory pierced his nose—a healer, most likely from the Isle of Jacar. He hauled up coils of the rope, sweat dripping from his dark brow.

The crew quieted as all battle ceased. Half of the men formed a semi-circle, giving space to their captain. Rylander clapped his hands twice, giving the order. The men started to pull. A net of twisted wire and rope inched into view. The intense cries vibrated louder against my skull as the sirens emerged, dripping with salt water. The hellish sound curled my toes inside my boots. Two figures thrashed, their bright red hair tangled in the netting. Wicked claws, sharp like hooked daggers, slashed desperately at their woven cage. Seaweed covered their breasts, wrapping around their ribcages, and their plump lips peeled back to reveal fangs dripping with cerise ichor. Only their tails set them apart from one another. One had scales like the shining pearl of the moon, the other the bright green of emeralds.

“My gods,” Krinny breathed.

My gods indeed.

Chapter four

Lou

A bead of sweat stung my widened eyes, but I didn’t dare blink. The sirens were larger than I had imagined, possibly six-foot-tall from their fins to their ruby heads. When flexed, their claws extended longer than a harpy eagle’s. All the tales I’d heard in all the taverns of the world could not prepare me for such a breathtaking sight.

I searched for the same shock in The Sea Singer’s crew but found none. How were these sailors able to corral sirens? And how many times had they done this? I’d never heard of such a capture. Nor had I been aware they could be hauled from the ocean at all.

Rylander raised his arms, signing to his men. His hand balled into a fist, then flattened, twice. Ten men armed with bronze daggers fell in line with their weaponless captain, all keeping distance from the dangling net. Rylander stared into the sirens’ pale, glassy eyes and hummed an unfamiliar song. Fins flapped against the woven prison, shifting scales catching the sun. Gradually, their screams and violent flailing ceased.

My mouth dropped open in disbelief.

“How is this happening?” No one answered. No one could hear me.

Now, the only sound the sirens made were low snarls. I recalled how I’d felt when I first locked eyes with Rylander. Speechless. Helpless. I wondered if their throats felt clogged with stones, if they feared for their next breath.