At the far end sat a throne fashioned out of a paralyzed wave, framed from behind by a flowing crystal waterfall. A breathtakingly stunning woman sat in its curvature. Her garnet hair, an arterial color far darker than that of her kin, swirled around her shoulders and settled at her bare waist. Her corset of seaweed was that same almost-black red, its slick leaves curling up and around her neck. She flapped her enormous onyx fin, and its iridescent scales slapped the water’s edge, sending a fine spray over the opal floor. A white crown of coral adorned her head, polished until its ridges glistered. Her almond-shaped eyes were identical to Rylander’s crystal irises, and they shared the same high cheekbones as well.

The Siren Queen.

She pulled a devilish grin, letting her fangs grow past her lips. She licked poison droplets from her incisors in a display of power.

“Brother, aren’t you going to introduce us? I feel, as your older sister, I should meet the woman who’s captured your heart.” Her eyes dropped to our interlaced hands, and her cackle bubbled the surrounding waters. “Pathetic and frail as she may be.”

When Rylander didn’t speak, I glanced at him. His shoulders bunched, gaze trained elsewhere. I followed their trajectory, and my breath rattled. A woman who didn’t look a day older than Rylander lounged on a long plate of black stone, seven spear tips aimed at her torso and throat. Despite her youthful appearance, her matronage leapt out in the wave of her chestnut hair, the shape of her crystalline eyes, and her pouty lips held in an enraged purse identical to Rylander’s. Her beauty was undeniable.

She swung her legs over the seat’s edge and stood, her escort of spear-wielding guards following each movement. Her sparkling champagne gown dripped over one shoulder and pooled around her feet. A scandalous slit rode up to her waist on the right side, allowing more leg than even Artemis dared to slip through. “Don’t keep your sister waiting. I, too, would like to meet the woman who shot at you and….” She tapped her lower lip. “Stabbed you? Would that be correct?”

Lorelei released a guttural laugh. “She beat you up, Lander? Do tell.”

My head swung back around. Lander? Another nickname. My mind spiraled while Lorelei reveled in whatever humor she found in our presence. What was going on here? Rylander’s lips peeled into a sneer I had never seen before, one that chilled my blood.

“Yes. She’s done all that and then some. Mother,” he growled. His hand tightened on mine. “This is Elouise Farrington.” He looked at me for the first time. His jaw ticked, demeanor sizzling with fury. “This is my mother, Calliope, and my sister, Lorelei, the Siren Queen.”

“Come here, human. I want a closer look at you,” Lorelei beckoned, curling a taloned finger.