My sister held her glass high as she sat on a landlocked, white coral throne and crossed her legs. “To my brother, my most challenging and worthy opponent over the years. I have truly enjoyed our battle. And though you’ve been missed at the ivory castle, I am pleased with your growth as a warrior. Killing you will be the highlight of my rule.”

She dipped her head toward me. In her mind, she’d offered the highest of compliments. Death by her hands was a special moment. Twisted as it was, she’d just showed me genuine affection. “Drink,” she growled.

I held my breath and took a gulp. The warm liquid soothed my throat as it slithered down. The honey tart taste lingered on my tongue. I waited with a clenched gut, anticipating ruin to my insides. When nothing happened, I turned to Lou. “It’s safe.”

“Of course, it’s safe.” Lorelei said, taking another sip. She rolled her sparkling eyes.

She lifted her cup toward Lou. “To my brother’s human lover, the pleasure you’ve brought me today has been most surprising. I had truly believed you would die by General Mersia, and then by Succo and her warriors. Thank you for adding a bit of fresh air to this damp, daily monotony. Killing you will be the perfect gift from my brother to me.” Lorelei tipped her glass in silent cheers to Lou.

My temperature rose at the threat, and I released the steam by curling and uncurling my fists. Lou should never have come. This battle was mine alone, and now, I’d be held down to watch her try and fell the sea’s deadliest being.

“Drink,” Lorelei growled when Lou hesitated, distracted by watching me.

“Are you okay?” she whispered.

I leaned over. My lips brushed Lou’s ear. “Yes. Just drink. I promise you’ll be all right. It’s not dangerous.” The Siren Queen’s temper, however, would be if Lou disrespected her, and right now, I still hadn’t conjured a way out of all this. I needed time, and an outburst from my temperamental sister would cut it in half.

Lou stared into her cup and then took a sip. I waited to make sure she felt fine. Her fingers came to her mouth, and she coughed. Her chest vibrated.

I rubbed her back. “What’s wrong?” With another cough, she spat something small and white onto her palm. “What is that?” I peered over her shoulder. Even Lorelei tilted forward in her seat.

Lou held the tiny, stone-like object between her thumb and pointer finger. “I think it’s a tooth.”

Lorelei leaned back and laughed. “Yes, sometimes the teeth make their way past the pressing process, but don’t worry, they can’t hurt you.”

Lou’s face burned. “Lovely.”