Blood of Sirens: Book 13 of The Witch Fairy Series by Bonnie Lamer Read Free Book Online Page B

misplaced.”  Kai shifts a little in his seat causing suspicion to build in my mind.  Did he mean what he said or is he worried?                                           
    Keeping the conversation on track, Kallen asks, “When were the Sirens released?”     
    “Two days ago,” Arie says.
    “Two days?  That wouldn’t be enough time to lure your husband into slavery,” I comment aloud.  Arie stiffens slightly and I get another round of chiding glances.  What?  I’m just being honest.  “Why didn’t they stick around in your realm to do what they promised?”
    Dagda glances at Tana before saying, “Because the Sirens have their own agenda for revenge.”                                              
    I groan.  “And it all comes back around to us.”
    Kallen reaches over and takes my hand in his, giving it a squeeze.  “This is no one’s fault.”
    My brow scrunches.  “I don’t know, the Merpeople captain seems pretty darn guilty.”
    Arie acknowledges my comment with a grimace.  “She is being dealt with harshly, I assure you.”  Considering the last Queen had attack octopi, I don’t even want to know what that means.          
    “What of your other guards?” Isla asks.  “Did they survive the Sirens’ release?”
    Sadness envelops Arie.  “Very few.  The more seasoned warriors were the only survivors.”  My hatred for the Sirens has just grown exponentially.  “Fortunately, the Sirens escaped our realm without causing more death and chaos.”
    “Only to come here seeking those results,” Dagda adds.  How come he doesn’t get chiding glances for his snarky comment?
    “Yes,” Arie admits.
    This conversation is not leading to answers.  “Okay, we know what happened.  What do we do now?” I ask.  “How did you trap the Sirens before?”        
    Arie is suddenly uncomfortable.  “We had the help of a small group of Sirens.”
    Okay, that doesn’t add up.  “Sirens helped you imprison them and their entire race?”  Is that doubt dripping from between my lips?  Why, I believe it is.
    “Not the entire race,” Kallen drawls.  Oh look, he needs a doubt drool rag, too.
    Arie shifts in her seat.  “No, not the entire race.”
    “There have been Sirens loose in the realms these past centuries?” Dagda growls.  Kai gives him a sharp look and moves to the edge of the couch, ready to defend his wife physically if necessary.  He has a good six inches and a hundred pounds of muscle on Dagda, but his magic isn’t as strong.  I wonder who would win.
    “Have you heard tales of Siren encounters?” Arie snaps. 
    Isla, as usual, is the voice of reason.  “No, we have not.  I assume the Sirens who helped you agreed to remain apart from others.”
    “Yes.”
    “Where have they lived?” Tana asks, speaking up for the first time.
    “In a remote area of our realm.  They have lived peacefully, never attempting to harm my people or any other.”  Arie squares her shoulders.  “They continue to do so.  Their whereabouts remain a secret.  The guards were not privy to this information to avoid the other Sirens seeking retribution if they were ever set free.”
    “At least some are safe,” I mumble.  Louder, I ask, “Would they help capture the other Sirens again?”
    Arie shakes her head.  “No.  They would not survive such a battle.  It was only the element of surprise which garnered success last time.”
    I nod in understanding.  “A fool me once scenario.”  Several puzzled expressions come my way.  I sigh.  “It’s an old saying in my realm.  Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.”
    Kallen smiles.  “Then yes, a fool me once scenario.”  He’s just humoring my quirkiness but that’s okay. 
    “I am afraid…” Arie pauses briefly.  “I am afraid without their help, there is no hope.”
    My fondness for Arie