My skin shimmered faintly as I moved, reflecting the light like the ocean surface. I'd always been proud of my heritage—proud to be a Siren. Not everyone could handle our way of life. Being a Siren wasn't just about the looks or the power to manipulate water. It was discipline, control, and tradition.
Today, though, I could barely focus on my studies. My mind kept drifting back to what I saw last night—Dragonir, bloodied and unconscious, being rushed to the infirmary. Then the Dean, calm and cold, walking out minutes later like nothing had happened. I needed answers. Dragonir and I had been close once. Childhood friends. I'd always thought we'd end up together, part of his noble family, me by his side. But lately, he'd been distant, and I knew why. Seraphina. That girl had come into his life and turned everything upside down.
"Focus, Gwen," I muttered to myself as I slid into my seat.
The lecture on oceanic currents barely registered as the instructor droned on. All I could think about was Seraphina. I hadn't seen her since the incident last night, and a nagging feeling twisted in my gut. What had she done to Dragonir? Why was she always at the center of everything? I clenched my fist, my scales faintly shimmering as my powers reacted to my emotions.
My mother always told me to be patient, to stay composed. But patience was the last thing I felt right now.
By the time my final class ended, I'd made up my mind. I needed to talk to someone who could actually do something about this—someone who had the power to help me. And who better than my own mother? A high-ranking member of the Council, she had more influence than anyone at the school.
I left campus quickly, making my way back to the house. Our home stood tall and elegant, a testament to my mother's status. As soon as I stepped inside, the warmth enveloped me, but it did nothing to soothe the storm brewing inside me.
"Mom?" I called out, my voice echoing through the halls.
She appeared from her study, her dark hair neatly pulled back, and her eyes, sharp as ever, fixed on me. "Gwen? You're home early."
I took a deep breath. "I need your help. It's about Dragonir... and Seraphina."
Her eyes narrowed. "What about them?"
I told her everything I'd seen. The sight of Dragonir, the Dean's strange behavior, how Seraphina was involved. As I spoke, my mother's expression hardened.
"Dragonir's injuries are severe," I said, my voice rising in frustration. "And Seraphina was there. I know she had something to do with it!"
My mother's lips thinned into a line. "This is a serious accusation, Gwen."
"I'm not making this up!" I snapped, my voice tinged with desperation. "Please, you have to do something."
She considered me for a moment before nodding. "If what you say is true, we'll take action."
She left the room briefly and returned moments later with a sealed document in her hands. I blinked at the sight of it.
"What's that?" I asked.
"An arrest warrant," she said, her voice steady. "For Seraphina."
My heart leapt. Finally, something was being done. Together, we headed back to the school, the weight of the warrant pressing down on me. The guards greeted us with bows as we passed through the gates. No one questioned my mother's authority. She was the law here.
We arrived at the infirmary. I could feel my heart racing as we approached Dragonir's room. I wanted to see him—wanted to be the one he turned to when he woke up. But as we neared the door, I heard voices inside. Seraphina's voice.
"We need to talk about Eleri," she was saying.
I stopped just outside, my hand hovering over the door handle.
"She tortured you, Dragonir," Seraphina continued, her tone soft but firm. "She used her powers to—"
"Stop," Dragonir cut her off, his voice strained. "I don't want to think about it. Not right now."
I felt a flash of anger. What was she doing here, talking to him like that? Acting like she was the one who knew him best?
Before I could storm in, my mother stepped forward and knocked sharply on the door. The voices inside went silent.
The door opened slowly, revealing Seraphina standing there, her face pale and her eyes wide with surprise.
"Seraphina," my mother said coolly, holding up the warrant. "You're under arrest."
Seraphina's eyes darted from me to my mother, confusion flashing across her face. "Arrested? For what?"
"For your involvement in the assault on Dragonir," my mother said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "And for questioning under suspicion of using Siren abilities to cause harm."
Dragonir, still lying on the bed, struggled to sit up. "Wait, this is a mistake—"
But my mother cut him off with a raised hand. "The Council will decide what's a mistake or not. Take her."
Two guards stepped forward, seizing Seraphina by the arms. She didn't resist, but her gaze remained locked on Dragonir.
"Dragonir, I didn't—"
"Enough," my mother snapped. "Take her to the holding cells."
I watched as they dragged her away, satisfaction curling in my chest. She wouldn't get away this time. I followed behind them, the echo of her footsteps and the clank of the guards' armor ringing in my ears.
---
Later that night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The adrenaline from the day's events hadn't worn off, but there was something else... a nagging feeling that wouldn't let me rest. Seraphina's face flashed in my mind, the confusion in her eyes when she was taken away. Maybe I'd gone too far.
But no. She was dangerous. She was taking Dragonir from me. I wouldn't let that happen.
I shifted under the covers, trying to push the thoughts away. But the moment I closed my eyes, a faint sound reached my ears—a soft rustling, like someone moving in the dark. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.
Slowly, I sat up, my eyes scanning the room. Nothing seemed out of place, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't alone.
And then I saw her.
Seraphina.
Standing by my window, her breath coming in shallow gasps, her eyes wide with panic.
"Gwen," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I need your help."