A Kiss of the Siren's Song by E. A. M. Trofimenkoff

Author:E. A. M. Trofimenkoff [Trofimenkoff, E. A. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: E. A. M. Trofimenkoff
Published: 2023-11-13T16:00:00+00:00

38

The Stories We Tell

Sybine

“There you go,” Elora said after she finished putting the healing oil on my back and under my arms. “That should help with the irritation.”

The relief was nearly instantaneous.

I let out a soft sigh.

“Where did you even find that magic?” I asked her.

Elora quickly wound the lid back on the container. I could have sworn I saw a light pink dust her cheeks.

“Supply closet,” she said simply.

“Oh—” I laughed nervously— “of course.”

Something had changed in the air between us. Did she regret what happened last night? I had fallen asleep under the impression that she was comfortable, but I wasn’t as sure anymore. Then again, I wasn’t the one marked for death either. Well, at least not on this ship.

“Thanks,” I said shyly.

“You’re welcome.”

I ran my teeth over my lower lip. What was I supposed to do now? What were we? Should I kiss her goodbye before leaving for my shift? Would that be weird? Maybe a handshake would be better.

I mentally scolded myself. A handshake would definitely not be better.

“I’m going to...uhm...go and...scrub the deck?”

I wanted to bash my head against the wall and then maybe throw myself off the ship.

Really, Sybine? Scrub the deck? It was all I could do not to roll my eyes at myself.

“Yes, of course. Good luck,” Elora said. She bit her lips together, and she shuffled her weight awkwardly from one foot to the other.

“Thanks.” I gave her a small wave and spun on my heel to turn around.

As I walked out of the room, I pinched my face together with embarrassment. I’d had plenty of awkward interactions after spending the night with people before, but nothing had ever quite been that uncomfortable. Then again, I had never been with anyone I had growing feelings for either. It was safer that way. Gods, what was I doing?

I turned to go into the supply closet and ran straight into Harlan. Or, more accurately, straight into his full bucket, which fell to the ground with a loud bang and proceeded to spill its contents onto the wooden planks.

“Fuck, I’m sorry,” I said as I bent down to right the bucket.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

I nodded slowly as I stood again.

“Rough night?”

“No—I mean, this morning—wait.” The events before the Sevens game came racing back to me.

I took a quick look down the hall. It was empty, save for a few people going in and out of the dining room. I turned around and closed the door.

“What are you—”

I raised my hand to cut him off.

“What the hell was that last night, Harlan?” I kept my voice low, but my tone firm. I didn’t want anyone to overhear us, but I also needed him to know that I was serious, and he had some explaining to do. “How are you so calm about all of this? And how come you’re not affected by the spell?”

His pale eyes seemed to age with every question I asked.

“I’ll start with your easiest question,” he said as he began to undo the laces at his chest.

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