Siren's Call: Cursed Seas

By Amy McKinley

Fate will not be denied.

 

Nerissa thinks she's safe from the gods and elders who rule her village. She's wrong. It's only a matter of time before she is chosen to pay the ultimate price—her life.

 

For decades, the gods have protected the small seaside village where she lives. That's about to end. Fishermen return with empty nets, trees cease to bear fruit, and the winds whisper of an ancient curse. There's still hope that the offering of an unmarried woman will return the gods' favor.

 

As the maiden sacrifice nears, Nerissa takes matters into her hands. All she needs is a husband to escape the terms of the offering. When she meets Zeer, a visiting fisherman, he sweeps her off her feet.

 

Are her prayers truly answered?

 

Everyone around her is keeping their own secrets, their own agendas, and there is no one left to rely on but herself. As the night ushers in a violent storm that echoes the gods' anger, she realizes the worst is yet to come. When the first rays of dawn arrive, a knock sounds at her door, and she knows her entire world is about to turn upside down.

 

But she won't be the only one affected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Champagne Book Group
• Release date: Jul 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781947128842

Book preview

Prologue

Lightning split the sky, and thunder cracked. Vibrations rumbled along the bones of the tiny cottage. Howling wind battered the window coverings and invited splatters of rain inside.

Nerissa’s fingers clutched the hand-woven blanket close as she shifted on the bed that served as a couch during the day. The ropes creaked in response until she laid prone.

In between lulls from the raging storm, her pulse pounded loud in her ears. Please be safe, Pateroúlis. A sailor—her father was again away at sea. The only good that came from his absence was his inability to witness her night terrors. For several years they’d plagued her, their duration of late only increasing. Tonight would be no different.

The gale raged outside just as much as the one brewing in her subconscious. As the fury of the storm lessened, she drifted into slumber’s precarious embrace.

Morning came fast, and with its arrival, the cry of seagulls filled the air. Waves rolled in wild abandon against a newly rearranged shoreline.

Nerissa jerked upright—drenched in sweat—mouth wide with a soundless scream. Gaze darting, she ground herself in the sight of the well-worn cottage she and her father called home. She took slow measured breaths to banish the remnants of her nightmare, which oozed with familiarity and bred soul-sucking terror. The element of her dreams varied last night.

Dropping her legs to the floor, she stood and went about her chores. No matter how hard she tried, the sights, sounds, and message of her vision remained.

The actions she bore witness to, held captive in slumber, unleashed something that had yet to come. A woman, dressed in a ceremonial gown, toed the cliff side. Nerissa’s senses heightened. The spirit of the woman pushed over the edge clawed at her.

Chapter One

The gods walked among them. Nerissa’s village believed in, worshiped, and feared them. To her, the unseen gods posed little threat. Cete did. She’d been cautious, but no more. Today, her father was due home. The only gray spot on his arrival was her impending nuptials to a soon-to-be determined husband.

Nerissa tapped her sandal-clad foot on the cobbled Grecian street. Across from the port, she rested against the wall and scanned for a glimpse of his ship. Sunlight painted bright splashes across the vessels bobbing in the harbor and glinted off the choppy waves.

Deep in her chest, spidery veins of anguish elongated. Marriage weighed on her mind with the passage of her seventeenth birthday. At fourteen, her father had arranged her first two marriages. Before uttering vows, the sea claimed their lives. She had hoped the echoing expanse of time would ease the ache. Familiar with a sailor’s life, she thought to marry one. So far, it wasn’t meant to be.

Toying with the fabric of her chiton, her fingers worried the colorful, blue dress. Torn by anxiety and excitement, she flattened her other palm on the barrier of stacked stone, grounding herself.

Usually, her emotions were calmer, but when left to her own devices they soared in many directions. A seaman by trade, she and her father lived a simple life by the water, their cottage modest with meager means, but rich in love. When he was home, Nerissa’s responsibility was maintaining their home and the small garden in their courtyard. These last few months were different. She had convinced him to let her remain home when he left, rather than stay with Eirene’s family. Things had changed when Eirene’s father chose a husband for her. Now when her father was gone to sea, she would go to the agorá, marketplace, to fetch water without a chaperone. There was another reason she preferred to stay in the cottage when he went to work.

When the dreams came, Nerissa preferred to be alone.

She wondered if her dreams somehow tied her to her mother. Maybe they were the reason her mother left them. When she asked her father about it, he’d always deny that was the cause. The unspoken burden of it being her fault weighed heavy on her chest. There were too many things her father kept from her. He’d told her it was also because her mother didn’t want to leave her home and the comforts of it. It’s my fault.

In the past couple of years, Nerissa’s emotions grew tenfold. When both of her betrothed perished at sea, her destiny reeked of abandonment. Those reflections stained her soul. No one was privy to them. They never guessed from her sunny disposition her inner turmoil. What good could come of exposing her fears?

Shaking off her wayward thoughts, she relished the warmth of the summer day. The stone at her back offered a small amount of shade. For the hundredth time, she scanned the choppy waters of the Aegean Sea, casting her gaze along the horizon. He’s near! Her heart hammered as she spotted a ship approaching. Nerissa straightened, stretched a slender arm over her head, and waved.

Excitement pinged in her chest. She pushed away from the wall, desperate to shorten the distance, heedless of the villagers and advancing soldiers. Her sandal-clad foot struck the dock then jerked back. A firm hand wrenched her arm. Pain radiated through her. Stifling a gasp, she looked over her shoulder to see who held her.

Cete.

Air wheezed out of her mouth as if a clay brick had hit her in the stomach. Why had she not been more careful?

Dark hair curled around his ears and just above his tunic. His cruel lips formed a tight line as he towered over her much smaller height. Too well, she understood the dangers of being alone with him. Fear crawled over her skin. What happened to cause him to look so aggravated?

I have been searching for you, Nerissa. He moved closer as he spoke her name.

Cete, you’re hurting me. She held her breath as sick pleasure danced in his kohl eyes. Pushing down on the escalating panic, she tugged her arm, trying to break free. What do you want?

From the top of her head to her toes, his gaze raked over her body. Her stomach turned—the dress. She had made a colossal mistake.

Finally, you are out of mourning. Soon, we will wed.

No! If his father and hers decided they would marry, she had no choice in the matter. That was the way of things. Father loves me; he would never tie me to Cete, regardless of the political connection. Locking down her muscles hard, she remained standing by a small miracle. The edges of her vision swam with black.

My father is not yet returned, Cete. Please release me. Forcing strength in her voice, she lengthened her spine.

Crowding her, he bent down to whisper in her ear. A mere formality. Rough, unshaven skin scraped her cheek. You feel the bond between us as much as I do. Fate calls for us to be together. Straightening, he captured her chin in his large hand. Soon. With a nod to the dock, his gaze remained locked on hers. He will be home, and then we’ll negotiate the marriage. The time is now.

Bile rose and hit the back of her throat. His nickname and nature echoed in her mind and froze her in place. Bone Crusher. He set his sights on her, claiming their union was destined. A former resident of Rome, Cete returned to Euboea several years ago. He frightened her.

Some said he came back to reunite with his father. The most repeated rumor surrounding his reappearance spoke of an unseen hand compelling him to go back to the village. Speculation was that his father had manipulated political strings, so his son could begin anew. A son who had terrorized and ransacked residences. All knew his favorite method of fighting had been with a whip, club, and shield. So barbaric. An unsalable sadist, he took immense pleasure in punishing those who went against him—crushing their bones with his club.

The leaders decreed he serve as a foot soldier, a guard to the Oracle, and a sailor aboard one of his father’s ships. His status had improved some, but many were watchful.

Dowry, his family must need it to replenish what they had used to secure his release from Rome. Unable to stop the quiver that ran through her, she took a tentative step back. With her upper arm restrained by his grasp—she bumped into someone. Swiveling her head, she met kind eyes, and her knees buckled with relief.

Nerissa, I did not expect to see you here. Eirene requests your company, and help, with our new infant. Keeping his hands on her shoulders, Marcus moved sideways. He pulled her with and forced Cete to drop his too-tight grip. Cete, you are wanted at the temple.

She repressed a shudder, having avoided the temple that sat high atop the cliff. Often when she neared the sacred land, violent emotions swarmed her, followed by enchanting whispers.

Spied from the corner of her eye, her father’s boat drew closer, and her breath caught in her throat. The seconds lengthened. Cete seemed to war with himself before turning his large body in the direction of the cliff.

Chapter Two

Following Cete’s departure, Nerissa relaxed. She promised Marcus to visit Eirene as soon as she spent time with her father. At least Marcus had lightened her worries a little. He’d shared with her that Cete’s father was planning on marrying his son to a fellow council’s daughter for political gain. Surely, he’d stop pursuing her.

The commotion from the ship’s arrival regained her attention. The sea hadn’t relinquished its bounty—her father and his men had traveled farther. Several days had passed since he had gone to sea and happiness filled her heart with his return. She waited for him to resolve his business with the boat and crew before he joined her. Her hope was that of good news. If nothing came back—they and the town—were in for a rough time.

Her father was the best sailor in the village, and their king was fond of him. As much as a leader could be. She never trusted any of the members of the council, especially not the Oracle in their employ. How could she? What with the annual sacrifice?

Lost in thought, Nerissa shivered when a shadow fell over her. Her body tensed, preparing for the potential threat.

"Missed you, paidí mou."

The my child a dead giveaway, she whipped around to find her father standing there. Plus, she’d know that craggy voice anywhere. With a fast blink, the bright light from her eyes diminished and brought his weathered face into focus.

"Pateroúlis!" With a squeal, she flung herself against his barreled chest, at once wrapped in comforting arms. Thrilled to see him, healthy and returned from his voyage, she clung tight. Rough whiskers tickled the top of her head as his gruff voice found her ear.

I spotted you along the coastline as I entered the harbor, Nerissa. He pulled back, his gaze narrowed as he swept a long strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear.

He saw me? Needing a respite from waiting, she had wandered the shore for a while, before returning to her place by the wall.

For a moment, you looked just like your mo—

He broke off in the midst of what he was saying, but she knew. She always did. This time she wasn’t staying quiet. Where is she? she implored. Why won’t he tell me?

A gusty sigh expelled from his lips and, before her eyes, she swore her father aged. For the first time, strain etched deep grooves around his mouth and warm whiskey eyes.

She clasped one of his large, callused hands in her own. "Tell me, Pateroúlis. For once, tell me something besides how much I resemble her."

Releasing her hand, he ran his fingers through his dark mahogany hair, streaked with silver.

Had that been there before?

Walk with me for a moment. Moving away from the bustle of the dock, they traveled a long way down the shoreline.

Slipping off her shoes, she let them dangle from her fingertips. Bare toes in the sand gave her the connection she craved. Seagulls cried overhead, vying with each other as they crowded onto the beach. Nearing the water’s edge, she strolled through the foamy surf as it played a game of tag with her feet.

A comfortable silence stretched between them until he gestured for her to have a seat on the sandy bank.

Settling next to her father, she stared out to sea as he did. She held her breath until his deep voice filled the air.

From the very moment our eyes met, I was lost to your mother. A soft smile touched Kyros’s lips as he glanced at her. I’d never experienced a connection as I had in those few seconds. Even before she first spoke, it was there. Her beauty glowed, inside and out. She wasn’t meant for life in our small village. I knew that. He grew silent for several moments.

Nerissa waited, parts of the story familiar. Where she was, why she wasn’t with them, remained a mystery. Who was she? She didn’t want to interrupt him. Staying quiet by his side, she hoped he’d reveal more as the breeze beckoned with gentle fingers.

We’d sit in the sun. He lifted his face to it. Much like this and talk for hours. She loves the ocean and everything about it. Although, she does not wish to become a part of our life here. Her world is vastly different from ours. When you were born, we decided that you would live with me. One day in the future, you will go to her. His voice thickened with emotion. But not yet.

Wealthy, and from a place far from theirs. She’d asked him that once, and he never denied it. It must be true. Where is she? She couldn’t help herself; she had to know.

Sadness clouded his warm brown eyes. Now isn’t the time. You will find her when fate bids it. The subject once more closed, he brushed sand off his hands and turned to her. Issa, you should not have come here by yourself. Not where the sea gods could see you.

She scowled. Not this again. "Pateroúlis, you know I don’t believe in that. Just because I’m walking along the shoreline alone does not mean I will draw their attention. If they were living among us, they would not let us suffer, ever."

His brows furrowed. Issa, they are gods. They do not see to every factor in our lives. We hope to gain their favor, yes, but… You must remember they have other priorities as well.

Her head jerked in disagreement, unable to accredit for a moment the superstitions of the people she grew up with—even her father. If the gods were there, paid them any heed, would they call for death? I do not believe they are here. Their discussion would end in frustrated deadlock, and he would chastise her for her disrespectful ways.

She changed the topic to the one she wished to know. She took in his tired expression and asked the question she’d been dreading. How did your trip go? Did you return with a full haul?

He hunched forward and a heavy burden settled on her shoulders. She knew, deep in her bones, something terrible was about to happen. With every breath in her body, she wished he’d say something else, something promising. Even though she didn’t hold any weight to the superstitions and fears rampant in her village…they did, and so did their king.

The gods were not with us this trip. Our nets remained empty.

Her pulse pounded, loud in her ears. How could that be? But the gulls…she glanced to the birds, their bellies fat with their afternoon catch. You and your men are the best fishermen our village has.

He turned his soulful gaze her way. You know as well as I the words of the legend. The day the nets come back dry…it has begun. He clasped her to him, so tight she was only able to take in small breaths of air. "Always remember how much I love you, paidí mou."

I don’t understand. Her voice muffled, she pushed at his chest.

Releasing her, he rose to his feet, eclipsing her in his shadow.

This is only one time out. It must have been an unfortunate occurrence. She worked to keep the panic from her voice. You’ll come back next time with a full haul. You always do. With a dark eeriness settling over her, she stood.

A grimace curved his mouth. His fingers bit into her shoulders as his grave voice rocked her to her very soul. We leave again, day after tomorrow.

But… So soon. She stopped her protest from the pained look that crossed his weathered features.

With the direness of their village’s situation, and steeped in superstition, another non-existent haul would only fuel the rumors. Not to mention the dwindling stores of food. Nerissa nodded in understanding. It will be all right. You will return with a great bounty, I know it. She gifted him with a wide smile, her faith in her father unsurpassed. No one was a better fisherman than he.

The sea worshipped him.

His imploring gaze caught and held hers. While I’m gone you must stay away from the sea. If you will not reside at Eirene’s or her parent’s, keep to the village, amongst the people, or even better—stay inside.

Indignation sliced through her at his words. Stay inside? She huffed. Why? I’ve never done so when you were away before.

Now is more important than ever. With the legend upon us, you have to keep out of sight. Pausing a moment, he appeared to choose his next words with care. There are other dangers in the ocean. With heightened worry among the villagers, you have to guard yourself against treachery.

Unsure what he spoke of, her brow furrowed, and she decided to leave the matter alone. She clasped the crook of his elbow. He led her further along the shore, toward the path that led to their village and their home. Sensing he had more to say, she remained quiet, despite the spontaneous protests springing to her lips.

There is more I wish to tell you, but your mother will when the time comes. In that, I know she is right.

She jerked to a standstill alongside him. They’d stopped at another port? When did you see her?

Not long ago. He spared her a guilty glance. With the last meager haul. She implored me to remain with her, but I-I could not. I accept my fate.

Because of me. That’s why he didn’t stay. Guilt heavy, her heart went out to him.

With knobby knuckles, he grazed the side of her face and dropped a kiss atop her forehead. Know that I love you, never forget.

Her heart ached as if it was splintering. What had her mother told him? What would happen if he stayed here with her?

Knowing he wouldn’t answer any more questions about her, she tried to keep him by her side, safe. For both. Will you postpone leaving?

Callused hands cupped her cheeks. No. I cannot. His firm words bellied his gentle actions toward her.

"But Pateroúlis! she cried, unable to help herself. Another ship will come into the harbor with a bountiful catch. All will be well."

I wish that was so. Maybe this time the gods will smile upon us. His voice took on the tone he’d used when she was young, not the seventeen-year-old woman she was blossoming into as he said, Do as I’ve bid, Issa. You must not draw attention to yourself. Stay inside or amongst the villagers. Keep away from the sea.

With her father’s use of her nickname, she took careful note of the troubled expression on his face. Dark circles shadowed beneath his eyes. Unsure she’d be able to hold her promise, she nodded. The call of the ocean was too strong. It went deeper than he realized.

Swallowing, she pushed aside her fears, unwilling to add additional worry to his broad shoulders. Although there was one she could not keep from passing her lips. The ceremony is fast approaching. Will you return in time? Despite the heat of the afternoon, she shivered, hating that superstition her village abided by.

Each year a young girl was chosen as a sacrifice to the sea god, Poseidon, or other oceanic deities—in hopes to appease them and bless the small village with food and health. So horrid. For that reason alone, she distrusted the gods and the leaders of her village.

She’d feel much safer if her father was here; the leaders held him in high esteem. He led a charmed life when it came to the sea and provided well for their village, for them. Could it be he now sailed with a crew who didn’t draw the same favor? At least, with her father by her side, the rulers wouldn’t dare take his precious daughter.

Nothing but the gods will keep me from being here with you.

Chapter Three

Befitting Nerissa’s mood, the afternoon sun played a game of hide-and-seek behind the puffy clouds. She linked elbows with Eirene as their sandal-clad feet scuffed along the steep path to Poseidon’s temple. Her father had suggested she spend a few hours with her best friend, after running into Marcus yesterday after his ship docked. Even though she assured him there would be plenty of time once he set sail tomorrow morning, he’d insisted.

Are you sure about this? A light breeze lifted stands of Nerissa’s hair, momentarily obscuring her vision.

"Issa, this is the first moment I’ve had to myself since