Call of the Siren: Ocean Academy, #2

By Sarah Elizabeth

A powerful spy infiltrates the Ocean Academy and targets Coral, dismantling her life piece by piece. Will Coral's newfound powers be enough to save her from the devastating effects of the Call of the Siren?

Believing she's escaped her past, Coral returns to the Ocean Academy for her second year. But before she arrives, she is shown a harrowing look at her potential future. Scared by the possibilities, she devotes herself to strengthening her friendships and developing her magical gifts.  

However, a newcomer uses a powerfully seductive form of the siren's song to force those Coral cares about to betray her. Abandoned by her loved ones and frantic to make things right, Coral tries everything she can think of—even turning to old enemies for help—to defeat her attacker. Pushed to the brink, Coral must decide how to protect the new life she's built without becoming what she fears in her future. 

Call of the Siren is a gripping mystery that takes place during the second year in the YA fantasy Ocean Academy series. If you enjoy reading stories filled with magic, suspense, manipulation, romance, betrayal, and a few surprise endings, then you'll love this second book in Sarah Elizabeth's innovative addition to the Academy subgenre. 

Buy the book today and join Coral in her next thrilling adventure!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Baillio
• Release date: Oct 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393791539

Book preview

Chapter One

Coral paced in the salon, anxious for her visitor to arrive. She had waited all summer for this moment, picturing it happening a thousand different ways. She had grown so impatient wondering when the moment would arrive that she had nearly driven Finn crazy pestering him with questions. She could hardly believe the time had finally come. Pania would be here in a matter of minutes.

For a time, Coral thought that maybe Pania would never come. The summer was almost over, and her second year of the Ocean Academy would start soon. When word finally came that Pania would see her, Coral was elated.

Coral felt a hand on her shoulder and she jumped. Her heart fluttered for a brief second, exhilarated by the possibility that it was Pania, but her heart settled down when she realized it was Finn. Coral had grown close to Finn during the summer. He saved her from months of agony, uncertainty, and pity. If it hadn't been for his generosity, Coral would have been homeless and alone. It was strange at first living on the upper west side of Glimmerfalls with all the nobility. But Finn's parents were gracious hosts and warmly accepted Coral into their home.

Finn said something and wrenched Coral from her thoughts. Coral looked into his eyes and said, Sorry. What did you say?

I said, are you ready?

Ready as I'll ever be. I can’t believe she is finally coming.

Have you decided what you're going to ask her?

Coral shook her head. I’m not exactly sure. There are so many questions that still exist about my past. Like where is my aunt? Who was Calypso working for? How did my family get this magic? And is my father still alive?

Finn slung his arm around her and pressed her close. So much uncertainty. I wish there was something I could do to help.

Coral smiled and put her arm around Finn. I know. I just wish there was a way that I could have all my questions answered.

Finn spun Coral around a bit in the water. Maybe you can.

How? Everyone said she would only answer one question.

Well, maybe it’s simply a matter of asking the right question.

Coral looked down and wrung her hands together. But how will I know what the right question is?

Finn put his hand under her chin and lifted her head so that she matched his gaze. His eyes were piercing, and she felt like he could see into her very soul. He had a way of disarming her with a simple look. Before she could pull away, he said, Look in your heart.

The lights flickered in the room, and Coral let go of Finn. She’s here. A worried expression spread across her face and she began flicking her tentacles against the floor.

I’d better go. Good luck.

Thanks, Coral said, with much less zest than she had hoped. Finn swam out of the room and closed the door behind him. The lights continued to flicker erratically, increasing the anticipation of Pania’s arrival. Coral looked around the room, wondering when Pania would make herself known. The ceiling was probably twelve feet high, making Coral feel small inside of the room. Large yellow columns lined the walls, each lit with purple algae that thrummed with bioluminescent energy.

As Coral paced in the room, she noticed a pinkish hue in the water at the far end of the salon. Coral dismissed it at first, but the color seemed to move towards her. She fixated on the image and a figure started to coalesce in front of her. A long, slender woman stared at Coral, her orange eyes glowing with ancient wisdom. The woman’s gray hair flowed freely from underneath the bell of her jellyfish form.

Coral sat silently as the woman approached, captivated by her mysterious beauty. She had an ethereal presence about her because of the translucent nature of her skin. The light in the room seemed to dim around her as she approached. It was as if she absorbed all the surrounding energy.

My child. What would you have of me?

A million thoughts spread through Coral's mind. She stumbled over each one, wondering how she could possibly choose just one inquiry to ask this creature. She shut her eyes and listened to the whisperings in her heart. She dug deep to discover what she longed for the most. She finally found it. More than anything, she wanted to know whether her father was still alive. She believed that if she discovered where he was and who took him, she could unwind the remaining mystery that was her life.

Coral opened her eyes and looked into Pania’s. I wish to know the fate of my father.

The mystic jellyfish-woman nodded slowly. Very well.

Coral watched in amazement as the tendrils hanging from Pania’s head curled out into the water between them, reaching for her. Coral instinctively backed away, unsure of whether Pania’s wispy tentacles would sting her. Pania’s voice was penetrating yet serene. Cast your fear aside, child. For this to work, you must embrace it.

Coral inched forward, arms outstretched and jaw clenched, bracing for Pania’s touch. As she'd suspected, Pania’s tentacles tingled with electric energy. Coral had certainly faced worse during her battle with Professor Calypso months before. Coral shivered as she recalled being electrocuted to death by Calypso’s pet eels, Rita and Reef. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Luckily, she had escaped to this place with her best friend and all her pain and cares had washed away. She was genuinely happy here. Coral shoved the memory out of her head, willing herself to focus on the experience with Pania.

The energy coursing from Pania to Coral was like what she experienced with the eels, but it was also different. The power wasn’t painful, and it didn’t make Coral fear for her life.

No, she feared something else.

The truth.

After a dozen of Pania’s tendrils had connected with Coral, Pania started humming low guttural sounds. At first, it was unnerving. But as the humming grew more persistent, Coral could feel something reach inside of her. Coral listened to the humming, hypnotized by it. Pania threw her head backwards, eyes rolling into the back of her head. The dome-shaped covering over her head pulsated, rising and falling in rhythm with the humming. It mesmerized Coral.

Suddenly, images flashed through Coral's mind, overwhelming her senses. People and places she had never seen before—distant memories abandoned and set adrift in the ocean—raced across her mind’s eye. The sensation was overwhelming, and Coral gasped audibly, trying to withstand the feeling of helplessness.

The images flashed by so quickly that Coral had trouble discerning much of it. Until one image locked into Coral's mind. An image of her father. Bound in chains. Rotting in a decrepit dungeon.

Chapter Two

The depths take me, she uttered. Coral didn't know if this was something from the past or the present. Or could it be the future? The stories of Pania’s power claim the visions could stem from any of the three parts of time. That was the trouble and the excitement with accepting a meeting with her—unravelling the mystery.

But Coral had had enough mystery already. What she needed were answers.

Where is this? When is this?

Pania hummed louder and a jolt of energy surged through the tendrils connecting them. The energy slammed into Coral, forcing her to shut her eyes. She threw her hands up to her temples and moaned. More images raced in her mind. Although she didn’t recognize the people in these images, this time she recognized the places. She saw parts of Glimmerfalls and the Ocean Academy, but there was something strange about them. They didn’t look quite right.

The images continued to swirl. Coral dropped to the floor, strained from the experience. As she did so, an image of a hooded figure loomed into view and remained in the forefront of her mind. Try as she might, she couldn’t focus on the features of this person. The figure remained obscured. Frustrated, Coral growled.

As soon as she did, more energy flowed from Pania into Coral, slamming her with a renewed wave of images. This time, she recognized the person at the center of them all. It was her. Although each image differed slightly from how she saw herself in the mirror, she instinctively knew that these images were about her. She saw herself as a little girl playing in her home. Sitting on her father’s lap. Taking the earring for the first time. She also saw herself working in the salon with her mother and sitting in the trenches listening to the sea life. She also saw an image of meeting Calypso for the first time and her adventures at the Ocean Academy.

Then, the images raced in such rapid succession that her life was a blur—a future that hadn’t occurred but that might be. The procession of possibilities lurched to a stop.

Coral wept. She saw herself—skin aglow and power radiating from her body. Her face was contorted in a rage-filled scream, eyes filled with hate. The pink earring burned brightly in her ear. Coral wanted to look away, but she couldn’t. She was terrifying to behold.

Pania’s humming stopped, and she clapped her hands in front of her. The three primary images flashed in Coral’s mind once more and then dissipated in a rush of light. Pania’s power burst out of Coral. She couldn’t contain the scream that spilled out of her mouth as the power did the same.

Coral collapsed to the floor. The ordeal left her too weak to move, so she just lay helpless on the ground, reeling from what she had seen and felt. Coral couldn’t even open her eyes, so she concentrated on breathing.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

She was regaining some semblance of composure when two hands gripped her face. Her eyelids shot open as if raised with unseen forces. Coral stared into Pania’s orange eyes. She met her gaze with trepidation.

You are but a child. I should not have shown you that.

Coral didn’t understand. She tried to shake her head, but Pania’s grip was surprisingly tight. What do you mean?

Had I known what you are to face, I would not have consented to this visit.

Why? What’s wrong? Coral felt what little strength she had draining from her as she coped with Pania’s message of regret.

You are but seventeen years old. It is wrong for you to bear the responsibility and consequence of what I have just shown you.

Please. Don’t abandon me. I must know. How do I save my father?

Pania lifted Coral off the floor—hands still glued to the sides of Coral’s face. Pania nodded her head and a layer of dust fell from the bell on top of her head. Completely exhausted, Coral watched as the mist settled over her body and absorbed into her skin. A warm sensation flooded Coral, and she felt life returning to her limbs. Pania set Coral down and released her grip on Coral’s face.

Pania floated gracefully through the water towards the other side of the great salon.

Don’t leave! Not yet. What did you show me? What are you scared of?

Pania stopped with her back to Coral for a moment. Coral wasn’t sure if Pania would address her again, but she didn’t want to push her away, so she just waited. Eventually, Pania turned, the ends of her legless form swishing in the water like a dress. Young one. I have lived in this ocean for centuries. Nothing scares me anymore. What I have gained in my decades of life is wisdom. Wisdom to understand that you are not ready for what I have shown you.

Then share your wisdom with me. Help me understand. Prepare me for what is coming.

Pania shook her head slowly, as if considering whether she should divulge anything more. The path you seek to travel is treacherous. Filled with sorrow. Sorrow that one so young should not have to endure. Better for you to forget what I have shown you.

Strength restored, Coral crept closer to Pania, eyes pleading. I don’t have a choice. Misery has sought me out. It is my constant companion. If I have to endure just a little more to find my father, I will do it.

Pania stared at Coral, unblinking.

Coral crept even closer, maintaining her eye-contact. Please. Sorrow will claim me whether or not you help me.

You do not know what you ask of me. How could you? You are but an infant in my eyes.

Coral crept closer still and reached up, taking Pania’s hand. Guide me through these mysteries. I beg you.

Pania placed her other hand on top of Coral’s and said, Very well. She pulled free of Coral’s grip and floated up towards the ceiling. Her pink skin fluttered and shifted, losing some of its substance. There are three things you should know if you are to survive what awaits you.

Coral stiffened.

First, your father is alive. But he is a shell of a man—nothing like what you remember. He has been broken by those who have taken him captive.

Tears formed in Coral’s eyes at the mention of her father. She didn’t care that they had broken him. That she could see his face again was enough.

Second, a very powerful being has taken your father. I could not unveil this being’s true identity because its power exceeds my own. That should frighten you. Yet, I sense that you already possess the tools to forge yourself into something terrible—someone who can match its power.

Coral immediately thought of the earring and her power of essence manipulation. She had robbed Calypso of her powers and essentially tripled her magical capacity in an instant. The experience nearly tore her apart. And now Pania suggested that she would continue sapping other Oceanids of their souls’ essence, twisting herself into something monstrous. The thought sent shivers down her spine.

Finally, the Ocean Academy will lead you to this reunion you desperately seek. However, heed this warning. In the end, to get what you want, you will be forced to make a terrible choice. And the choice you make will destroy you.

Before Coral could inquire further, Pania disappeared.

Chapter Three

Trunk in tow, Coral climbed inside the familiar rushing waters of the Ocean Academy Current, careful not to stumble in as she had done her first year. Finn entered right behind her and the pair were carried away. Finn’s family waived from the platform, shouting expressions of praise and good luck. Coral tried to return the kindness, but her head was somewhere else.

Pania’s visit had changed her. The knowledge of her future weighed on her. She had a hard time accepting the fate Pania had predicted for her, especially the part about destroying herself through her choices. So far, her heart had served her well. The warning consumed her thoughts. Finn had noticed the change but had politely given her space. She appreciated the gesture. He seemed to always know what to do and what to say to her. She really couldn’t have asked for a better friend.

As the OAC took them away from Glimmerfalls and towards the Ocean Academy, Finn sidled up to Coral. Alright. Time to spill it.

Coral looked over at him. Spill what?

You know, he said firmly.

Coral fidgeted and resisted responding. Finn poked her in the side. Come on, my little bottom-dweller. Don’t hold out on me. I know something about your visit with Pania is bothering you.

Coral raised one of her tentacles behind Finn’s head and whacked him. The both of them started laughing.

Now that’s the Coral I’ve grown to love, Finn said. Their eyes met and lingered a little too long before he continued. Where have you been?

I’m sorry, Finn. I’ve just had a lot on my mind.

Oh, really? I couldn’t tell.

Coral gave him a sour stare, and he bumped her softly with his shoulder. Let’s not start this year with secrets like we did last year. Let me in.

Coral considered his words for a moment and then relented. You are right. If last year taught me anything, it is that I can’t do this alone.

And who better to confide in than your best pal, Finn? He smiled at her with his goofy grin and Coral laughed despite herself. So, tell me about her. What was it like being in Pania’s presence?

Coral twisted in the water to face Finn directly. Well, it was magical. And painful. And exhausting.

How so?

She seemed like she was part of the ocean. Like she was one with it and all of its secrets. And somehow, she used her powers to sift through those secrets and reveal them.

So, what did she reveal to you?

Coral looked away, trying to determine how to phrase her answer the right way. She returned her gaze to Finn and responded, A vision.

Did this vision have anything to do with your magic? Or your aunt?

In a way, yes. But mostly, the vision was a glimpse into myself. Of what I can do. Of what I may become. The path to see my father again.

So, he’s alive then? Finn asked in earnestness. Why in the depths didn’t you tell me? And why don’t you seem more thrilled about it?

Coral shrugged. Of course, I am excited that my father is alive. It’s just…

What? What aren’t you telling me?

Coral bite her lip. Pania also showed me where he is, and who has him, and what I must endure just to reach him. None of those realities is comforting.

Finn placed a hand on Coral’s. It sounds like you have some rough waters ahead.

Coral weakly nodded her head.

Don’t let it get you down. I’ll be there by your side through the whole thing. We can do it. Together.

Coral looked into Finn’s eyes. They affirmed his words were genuine. In that moment, Coral believed Finn would go to the depths of the ocean for her. In fact, she knew he would. Her heart sang at the confirmation and she smiled at him. I may hold you to that, she said as coyly as she could.

Do you know what your next move is going to be?

Coral shook her head. Not exactly. All Pania said was that I already have the tools I need and that the Ocean Academy will lead me to my father. She turned away from Finn and back towards the direction the current was taking them. She scanned the ocean beneath them as the current pushed them along.

Finn adjusted his posture as well, looking forward into the current. It sounds like we just need to take it one year at a time.

I guess so.

Do you think we’ll have a normal year this year? I mean, Syrena is gone and so is Calypso. Things should be smooth sailing, right?

Coral looked down at her hands and picked at one of her fingernails. She hadn’t told Finn about the monster she would become, or the terrible decision she would have to make. She didn’t understand them enough to share them. But something inside her warned that her second year at the Ocean Academy would be more difficult than the first. Shrugging off the ominous feeling, Coral bluffed. You are probably right, Finn.

Finn rested his hand on one of Coral’s eight legs and left it there. Coral felt an urge to hold his hand, but she brushed it aside. Although she had to admit, it felt nice being so close to him. Just then, Brighton swam past them. Before she could stop herself, she called out his name.

Brighton!

He stopped in the current and turned around. Oh, hi Coral. How are you?

I’m doing fine. How have you been?

Fine, I suppose. He gestured behind him with his thumb. Getting ready for another fun-filled year at school. He looked over to Finn and nodded his head in greeting.

Hey, Brighton, Finn said.

The three sat in awkward silence for a moment, Brighton looking around his shoulders a few times. I’m actually meeting up with some friends, so I’ve got to go. But it was great bumping into you.

Coral smiled. Same here. Don’t be a stranger, OK?

Brighton smiled back and floated over to where his friends were waiting for him.

Finn looked over at Coral. What was that all about?

Coral looked over at Finn. What do you mean?

That was terribly uncomfortable. He seemed like he’d rather face Lyle in a wrestling match than sit and talk with you.

You know, I’d actually pay to see that, Coral said with a smile.

Finn mimed a scene of the gigantic squid squeezing his tentacles around Brighton in an epic showdown. Coral snickered at the performance. When Finn had had his fun, he pressed Coral for more.

But seriously. What happened?

Coral thumped a tentacle against her trunk. We kind of broke up. Coral thumped the trunk another time, avoiding Finn’s stare.

Finn’s jaw dropped. What? When?

It was a few weeks ago. Just before I learned Pania was going to visit.

You’ve been holding out on me, girl!

I know. I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to make it a big deal.

Well, this is a big deal. Who ended things? You or him?

Coral looked over at Finn and made a face at him that clearly showed she would rather do anything else than talk about her breakup.

Oh, sorry. Am I being too nosy? I’m just surprised. That’s all. You two seemed to hit it off.

Coral sighed. Honestly, he was getting to be a bit boring.

So, you ended things then?

If you ask him, he’d say it was his idea. But I pushed for it. I figured it would devastate him to go back to school and have people learn he was dumped by on Octopod.

Finn slid his hands over his head and left them behind his neck. That’s the kindest, most backward breakup I’ve ever heard of.

What can I say? The Ocean Academy has changed me. Normally I would have taken pleasure in seeing a Nymph squirm. But now? I know they aren’t all bad. Living with you has proven that one hundred times over.

Finn released his hands and swam in front of Coral, hoisting his trunk as he did so. Well, gear up, sister. Because year two is about to begin.

The current pushed them around a bend in the ocean floor, and the Academy swung into view. Its brilliance stunned Coral even now. The entry gate loomed ahead, and Coral heard the familiar warning echoing in the current.

PREPARE FOR DISEMBARKATION. PREPARE FOR DISEMBARKATION.

Coral grabbed her trunk, took a deep breath, and prepared for another year of school.

Chapter Four

Finn and Coral exited the Ocean Academy Current and entered the familiar front courtyard with its magnificent blue glowing tree. The Academy looked as regal as ever. As she stood in the shadow of the great towers, memories flooded over her. She had flashbacks of sitting next to the tree waiting for mail from her mother. She remembered racing around the school grounds with rocks and debris flying everywhere from when Lyle broke free from the wall. Her heart raced as she recalled her deadly encounter with Calypso and her plan to hide her body in the wreckage created by Lyle’s escape. Coral wondered for the first time in months what had happened to Calypso’s body. Had they taken her somewhere? Or were they treating her here at the Academy? Would Calypso wake up and come after her again? Or had Coral broken Calypso’s spirit when she used her essence manipulation against her—forever claiming her soul?

Thinking about it