"These are our allies," I tell him firmly, grip tightening on his shoulder to keep him in place. "Maris, Nerissa, and Elle. They serve Nimue, leader of the rebellion."
The sirens move closer, each extending their hands palm-up in a gesture of peace. The water barely ripples around them.
"We mean you no harm," Maris says, her voice like distant bells over water.
Cormac steps to the water's edge. "Thank you," he acknowledges with a nod to the sirens.
I urge Tharin forward, still supporting most of his weight. "Keep breathing," I tell him quietly. "It will be over before you know it."
The sirens position themselves—one before each of us—their grips gentle. Tharin's entire body goes rigid, but I’m pleased he doesn't fight as they pull us deeper. The water rises to our knees, our waists, our chests.
"Now," Maris commands, "a deep breath. All together."
And then we're underwater, being pulled down and through. For a heartbeat that lasts both an instant and an eternity, we're suspended. Neither here nor there, neither dry nor wet, passing through ancient pathways that sirens alone can navigate.
Then we break through simultaneously, emerging into the clear waters of the ranch lake. The night sky above us is the same, but the surrounding landscape has changed completely. Where the pond was surrounded by dense woodland, this lake sits in a clearing, with the sprawling ranch house visible on the rise beyond.
The sirens release our hands as we step from the water completely dry. Tharin staggers and I steady him with a hand on his shoulder. "We made it," I tell him. "This is the ranch."
The sirens disappear quietly back below the surface of the lake.
The ranch lights glow through the darkness. The sight would normally bring comfort, but tonight all I can think about is that Astrid is out there, alone. And I don’t even really know what’s hunting. Something evil enough Hades sent his fucking dogs…
As we approach the long path to the house, I see figures silhouetted in the windows—Maven, Nari, and others gathering at our arrival. The moment we're close enough, Maven hurries from the porch, her quick, efficient steps bringing her to us rapidly.
"Bring him inside. Quickly."
The main room of the ranch house has been transformed in our absence. The large wooden table is laden with food and drink, and the fire roars in the hearth despite the mild evening. They’ve gone to great lengths to make the large space feel cozier and less intimidating.
I guide Tharin to a chair near the fire, and Nari immediately appears with a steaming mug that smells of chamomile and honey—and something else. A calming draught. Smart.
"Drink," she tells him gently. "It will help."
While Tharin sips cautiously at the tea, the others gather around. Dugall emerges from the shadows of the kitchen, his weathered face grave. Isabella and a few of the brownies hover near the doorway.
"What happened?" Maven asks, directing her question to Cormac rather than me.
"He escaped from the warehouse," Cormac explains, keeping his voice low. "Says they're holding others there. At least a dozen."
Maven's expression darkens. "The same pattern as before?"
Cormac nods grimly. "Seems so."
I pace the edge of the room, unable to stay still. The distance from Astrid is a physical ache now, the electrical connection between us strained by the distance to the point of pain. My wolf circles restlessly, pushing against my control. I take another quick sip of ambrosia from my flask to help take the edge off.
"Fen," Maven says sharply, noticing my agitation. "You need to focus."
With effort, I stop pacing and turn my attention back to our guest. Tharin has some color returning to his face, the tea and warmth doing their work. His eyes dart nervously around the room, cataloging exits, assessing threats. Instincts of a victim.
"You're among friends," I tell him, taking a seat opposite his. "No one here will harm you."
"Friends," he repeats, the word strange on his tongue, as if he's forgotten its meaning. "I—I don't understand what's happening. Where am I? This still isn't my world."
"No," I confirm. "You're still on Earth."
“It is forbidden to be here. Why are we still here?” Tharin says, his tone worried.
"It is forbidden to be here. Which is why only a select few know about this place," Maven says, taking a seat beside him. "We are still here because someone has been stealing people from the other worlds and bringing them here, among other problems." Her voice gentles. "Can you tell us what happened to you, Tharin?"
