She rose at the center like a monument of moonstone and coral, her eyes twin lanterns of glowing jade. Her hair floated like serpents in a halo of menace. She was breathtaking—otherworldly and deadly. Her lips peeled back into a snarl that revealed needle-sharp teeth, glistening in the phosphorescent glow.
The air crackled with her fury.
“You!” she hissed, her voice echoing through the cavern like the crash of waves against rock. “What magic have you cast upon my daughter?! Release her at once!”
Jabir’s pulse thundered in his ears. He felt Jewel press against the back of his legs, her hand tightening around his. Her silent plea was unmistakable: Run. Escape through the tunnel. Save yourself.
He didn’t move.
Instead, he turned.
Kneeling in front of Jewel, he gently tucked a strand of wet hair behind her ear. Her eyes—so wide, so full of fear and sorrow—locked with his.
“It’s going to be alright,” he said softly, his voice steady, even as his dragon raged within him. “I promise.”
She shook her head. “Go through the passage. It will take you to the surface,” she pleaded.
Another furious shriek echoed through the chamber.
“Seize him!” the Siren Queen commanded, her clawed fingers slicing through the air.
The sirens surged forward—only to freeze.
Jabir stood tall. Unbowed. Powerful. He lifted one hand, palm outward.
“Stop! I am Prince Jabir Reykill of Valdier,” he said, his voice low, calm, but ringing through the cavern with royal authority that made even the water ripple. “Son of Mandra and Lady Ariel Reykill. Warrior prince of the Valdier dragon-shifters.”
The sirens closest to him paused. One actually recoiled when she saw the fire of his dragon glowing in his eyes. Light from the pool caught the sharp planes of Jabir’s jaw, the proud lift of his chin, the coiled power in every line of his frame. His dragon shimmered just beneath his skin, sapphire and silver scales rippling up his arms and neck, and a ghostly image flickered in the water in response.
He turned his gaze to the Siren Queen.
She narrowed her eyes. “Why have you come to our realm? Why did you enchant my daughter?”
Jewel released a soft cry of protest at her mother’s accusation. Jabir could feel her heartbreak vibrating through their joined hands.
He reached down and helped her to stand, then wrapped his arm around her protectively, drawing her close to his side.
“If anyone is under a spell, it’s me,” he responded in a quiet voice.
The Siren Queen’s eyes flared.
“I’ve never met anyone like Jewel,” he continued. “She is kind. Fierce. She’s curious, and brave, and doesn’t judge what she doesn’t understand. She’s shown me a world I never imagined—and accepted me for who I am.”
His voice softened as he looked down at Jewel, brushing his fingers along her cheek. She leaned into his touch, her face pale and her eyes glistening with tears.
“I came from another world… and found friendship. And love.”
The cavern was silent, save for the soft lapping of water.
Then his voice turned sharper. “Why do you attack the villagers? They’ve done nothing to threaten you.”
The Siren Queen’s hands curled into fists at her sides. Her glow dimmed, just slightly.
“They pushed us from the shallow waters,” she said. “Further and further. And then… they took something that belongs to us—to me. Something precious. And they refuse to give it back.”
Pain shimmered in her glowing eyes, raw and unguarded for the briefest of moments.
“What did they take?” Jabir asked gently.
