The Paired

Melody

Follow me into the sea

I will show you love's mystery

Come my sailor and you shall be

Another line of this melody

Many have come

None could depart

Come a little closer

And you may have my heart

I quietly hummed the familiar song to myself to test how responsive the surrounding guys were. My little tune earned me a few double takes and even a wink from some bold, overconfident elf. I spotted a few attractive men, but the majority was not looking so great.

I have mixed opinions about the pairings and let's just say seeing these males didn't exactly get my hopes up. Sometimes I like thinking that my mate could be hand selected by the Ruler's Council. Other times, I hate my Mother for falling for a foolish human in the first place.

It naturally separates me from the other sirens, so I do everything in my power to fit in with them. Besides, every siren knows that people are just prey, nothing else. Human love is frail and insufficient. We are taught to lure and seduce them; torturous drownings are just the perks. Most half human sirens are just the result of sirens getting carried away. The sailors are always disposed of afterward. That's the reason why everyone sitting with me in the siren group had inevitable daddy problems.

Perhaps if mother were any normal siren, I wouldn't be stuck waiting in this hell. I glanced over at a few of my friends talking anxiously. Usually, I would join in. But now, I don't have enough energy to fake enthusiasm for them. It' obvious that one specific siren didn't fit in with the crowd. A few seats away from the siren gathering, poor, pathetic Harmony isolated herself. Her dark blonde hair covered most of her face. Ugh. Out of everyone else, why did my twin have to be her?

At least we look nothing alike. My long, wavy, black hair contrasts hers. Her eyes are an odd, piercing green but luckily mine are a deep shade of blue. The only thing identical about us is our average height. I inherited our Mother's looks and Harmony was stuck resembling our human Father's. It's too bad, maybe Harmony would fit in with the sirens if she looked more like one of us. I doubt it. Her annoying personality is bound to stick out wherever she goes.

13. I can't forget this stupid fricking number. Especially now that the fairy was starting to announce the numbers that were drawn. About halfway through the induction, thirteen was called. Okay Melody, I'm now another player in this game for two. I couldn't help but smirk as I was given my necklace and place on the stage. Harmony would return home to mommy with zero hope of finding a "true love". Oh well.

There was quite a variety of half creatures already. I swear, if I get paired with a cyclops boy, I'll sneak out if I have to.

After another half hour later, they were pulling the last number. Lucky number is ... "141". Wait, I think someone I know has that number. My heart dropped when I saw Harmony awkwardly walking to the stage. Fate's a bitch. So is Harmony. I was hoping to get away from her. I don't want to have to see her here every day. Ms. Fairy lady explained some rules or whatever, but I was too stressed about Harmony being chosen to really pay attention.

What if she finds a way to ruin my match somehow? Or worse, she gets a hotter pair than I get. If the Rulers' have eyes, that shouldn't be a problem. How am I going to get through a whole week of not knowing who my pair is? I wonder if it's possible to swap your match. I need back up plans just in case.

I got called for my interview before I had time to prepare. I took my seat opposite the fairy and carefully composed myself.

"Hello, Melody." She greeted me. "How do you feel about being chosen for our pairs program?" Something hidden in her eyes made me not want to really trust her.

"I'm excited for this opportunity." Short and simple, too much information can only be harmful.

"What are you looking for in a pair?" she asked. Damn, I really should've prepared myself for this.

"I would like a man who is intelligent, surprising, and of course attractive." Basic predictable answers seem like a good choice. In all honesty, I have no concept of "love". Male sirens are rare, and the ones back home were decent at best. I can appreciate a handsome face, but relationships are unnecessary.

"Have you ever participated in typical siren relationships?" she continued.

"This is a first." I would be lying if I said that I hadn't kissed a few sirens before. Still, that's far from a relationship. I wonder if this interview is useful in any way.

"Okay, that's all. I will see you again shortly for the dorm assignments." I left without saying anything else. I got back to my seat with the other girls and couldn't stop myself from staring at the guys across from me. I hummed the same song again, retesting my effects on them. For a second, I swear every pair of male eyes glanced at me. Funny how siren songs work. They don't even know they are being manipulated. Even better, the girls are absolutely clueless. I could probably take whatever pair I want, if need be. Only one guy didn't look at me at all. During this search, I saw a few more attractive faces now that there were only 20 guys remaining. Out of curiosity, I scanned the girls' faces as well. Not much competition there. I guess a few of them could be pretty if they invested in some make up and plastic surgery.

Harmony was still waiting to be interviewed. I can't really see what she is – wait, is she seriously reading? Now?!? Nothing about that girl is normal. She probably has her head in the clouds reading some unrealistic, fantasy romance where the most interesting highlight of the book consists of a kiss on the cheek. I laughed to myself when I realized that'd probably be the highlight of her paired relationship as well.

I was in the first dorm they assigned for the girls. I didn't get the chance to see where Harmony ended up. My roommate didn't seem too happy about being chosen. I think she's the fairy that had to be dragged to the stage. I walked in the room and sat on the bed closest to the door. If I ever need to sneak out, that'll be useful. Brynn looked like she had been crying for a while when she got the courage to look up at me.

"Hi, Melody. I'm Brynn. I-I like your hair." She squeaked. Geez, her little whiny voice is annoying. Good thing she doesn't seem to talk too much.

"Thanks." I rolled my eyes. Fake compliments are tacky. Although it would mean hearing her irritating voice again, I decided to ask her a few questions; gain a little more info.

"So, Brynn... did you see any hotties out there?" I giggled a little for show. She already looked uncomfortable.

"I-I don't know. I've never had a b-boyfriend before." Could've never guessed that.

"Why? Are you afraid of their cooties? Germaphobe? What is it?" I teased.

"Actually, i-it's common for f-female fairies to l-like each other. R-r-romantically." Brynn stuttered out. That's a new one, I guess.

"Oh, okay. Maybe you can talk to the Ruler's Council about that. They might let you go home or something." I suggested. A room all to myself doesn't seem bad.

"I d-don't know about that. I'm t-too scared to say s-something. It wouldn't be honorable." Hmm. There're worse people I could share a room with, so I guess I should be okay.

"Suit yourself." I mumbled.

Dinner should've come earlier. I may have contemplated having fairy fries for a meal once or twice. There was nothing to do here. All my belongings were still at my house. I spent most of the evening humming songs to myself. It's always good to brush up on them before I need to use them for my pair. Brynn must've burnt a lot of calories rocking back and forth for hours. I also spent some of my time planning where my things would go once they were delivered. When it was finally getting dark outside my window, I didn't force myself to stay awake any longer. Then again, beauty sleep is only for those without beauty.

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Nothing much to say!! Thanks again for reading!! Have a nice day!!