Lost Souls

Chapter 4

When I open my eyes again, I immediately know I am dreaming. However, within seconds, I realize this is not an ordinary dream. Because directly in front of me is a mermaid a few years older than me with brown hair and brown eyes. At first, I stare at her blankly, confusion clouding my eyes until recognition hits me in the gut. It's Ella.

A strangled sob breaks from my lips as I lurch forward. I hardly remember anything about my older sister, but as I stare at her, it's like looking at a face I'd forgotten about and then rediscovered. When she speaks, her voice is warm and soft, just as I'd imagined. "Oh, Faye." Her voice breaks as she throws her arms around me. I hug her back even tighter, holding her as if she'll vanish if I let go.

When we finally break apart, I clutch my chest, feeling like my heart is breaking in half. "El—Ella, I m—miss you so much. We b—both do. Mom and Dad are t—taking such good care of us, but we miss you both every day. It's n—not the same without you."

Sobs break up my words, but she shakes her head, wiping a tear off my cheek. "Mom and I miss you both every day, but we're together now, and we can watch over you. We may not be there physically anymore, but we're always with you in here." Ella smiles sadly as she places a hand over my heart.

I squeeze my eyes shut as another tear slips down my cheek. "Ella, please. Please don't leave me." Even though I know this is only a dream, I want to keep us both here forever—where nothing bad can happen. Even though I know this is only a dream, I want to keep her here with me where she's safe.

"You don't need me anymore. You have Drew and Jonah and an entire family who loves you and who would die for you." As the words leave her mouth, she frowns as anger darkens her eyes. "But be careful of the Sirens, Faye. They will try to trick you; they will lure you in with the promise of a family, one who will never leave or forsake you.

"But don't fall into their trap. They will tell you lies and make false promises, eventually forcing you to choose sides. You will ultimately have to pay a price that will alter your life forever. Get out while you still can. I only wish I had when I had the chance. I would have gotten Mom out, too." Ella's voice breaks as a shudder slips down my spine.

My eyes widen as I tighten my grip on my sister's hands. "Are you talking about the Sirens?" I didn't know she'd known about them. When I'd learned that being a Siren was hereditary, I always thought that a mermaid eventually learned about them when she reached a certain age—around her 17th birthday. In Ella's case, she'd never turned 17; her murder had occurred when she was 14.

Ella nods but doesn't elaborate, tears gleaming in her eyes. "I miss you, Faye. Tell Drew I love him. I love you both. Promise me you'll take care of each other." When her voice breaks again, the tears spill down her cheeks like a waterfall.

I'm seconds away from shaking my head and begging her to stay when an image of the Lost Soul Pendant materializes in my mind. I choke on a sob as I open my mouth, tears coming faster than I can form the words. "Y-you can come back. We h-have the Lost Soul Pendant. You and M-Mom can both come back." Despite the intense sorrow weighing me down, my heart leaps at the revelation.

Another sad smile, and then Ella shakes her head again. "Noah probably got rid of our bodies the second he had the chance. You could search for years and not find them. Remember what I said: we may not be there physically anymore, but we're always with you in here." When she places a hand on my heart a second time, I falter. She takes my weight effortlessly, holding me tightly as my sobs, heartbreaking and sorrowful, fill the water.

I can't go through this again. As I clutch my sister, memories of Jacob's final moments flash through my head. I see the resigned expression on his face—immediately followed by shock as the light leaves his eyes. I hear his voice for the umpteenth time, resigned and calm. "'I know I haven't always been the best father, but I truly believe this is the only way I can atone for my sins. And the only way I can see Carla again.'"