Fates Intertwined

27. | Family Trees

Aurora opened the book. Heaving a deep sigh, she flipped through it, skipping the different creatures and drawings that appeared. Zyran pulled out his phone, turning the flashlight on. It allowed her to see better, and she gave him a thankful smile.

She continued going through the pages when Lina stopped her. "Wait, go back." She did, looking down at the mermaid-like creature. "What's that?"

"Syren." Aurora read aloud. "Humanlike creatures that live in water and lure their victims by using an entrancing voice..." She trailed off. But then she continued. "They have the ability to live out of water, appearing to be human to blend in amongst a crowd. It is believed they have a mermaid-like tail, sharp black nails, razor teeth, and a deadly voice to enrapture their prey where they lure them to their deaths and...feast on their...flesh." Aurora murmured.

"That's not terrifying whatsoever." Eric retorted.

"Is that what I am?" Nara asks, leaning to get a closer look. "I haven't turned into that thing. How can we be sure?"

"You haven't been in water." Lina deadpanned.

"You've got the voice." Aurora commented.

Nara scoffed. "Pfft. No, I don't." She waved it off. They all stared at her. Doubt crept in. "Do I?"

"What else does it say? Anything about powers?" Zyran asked, trying to look.

"No, but this is also old. Nowadays, they'd have evolved. Developed new abilities." Aurora explained.

"Like controlling water?" Lina asked. Their heads snapped up.

Slowly, Aurora nodded. "It's possible, yes."

Lina turned to Nara, shrugging. "All signs point to yes, I'm afraid."

"I don't have to eat people...do I?" Nara asked, grimacing. "It's not like a survival thing?"

"You've survived this long, so I really don't think so." Aurora answered.

Nara heaved a relieved sigh, pressing a hand to her chest. "Thank the lord." Nara jumped up onto the table and plopped down on her stomach.

"Was that really necessary?" Lina asked.

"Yep." She nodded, grinning. "When in doubt, jump on a table."

"That's not a— You know what, nevermind." She sighed.

Aurora shook her head, turned back to the book, and continued flipping through, though slower this time, looking at the images and the names. She stopped. "Witch." She read aloud. "There are many different types of witchcraft, some in elemental magic to ancestral magic. Witches use spells to conjure up spirits, the elements of earth, and attack their enemies."

"Sounds accurate." Lina commented.

"Witches are said to be evil, with pet familiars, many times in the form of a black cat. Witches are considered dangerous and are to be treated with caution. If you do not kill them first, they will kill you..." Aurora trailed off.

Lina's lips pursed. "Well, that's that. Next." She called, leaning to turn the page herself.

Aurora pulled herself out of the daze and scrolled through. Passing a page with a picture of a shadow and a third eye named Mediumship that Eric took particular interest in, Aurora continued on.

"What's that?" Zyran asked as he stopped her on a page.

"Scylla." She read, once again, aloud. "A sea monster descending from ancient Greek Mythology. Though the Scylla was believed to be of female sex, its evolution has proved it is only the mother of this species. It is believed to have a large monster body in the water, using its razor sharp teeth to gnaw on and swallow its prey. Its fluid and quick swimming capabilities allow it easier access to stake claim on their victims. It has become one of the most hunted in the world, very few men returning from their missions."