Siren's Kiss

39: Heavy Is The Head

The nighttime ocean swirled in a deep, black texture. The wind, water, and creaking lines formed a mournful symphony. Among those offering their condolences was the Grandmaster Isadora. She watched solemnly as the caskets were lowered over the wall of the Sanctum Aeternum, plunging into the water with a splash. This tradition was common among the denizens of the Seven Seas, who believed in honoring the God Nerevarus, the creator of their world and their kind.

Six wooden caskets floated away from the shore, a ghastly fleet. It hadn't been long since they found the elderly fisherman Kapo passed away. Although Isadora and the other Grandmasters were told that the older man's body was found in one piece, it was only later did they learned that the back of his skin was peeled off, as though the flesh behind him was perfectly filet. The physician's autopsy of his body revealed even more horrific wounds that were most likely not caused by any of the denizens of the Seven Seas, which only left them of one possibility---he was killed by an unknown sea monster.

After his death, more bodies of fishermen began to surface from different parts of the world. Initially, arguments arose suggesting it might be the work of the Azure Kraken. These mythical creatures often appeared near the territorial coast of Thalassara, the Siren Kingdom. However, knowing that the behemoth typically resided in the west, near the Ghost Sea and Drake Passage, it seemed impossible that it had changed its territory without anyone noticing. The Azure Kraken only became berserk when it was lost or attacked.

This was why the battle between King Cyraeni and an Azure Kraken was met with skepticism. Templar Grandmasters believed that the siren kingdom might have summoned the creature themselves, either to harvest its pearls or to test the superiority of their king. The latter was considered more likely, as sirens, despite their noble lineage, were still viewed as denizens of the sea. Compared to those who lived on land, some of their customs and regulations were considered primitive.

After the memorial service, Isadora walked briskly down the long hallway of the Sanctum Aeternum. Her steps, though hurried, were light and graceful. As one of the most beautiful female omegas in the land, she was highly sought after by the noble members of the regalia. However, she had little interest in them at the moment. Perhaps it was because she was waiting for someone she had always longed to be with. If only Drake had made a move during their last meeting, she could have been more honest about her feelings. This was why she longed to see him again...

"Where is he?" Isadora hissed at her personal guard, Gemini. She was referring to none other than Lucius Shadowbane. It hadn't been long since Lucius had persuaded her to join his cause, promising that she could have what she wanted in return. Though she had her own plans, she saw no harm in aligning with one of the most influential grandmasters in the Sanctum Aeternum. She agreed, but only to a certain extent, for she didn't trust Lucius either. It was his mistake to underestimate her at the start of their partnership.

"The last I heard from our spy, Sire Lucius was sent by the High Sentinel, Lord Aurelius, on a diplomatic mission. He seems eager to take on more assignments than his department can handle," Gemini advised.

Isadora made a face upon hearing this. "That foolish man! All these deaths in such a short period have caused so much distress in the sanctum. Do you think he has anything to do with it?"

Gemini looked at her, slightly bemused. "I don't reckon he has that kind of power, let alone the skill to harm anyone." This was true, as Lucius was known for using others to do his dirty work, washing his hands of any culpability despite his true abilities.

Isadora halted as they neared the throne room. She glanced around, noting bishops and servants passing by. She inclined her head to greet those she recognized, then pulled Gemini into a private office in the corner, locking the door behind them to continue their private conversation.