Siren's Kiss

47: Tainted Blood

The sea roared with a deafening fury as the monstrous form of the still-unknown monster broke through the waves. The creature's scales glistened like polished obsidian under the dim moonlight, each movement causing a ripple of fear through the gathered onlookers. Its voice was an ancient, guttural growl that seemed to shake the very foundation of the earth, reverberating through the village like an ominous warning. The air vibrated with a dark energy that made it hard to breathe.

Ciel felt it first-a sharp, searing pain that shot through his head, almost splitting his skull. He collapsed into Drake's arms, clutching his temples, his screams mingling with the creature's horrifying wail. The sound wasn't just noise; it was a command, a terrible song that only the sirens could hear, pulling at the very essence of their being. Ciel's eyes turned glassy, his pupils dilated as he struggled against the pull of the creature's voice, but the primal call was overwhelming. Soon, both Coraline and Sage heard it, as if every siren was meant to have their instincts at war with their will.

Coraline fell to her knees, clutching her head as the same agonizing sound pierced her eardrums. She could see Purity's lips moving, frantic with concern, but her voice was lost in the overwhelming noise. Then, Sage let out a scream, startling both Rowan and Hawk.

"What the hell..." Hawk's eyes widened in terror as Rowan quickly threw a blanket over Sage, trying to shield him from the unbearable sound.

"It's happening..." Lyra whispered, her voice trembling as she instinctively clutched Bastien's arm. The couple watched in horror as the monstrous shadow of the Leviathan crept closer to the shore, its sheer size dwarfing the village beneath it.

"Ciel, stay with me!" Drake's voice was a desperate plea, barely audible over the dissonance. He tightened his grip around Ciel's trembling form, trying to anchor him, to keep him from succumbing to the creature's call. But this creature's influence on those who belong under the sea was strong, ancient, and unyielding.

The villagers ran in every direction, their terrified screams echoing as the creature's massive body rose higher, blocking out the sky. It unleashed a jet of boiling water from its maw, obliterating everything in its path. Buildings crumbled, and the once-peaceful harbor was engulfed in chaos. The docks splintered like matchsticks as the waves crashed against them with the force of a hurricane.

"It's happening!" Lyra's trembling voice broke through the chaos once more, pushing Drake to his limit. His usual calm shattered, replaced by a simmering fury as he marched toward the couple. Bastien, sensing the pirate's rising impatience, stepped in front of his wife, shielding her with a mixture of courage and desperation, hoping to calm the situation.

"What the hell is that thing?!" Drake growled, his voice laced with urgency as he pointed at the monstrous figure looming outside, wreaking havoc on the village.

"It's the Kraken!" Vic blurted out; his voice shaky. Despite his size, he stood like a protective wall for Jo, Ori, Griff, and Gus, who huddled behind him as if his bulk could shield them from the terror outside. "The Azure Kraken, Cap'n! It's 'ere to destroy us all!"

At the mention of the Azure Kraken, Lyra's resolve snapped, and she finally spoke up. "It's not the Kraken!" she insisted, her voice wavering but firm. "The Azure Kraken has never harmed us. It's the reason this island still thrives."

The revelation hit like a shockwave, leaving Drake, Purity, Hawk, and Rowan exchanging puzzled glances. Drake's brow furrowed as he pressed further. "Then, what be it? Why be the sirens in such agony?"

Lyra's face paled, her eyes wide with dread as she answered, "Because it's their mortal enemy-their ancestor from the depths of the sea. It has a hold on them. They call it Leviathan."