Siren's Silence

Chapter 17: Who I Am

Siren

My back pressed against the wall outside my room, which was currently being used as a recovery ward for the injured captain. I panted heavily, trying to rein in my scattered thoughts and wild emotions. I had to get myself together before the crew returned after calling in the Griffin.

We had been here too long. James hadn't been the only one targeted tonight. Parker had escaped his would-be ambush, and a few other men were sporting good-sized bruises, cuts, and contusions from their encounters. Those in my personal guard seemed to have taken the worst of it. James must have been identified as a high priority target, or else he would not be in the position he was, having been out cold for a few hours now. I sent the signal out to call in my ship the instant I knew he was awake, doing everything I could to keep my composure as I passed the message on to my men. Though Parker had most likely caught on to my discomfort, I think I managed to fool the others.

My breathing began to slow, but my mind's gears were still turning. James... That man was nothing but a bundle of mysteries. I rubbed my hand absently, still feeling the strange tingle running through it, a residual effect of the electric shock that had pulsed through me the instant his lips had touched my skin. My mind began to piece together what had happened, connecting past and present, stringing together how he was here... I had once thought that I'd never see him again.

I stood, taking a deep breath, and slowly strode to the door, my fingers coming to rest on the handle. How was I to start? How does one explain to someone who fears her, that she... Oh. I smiled, knowing I had a plan of action. I only hoped he would remember, the worry took the smile from my lips, but I had to try.

I opened the door to find Thomas next to his friend having an intense, but hushed conversation, which I could only barely hear.

"Are you out of your mind?" Thomas hissed. "You could... What if she... What were you thinking?"

"I already told you, I thought I was dreaming again!" James growled back. "They look really similar... It was an honest mistake."

"Wait, 'they look similar'? You're dreaming of Siren now?" Thomas looked shocked. I shifted uncomfortably.

"I didn't realize it until... Well..." James trailed off.

I coughed, one of the few sounds I could still make with my ravaged throat. Both men snapped around, clearly surprised.

"Captain Siren," Thomas said, standing and giving me a respectful solute.

I returned it, allowing him to relax. "Please forgive my intrusion. I would like to speak to Captain Merkott in private," I signed.

The two exchanged a nervous glance, which I found rather amusing. They looked like two fourteen-year-old boys who had just been caught by their mother doing something they shouldn't have.

I felt a smile pulling at the corner of my mouth. "I mean no harm."

James nodded and Thomas bowed out. The instant the door closed, James started up a stream of apologies. I approached him swiftly and pressed my hand over his mouth, silencing him. I let him go, instead resting my palm on his exposed chest. I gently took his warm hand and set it on my wrist.

"What are you- ?" He paused, eyes widening as I set my hand over his heart, then placed the other one beside his head. He watched me curiously until my lips pressed to his forehead. I leaned back again, watching him, hoping he would remember. The next word out of his mouth confirmed that he did.

"Céline?" He breathed.

I gave him a small smile and nodded.

"Céline!" He gave me a crushing hug, something I had missed in our many long years apart. "What happened to you? How did you get out? The King... Alvah... How did he... How did he know you?" He held me at arm's length, studying me as if it were the first time he'd seen me.