A Siren's Echo

Chapter 4: When Strangers Almost Come Knocking

I silently close the book and run my fingers over the words on the back. Something about it sends shivers through my spine. I'm suddenly so angry. How could someone be so stupid as to take other women's husbands and so openly flirt with them. This Leida girl destroyed an entire villiage because she thought she was untouchable and I hate her for it. Its strange to think I wouldn't be alive if my ancestors hadn't escaped.

I start to wonder why it says our bloodline will end. If the women are having so many lovers and suitors how is it that we arent having children faster and then I remember something. Flipping through the pages I see what I was looking for "Women who only gave birth to one child, a daughter, were suspected of being Sirens, and they and their daughters were killed." My mother had only had me and as far as I know she hadn't had any brothers or sisters. My stomach sinks as I come to the horrible realization of just how limited Sirens can be. We might not be able to have more than on child and if we do it has to be a girl. And then it all makes sense. Mother said she had to give her powers to me. Certainly you couldn't divide your powers among so many children. Nobody is that powerful.

Viewing the stacks of books more I see a few journals. One book is bound with paintings and poems about Sirens. I see beautiful women lying on couches while men swoon over them, just like my mother. One of the words that keeps coming up is death and I think about how many men have died for these Sirens. Its hard to remember I'm one of them. I flip through the book that is composed of all of the paintings and poems. Just as I'm about to close the book I see a piece of paper tucked inside of it. As I pull out the paper I realize its a list.

 Singing:Powerful but can't use around women.

Thought Read: Works best if I know my victim. 

Infinite Faces: Combined with thought read to convince people I'm their loved one

Instrument: So far only two instruments known to work- Lute and Harp

More illegible scribles crossed out or scrawled over

My brain feels like its about to explode. This is too much for me so I climb in to my bed and close my eyes to try to get an ounce of sleep but all of this new information swirls around in my head begging to break free from its cage. Tears stream down my face and I try to keep them in my eyes but the sobs start coming. 

I suddenly feel like I need to see my mom and ask her all of these questions. I throw back my blankets and grab a night robe quickly tying it and striding to the door. When I throw open the door I freeze. Standing there inches from my face is Dimitri, the man who owns the house. I feel entrapped in my own skin and freeze hoping this scene will melt away but it doesn't. He stares at me with the same amount of shock. It seems he didn't expect me to catch him that close to my room. He stares at the floor and runs his fingers through his greying brown hair. I reach behind me and feel around the door for the knob, When my fingers reach the doorknob I quickly say "goodnight", spin around, and throw open the door. The seconds it takes for me to open the door feels like hours and when my feet feel the soft change in carpet, my hands cant slam the door fast enough. I run to my bed and lay down wondering what he could've possibly be doing.

The soft knock at my door makes me jump and I sit up pulling my covers up to my chin. The door slowly opens up and Dimitri walks in. His grey-purple eyes stare at mine and he stands awkwardly which is strange for this normally composed business man. "Echo?" he clears his throat. "Are you okay." I nod and stare at my blanket looking for a loose string to pick at. He continues speaking and says " I thought I heard noises in here. I was just checking. I didn't mean to frighten you." I nod silently again spotting a tiny green thread. I start twisting it around my finger and  pray he goes away. He doesn't. After a few minutes of awkward silence I look up at him and give my best smile. "I'm fine thank you Master Dimitri. It was very thoughtful of you to check on me." He stands up straighter and folds his hands in front of him clearing his throat again. "Well goodnight. Let me know if you need anything." He turns and opens the door. Then he turns around just to make sure I really am okay and I think the smile that is pasted on my face convices him. He walks out quietly closing the door behind him. I yank the string out before finally laying back down to sleep. Nothing going on in my mind makes sense so I relinquish the fight and let my self fall asleep.

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