Chapter 3: Moonlight Sonata

1K 24 0
                                    

Anne opened her eyes and saw a pale white light filling the cavern. Her shifting woke the sleeping siren.

"Mmm," moaned Ceol as she stretched. "Nighttime," she said, sitting up and smiling.

"It's beautiful," said Anne watching it creep over the cave. Something caught her eye. A glint of gold. She watched as the moonlight crept over a pile of treasure. Then several piles more. As the cavern fully illuminated, she saw that the walls were lined with spices, rare jewels, kegs of booze, statues, and other works of art. She stood up and spun around, taking everything in. "What the hells?!"

"What do you think of my collection?" asked Ceol eagerly. "Is it impressive by human standards? I've always wondered."

"W-where... where... ho-" She fell back onto the bed which she now saw was so big and ornate that it could belong to a king. If she had a better knowledge of sigils, she would have known that it did.

"Well, a lot of ships crash into the rocks near the island. Especially during storms. That's why I always sing during the rain now, to calm the sailors' nerves." She motioned to a pile of swords, spears, and armor at one end of the room. "Some people even come to the island to hunt, but they never make it past all the hidden rocks. I feel bad for them since there are only birds here. Well, and me, of course."

Anne stared at her slack-jawed. She didn't have the heart to tell her the truth.

Ceol shrugged. "Oh well. I hope you think it's nice."

"It's... it's very impressive," she finally managed to respond.

Ceol beamed with joy, hearing that her treasure horde was impressive. Her smile quickly faded and she looked down to the cavern floor. "So..." she started, the sound of water dripping from the ceiling echoed through the cave filling the silence, "I guess tomorrow we should look for ships so you can get back to land."

Anne lifted her chin to meet her warm eyes. "I don't know. I think I may need a few more singing lessons. Could be a while before I'm as good as you."

Ceol beamed and threw her arms around Anne, both of them falling backward on the bed. They kissed each other passionately. It was already time for another singing lesson.

Random Encounters: SirenWhere stories live. Discover now