Buried in the Sea

Seven years ago, Calliope Endiris lost everything in a flood of cursed black water. Haunted by the calamity, she seeks to absolve herself of the patron sigil passed through her family, one that binds her to the very same water spirit who destroyed her home--Marin. But her quest is cut short, and Cal ends up stuck as an attendant to Elowyn, the youngest daughter of the wealthy Adeline family. Cal would rather do anything than babysit, but she has no choice. Not when the Adeline family knows of Cal's sigil and the truth of the black water calamity, knowledge that could get Cal killed.

However, on the eve of Elowyn's twelfth birthday, the Adeline estate falls under attack, and all members of the family are slaughtered. Cal and Elowyn are forced to flee farther east for sanctuary, but it won't be easy to shake off their enemies with another patron sigil-user leading the charge.

When Marin promises safety to both girls at a temple oasis, where the water is pure enough to wash away any sin, Cal makes a dangerous gamble to protect Elowyn. Even though Marin's black water haunts Cal, she'll do anything if it means saving her life and Elowyn's--especially if there's also a chance to dissolve her pact with the water spirit.

~~Completed!