Page 96 of Seas the Reckoning

Fingers wrap around my upper arms, squeezing tight and forcing my arms to remain at my sides as the shocks subside.

“My new bride is going to be a handful,” Claude says.

Councilman Taylor examines his hands, as though sending a jolt through me might have broken a manicured nail.

“Did you try to find a way to break the naiad’s curse on your own? How industrious of you, and how disappointing that your efforts are as weak as your magic.”

The wind has picked up, lifting his hair and giving him a wild look I know he must try hard to avoid.

“I’m okay,” I scream too loudly, warning off the others.

They still intend to go through with the wedding. We still have a chance.

Piers is still twiddling his thumbs, appearing wholly uncertain of what to do.

Starla is suffering from no such problems. She flings herself at her father, pounding his chest with her fists as shocks go flying.

He lets loose with another jolt. Not enough to hurt the witch, but enough to send her stumbling backward.

“Let her go, you great oaf!” Starla says, turning her attention to Claude.

He smiles, all teeth.

“Why? She’s about to be mine anyway, isn’t she? Your father did mention he suspected she’s been cavorting with that stray dog you insisted on bringing to functions. I have to say, cousin, I always assumed you were the one slumming it with him. Or has he had you both?”

“Filth! Lies and filth! I’ll shut that mouth for you.” She throws her hand out, sending shocks his way. Her father flings a bolt, intercepting and redirecting her magic.

“Both of you, stop squabbling. This is not befitting our family. Whatever happened with the hyena is immaterial, and Starla is well aware that if he doesn’t keep his paws far away from our property, we’ll be paying his family a little visit.”

I struggle against Claude, hoping Jackal can keep himself from charging onto the sand.

Councilman Taylor would probably send a lightning sailing right for my mate’s heart.

The rain is pelting us now.

“Is her song in here? If it’s not, do feel free to force me to return the necklace.”

He waves it in front of my face, and I scowl, knowing I can’t do a thing.

“What a fascinating bauble. I may have to call Arloc back to the estate to examine it. Don’t worry, I’m sure we can put this to good use.”

“Councilman!” Claude yells over the winds. “Don’t forget our deal. I’m marrying her, which means that voice should be mine.”

“Our deal is seventy-thirty, and the best way to use it is to have the siren sing when and how we say. We will control the necklace, and in doing so, control her.”

He may have figured out that the necklace is holding my song, but he has no idea how it works.

I sag.

“I’ll do it. Whatever you need me to sing. You can decide how I use my song. Just don’t hurt us.”

“Sign, Starla. Let us be done with this,” Councilman Taylor instructs, pocketing the shell and shattering any hope I had that he would be foolish enough to try making me use it.

Starla throws her shoulders back and glares at her father.

“No! I’m not going back! Not even in a pine box!” she shouts over the building storm.

“You are a disappointment."