Rosakai’s voice held such hatred as he spoke about his duty, his need to vanquish those that hunted them. The siren said he was immortal and that he lived for centuries… Was all that time spent fighting and at war? Had this man ever known peace? Zephren certainly hadn’t.

“A duty?” Zephren asked, wondering how much more Rosakai would tell him. He’d already shared more than Zephren had expected, but still, somehow Zeph knew it wasn’t everything there was to say. Secrets and barriers surrounded them, walls put up to keep them safe… Safe from who? Who was his real enemy here?

The siren brushed his long white hair away from his handsome face, pulling it over his shoulder so the wind wouldn’t catch it. “Yes,” he uttered, his words heavy, “It’s my responsibility as a siren. Though I may not be bound by the government’s ruling, they control my life. I’m not free…and I want freedom. I want equality…to live my own life and see others like me do the same. We are not creatures to be owned and controlled.” Rosakai shifted uncomfortably. “Perhaps, having been a prisoner, you can understand that need.”

There was a jolt as Zephren heard the words, taking a deep breath. Rosakai wasn’t wrong, he knew well what it was like to yearn for freedom.

Zeph looked up at the sky, wondering when the last time was that he’d ever seen the stars…perhaps when he’d been a child. “You know, when I got out of that confinement, I really thought I was free. Just for a moment.” He brought down his gaze, looking at his feet instead, rooted in the sand. “Then I saw the city burning. I laughed, it was such a cruel joke. And it is cruel… I’m being hunted, whether it’s for a weapon or to be killed, I’m not sure it makes much of a difference.” Zephren’s throat felt tight as he muttered, “Now, I don’t know if I’ll ever be free. And I just feel…lost.”

The squeeze and stretch of leather sounded as Rosakai wrung his hands together, a noise of frustration escaping his lips. “It does make a difference. If you do have powers, and Crimson caught you, if the government obtained them, there’s no question they would use you violently for selfish reasons… He burned down an entire city just looking for you.”

Zephren looked at Rosakai, a thread of fear being tugged at the center of his chest as he asked, “Do you want to use me? Is that why you were looking for me? Because you knew my mother and thought maybe I have her powers?” Zephren didn’t know what he was expecting this siren, a stranger, to say… But, when the man said nothing, Zephren gritted his teeth.

Betrayal flared inside him at even the lack of denial. He’d been foolish not to realize the true intent behind this man saving his life. “So, you knew they were coming for me and wanted to get there first.” Zephren stood, shocked by the fact he even felt deceived.

Was there no one in the world he could trust?

“I should have known,” Zephren snarled coldly as he tugged at his hair. Though his voice was quiet, it quivered with rage. “You brought me here, told me all these things about my past, about myself… Just so, what, I’ll be on your side?” There was a callous scoff that left his throat as Zephren shrugged. “You really got me. I thought you were going to offer me safety—”

“I offered you protection—”

“But really it was all a ruse. Wasn’t it?” Zephren shouted, his voice carrying over the waves as he cried, his throat painfully strained, “Why can’t I just be left alone to live a normal life—?”

“We are not normal.” Rosakai raised to his feet, towering over Zephren as he stared down at him with a cold determination. His intensity was crushing, boring through him as he said, “Enough of these accusations. Let me speak and explain to you my intentions.” When Zeph remained quiet, Rosakai looked at him a little softer, almost sympathetically. “It’s true that I want to stop Crimson, and yes, if I had my way, I’d want you to help me.” He took a step forward, slowly closing the space between them. “But, that is not why you are here. If I hadn’t found you, Crimson would have, and you might have even been dead before then.”

He sounds desperate, Zephren thought, but there was sincerity and sympathy in Rosakai’s voice as well. Of all the things that Rosakai could have been, this strong, hauntingly beautiful siren, desperate was the last thing that Zephren would have guessed. “Go on,” Zephren murmured, wanting to hear this man’s excuses…his reasons.

“I want to be clear when I tell you, you do not have to stay here,” Rosakai sounded honest, though perhaps saddened by the thought. “You can leave, right now if you want, and if you choose to stay, you do not have to fight. I’m not going to lock you away and force you to kill for me, if that is what you are implying.” He paused for a moment, stepping closer; so close he was almost chest to chest with Zeph, the back of their hands almost brushing.

Zephren had to crane his neck to meet Rosakai’s eyes, the siren’s voice almost a whisper as he hushed, “But, if you do stay here and choose not to fight, you must be prepared for the dangers you will face. I am not offering you a safe and comfortable life, there is no life like that for people like us. I am offering you my protection, regardless of what you come to choose.”

Zephren looked away, clenching his jaw. “You can’t expect me to just follow you around and do nothing. You know if I stay here, I’ll have to fight for you.”

Rosakai blinked at Zeph. “Why do you assume you’ll be fighting for me? Why not for yourself? For the world of Sanctus? …Why is fighting the wrong thing to do?” His words were soft; questions without preconceived answers.

Raw and vulnerable, Zephren saw the way Rosakai’s eyes sparkled; it was as if they glowed instead of reflecting the light.

“I’m afraid of being used,” Zephren admitted.

“Then don’t be. Decide not to be.”

“If only it were that simple.” Zephren shook his head. “I don’t know anything about the world… About Sanctus. I don’t know anything but what you’ve told me. How can I be sure it’s even true? How can I choose violence when I wouldn’t even know what I’m fighting for?”

A sudden darkness passed over Rosakai, his height and build even more impressive as he towered over Zephren. “Then learn about the world. This is an important decision you need to make, but for no one but yourself. The person you want to be, the life you want to lead…it’s up to you. I’m just here to keep you alive, if you want my help, that is.”

Zephren felt the hairs rise on his skin as he shivered. “Do you really mean all that?”

Rosakai’s face looked pained as he nodded, breathing quietly, “I do…but my words mean nothing if you don’t trust me.”

Sighing, Zephren wrapped his arm around himself, feeling his sling. “I don’t know what to believe, and I don’t know if I trust you, but I’ve already decided to stay here. I suppose you’re my ally, for now.” He looked back towards the cabin; two stories of all dark wood.

Would this place be his sanctuary or his downfall?

Anywhere was better than what he’d left behind.

Zephren’s face flushed as Rosakai grabbed his hand, carefully avoiding the bandaged burn as he squeezed his fingers. It was a firm, distinct grip, willing Zeph to look up at him.

Zephren couldn’t, his eyes were transfixed on where Rosakai held him.

After what was merely seconds, despite how long they felt, Zephren glanced up at Rosakai’s silver eyes, wondering if the siren would find his embarrassment on his face.

“I am your ally,” Rosakai said, his long white eyelashes blinking, “and, whatever it is you decide, however long it takes to make that decision, I stand with you, Zephren Kyne…and that won’t change.”