Siren Calls: The Rise of Ares, #1

Prologue

I

could see the young girl with her long black hair flowing in the wind, her bright blue eyes filled with joy and delight. Her parents were pushing her on the swings. She squealed and giggled the higher she went. All three of them had wide grins on their faces. To anyone else they seemed happy, but I could sense something was wrong. Something else that no one seemed to acknowledge. At a closer look you could see there was worry set deep in the parent’s eyes, which were continuously darting across the busy park. Focusing my attention back on the young girl, I felt drawn to her. She was just so familiar. Deep down I could feel an unmade connection waiting to rise. It was beautiful to watch them, but something hung in the air and I had a terrible feeling that their happiness was about to change.

As suddenly as it had appeared, the picture before me faded and a new one took its place. Outside the sky had turned dark, leaving only small glimpses of light shining through the windows of the house I was in. Looking around, I could see four deep mahogany doors leading into other rooms. Picture frames were scattered all over the cream walls and oddly I noticed the banister was also a dark mahogany wood. It was clear I was standing on the upstairs landing, and that’s when I heard it. Loud screams. Piercing through the night, they were coming from somewhere below me. Drifting down the stairs, praying they wouldn’t creak, I took in the sight laid out before me. The windows at the front of the house were smashed leaving shattered glass everywhere, the big wooden door was swinging only half on its hinges, opening the house up to a cold draught that swept through.

As I slowly turned to face the back of the house, I could see more damage. A small side table lay on the floor with its legs broken and the pictures on the wall were all in a state of disarray. I should have felt fear, but I felt nothing but curiosity. Ambling, I headed toward the screams, which were now turning into low whimpers. Creeping down the cold, darkened hallway, I came to a stop at yet another tall mahogany door. This one was slightly ajar. Peeking through at the scene before me sent chills up my spine. The room was full of people in black hooded cloaks. They were wearing masks that covered the top half of their faces. All were tall and largely built, leading me to believe they must all be men. One of them suddenly glided to the other side of the room to talk to another, leaving a gap in the circle for me to see.

Two bodies, a man and a woman. Covered in blood. That was what they were all standing around. There was blood on the table they were laying on and the floor surrounding it. As I took it in, I even noticed some on the walls. The woman’s head slowly turned toward where I was standing as if sensing I was there. With a panicked look in her eyes, she mouthed one simple word.

Run.

Fear absent before now crept its way through my body. Taking a step backward, I felt, rather than heard, the floorboards creak beneath me and froze. I glanced quickly through the door only to realize too late that they had heard me and were now all sauntering my way.  

I tried to scream, but no sound came out. One descended on me a lot faster than the others. Slowly but almost gracefully, he lifted his hand to his face, peeling away his mask. Eyes that were pitch black with a bright red outline stared back at me. The fear I felt turned into terror and I could feel my heart hammering in my chest. Those disturbing eyes were all I could see, I felt lost in them, losing the world around me. My knees were shaking like they would buckle from underneath me at any moment, my hands were sweating and quivering. I had literally no control over my body. I could no longer move or speak. With no way of getting the hell out of there, I realized that I might die here tonight.

Evangeline, his voice was hoarse and sent shivers down my spine, it was unearthly.

What it did was snap me out of my trance and I suddenly remembered how to move. With nowhere to go, all I could do was raise my arms up in front of me as some kind of protection. I don’t want to die, not now, not tonight and not here. I thought those same words over and over, with each word I could feel something inside me growing stronger with my passion to live. There was a flash of blinding light and I squeezed my eyes shut, praying for a quick death. There was no pain, I felt nothing. I could only hear the roars of those around me. Falling to my knees my breaths were coming in sharp, gasping for air I felt exhausted.

We will find you, the hoarse voice said, but at least this time he sounded further away.

Gasping for air I bolted upright so fast that my head started spinning. I could barely see anything beyond the blackness that clouded my eyes. Covered in sweat, I felt disorientated, but I knew I was awake.

It was only a dream, just a stupid Goddamn dream, I told myself. A dream that had turned into a nightmare... The same nightmare I had been having for the past ten years of my life. I never woke up reacting to it any better than the night before. This time it was different though, this time I knew who the young girl was.

Chapter One

A

s I looked down from my balcony in the early morning sun, I watched the crowds of people walking by. Some were darting in and out of shops, others stopping for a coffee. The daily grind of everyday life clear. I envied those people, the ones who seemed so sure of themselves. When here I was, with no clue who I am or where I came from. I did, however, marvel at just how much my life had changed in the short week since I had left the children’s home. One thing that stayed the same though was my morning routine, starting with the hot steaming mug in my hand. I sighed as the sweet aroma of coffee wafted its way to me, bringing a sense of calmness with it. I relaxed against the rail, sipping it. Anyone would probably think, at eighteen, that I was too young to be coffee dependent in the morning. However, if they had the same recurring nightmare I suffered, then they would understand my need for it. I have an irrational fear of being alone in the world. I guess that came from the terror my mind subjected me to every night and possibly that I never have been on my own, at least not that I remembered. Until now. But I settled in nicely and never felt lonesome when I could watch the hustle and bustle below, which never seemed to end.

Something dropped with a clang in the dark alley beside my block, drawing me from my thoughts. Four stories up I had quite a wonderful view of the little old town of Ferry and the long alleys that ran between the buildings. Squinting my eyes, I just caught sight of a wolf’s tail rounding the corner at the other end of the alley. Did you get wolves in small towns? Drifting back inside, I made my way toward the kitchen to make myself breakfast. I was on the afternoon shift at work today, so I had the morning to myself. Just as I sat down ready to tuck into the melting cheese on toast, my doorbell rang. Reluctantly, I placed the plate on the coffee table and went to answer it. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so I checked the peephole first to make sure it wasn’t a crazed lunatic with the wrong flat. Ferry was a nice quiet town, but there was still the odd, questionable individual lurking around. I suppose you could never be too careful. As I looked through, I could see that it was only Heather. 

Morning, come in, I said as I opened the door.

I moved out the way as Heather squeezed into the small hallway with me, holding the door open to let someone in behind her.

Ava! I threw my arms around the younger girl.

Hey, I wanted to come and see your new home. And, well, Heather was coming anyway, she said shyly while twirling a strand of her hair around her finger.

You’re welcome here anytime! Well, anytime you can get someone to bring you.

I smiled down at her, taking in the clothes that swamped her frame, hand-me-downs, probably. Ava is a lot shorter than me at five foot two, whereas I was nearing five foot six. We are opposites in every way. I had long shiny black hair that reached my mid-back, blue eyes and sun kissed skin all year round. Ava was pale skinned with mousy brown hair and hazel eyes. She was also two years younger than me, but that didn’t matter to me, she’s the only actual friend I have. I gave her another quick squeeze, then guided her into the living room. Watching her, I felt suddenly nervous. I don’t really have any belongings, nothing to make it feel like a home, not yet anyway. I hope she likes it, plain as it is. Ava’s eyes went wide as she took in each room.

It’s very... magnolia, she said unsurprisingly, and I giggled.

Yeah, could probably do with some of your art to brighten up the walls.

A cough from the corner of the room reminded me that Heather was here.

Evangeline, I have something for you, may I sit? she asked me.

Sure, I shrugged.

Turning to Ava, I gestured toward the balcony. She skipped off happily, in her own little bubble as she always was.

So, to what do I owe this visit? I asked Heather, throwing her a fake smile as I threw myself into a seat opposite her.

She looked at me over her glasses before she replied.

Candid as always Evangeline, I am here to bring a possession that belongs to you.

I sat up straight. I didn’t own any possessions, I had arrived at the orphanage at eight years old. With nothing but myself and no memory of who I was or where I came from. Heather was my social worker and had always reminded me I was the strangest of her cases. I don’t think she cares for me very much. It often crossed my mind that maybe she thought I was hiding something from her.

Ok, what are they? I asked. 

"What is it, Evangeline, it," she retorted.

I huffed in response and rolled my eyes. Sometimes she was just impossibly literal. I watched her reach into her bag and pull out a small box. My shoulders dropped as I reached out to take it. I’m not sure what I expected, but looking at that, I felt a little disappointed.

This is it? What is it? I asked.

"No idea, it was left on the doorstep the same night you arrived with strict instructions not to give it to you until you were out in the world alone," Heather replied as she stood up.

My muscles tensed. Unknowingly she had reminded me of my fear.

Ava dear, time for us to head back, she shouted out to the balcony, with a lot more warmth than she had ever given to me.

Ava came skipping in, scooting to a halt in front of me. Wrapping her arms around me, she whispered.

You will come visit, won’t you Evvy? I squeezed her lightly back.

Of course, I’ll come see you soon.

I took a step back and held her at arm’s length, looking her up and down.

You’re ok aren’t you Ava? The other kids treating you all right? Ava had never fit in with anyone at the children’s home, much like me. I always worried about her, more so now that I wasn’t there to protect her. Ava was the closest thing I ever had to family. With a shrug of her shoulders, she gave me a small smile.

I’m ok, just don’t leave it too long to visit.

Content with her answer, I walked them both to the door and waved as they walked down the stairs. Looking down at the box still in my hands, I went back to the living room and placed it on the coffee table next to my now cold food.

I’m not sure how long I sat there just staring at it, afraid of what was inside. It was a pretty box, deep mahogany with a barely noticeable floral pattern around the bottom. Just open it, I willed myself. Best case, I would find something that might help me understand who I am. Worst case, it was just full of junk. With a quick motion, I shut my eyes and flipped the lid off the top. Taking a deep breath, I opened them and peered inside.

Great, worst case it is, I mumbled to myself.

It looked like a pile of junk, I let my fingers filter through the bits of torn paper and what looked like old sweet wrappers, gross. A flash of silver caught my eye. Reaching back in, I pulled it out. It was a necklace, like nothing I had seen before. It glistened so brightly in the light that it seemed brand new, but something inside me knew that it was an ancient piece. The pendant that hung from the chain looked like a mermaid, or a maybe a bird. Bit of a mix, actually. There was a beautiful intricate pattern winding around it, in the shape of what looked like the letter S. Holding it up to my face, I looked closely.

There seemed to be a hint of blue in the eyes of whatever it was. It was quite mesmerizing. Jumping off the sofa, I walked over to the mirror that hung above the fireplace. Unfastening the catch, I put it on. My skin burnt slightly as the pendant hit my chest. Odd, I thought, it didn’t feel hot when I was holding it.

Confused, I watched in the mirror as the necklace blended with my skin and aligned itself perfectly in the center. Glancing up, the first thing I noticed was my eyes. They were glowing bright blue. What a strange experience. A quick look at the clock on the shelf informed me it was already half ten. Time had flown. Reluctantly, I walked away from the mirror to get ready for work.

Chapter Two

T

ime felt like it was passing slowly, which left me to my thoughts, but as soon as a rush of customers came in, I soon forgot about the necklace hanging from my neck.

Heads up Eve, Taylor shouted as he threw a lime my way. Taylor was the other bartender in the small restaurant we worked in. He had started only two days after me. I caught it mid-air and chopped it into quarters.

You’re quiet today. He came sliding up beside me, standing a little too close.

No, I’m not, I edged slightly away.

Come on, tell me what’s wrong, young one, he nudged me playfully with his shoulder.

Your only four years older, enough of the young one, I snapped back. I hadn’t meant to, though. He raised an eyebrow and waited.

Fine. Do you ever get the feeling you were meant for something? I asked him.

Sure, making exceptional cocktails and chatting up the pretty ladies… great tips, he smirked at me and shook his mixer in my face. Typical Taylor, he was popular with the female customers. Tall at six foot one, he was muscly but not too broad and had pale skin which was complemented by his sandy brown hair. His eyes were a deep murky brown and looked like they held a lot of secrets. I could see the attraction, I suppose, but I wasn’t into him myself.

I’m serious, I just feel like I’m destined for something greater... than this, I whined.

Meh, don’t think too hard it might hurt. You’ll find your calling. In the meantime, table ten is waiting on their soda water and lime. He winked at me and moved back to the other end of the bar where he started pouring his trade cocktails. A table near the window caught my eye. A guy was sitting there alone, his messy black hair was all I could see over the top of the book his nose was stuck in. I don’t know what had attracted my attention to him.

You are making the other women in here look bad, I heard Taylor whisper to one woman at the bar. Rolling my eyes and needing to get away from the wannabe lothario, I gestured that the drinks were ready and decided the trash needed taking out.

The rest of the shift passed by quickly. It turned out to be a busy afternoon.

Time’s up young one, saunter on home and think more of the greatness you seek, Taylor mockingly said.

I threw my apron at him, stuck my tongue out and gave him a quick middle finger. Grabbing my stuff from the staff room, I shouted, Bye, as I left. I shivered in the cool breeze as I stepped outside. It was getting dark a lot earlier now that winter was on its way. Usually I would stop in for a coffee on the way home, but the night sky was closing in fast. As much as I lived on my own and was now independent in the world, I still feared it, unreasonable I know. Standing on the sidewalk, I debated calling a cab. Although, it would only take twenty minutes to get back home on foot and the streets were still alive with people. Safe enough to walk, I decided. As I set off, I looked on with a hint of jealousy as groups of friends were greeting each other. I missed Ava every day, but it was another two years until she could join