33
When we got back to the gate, we found a siren waiting. On the other side of the gate, safe on my land, stood Noiryn. Her lipless mouth was set in a straight line, and a small furrow had appeared above her third eye. Noiryn’s scales were bright blue and shining, but this siren’s scales were dark grey and dull. She was also shorter and stockier than my friend. Noiryn looked like a fish that would swim on a coral reef, this siren looked like a fish that was used to a colder climate, hiding amongst the sand and rocks.
“Hello," I said to the new siren, "my name is Phoenix, what's yours?"
The siren turned to me, and its third eye ran up and down my body taking in the torn jumpsuit, dishevelled hair and general haggard appearance.
"Interesting," her voice was deep and gurgling, "you look
