Ondina stirred from her unconscious state, the softness of the bed beneath her a stark contrast to the cold, hard reality she'd last remembered. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light filtering through the heavy drapes. The room was grand in a way that made her feel out of place, and yet there was a strange sense of calm that washed over her.

She pushed herself up slowly, her head still fuzzy from whatever had been done to her. As she glanced around, her eyes widened in shock—her gloves were gone. Her bare hand, adorned with intricate markings that wound up her arm, were fully exposed. The symbols, usually hidden beneath the protective layer of fabric, seemed to pulse faintly with her heartbeat, their dark lines stark against her pale skin.

Panic seized her. Ondina had always kept these markings concealed; they were a part of her that no one was supposed to see, a reminder of the siren blood that coursed through her veins. The sudden exposure left her feeling vulnerable, as if her very identity had been stripped bare.

In her frantic movement, her hand brushed against something solid on the table beside the bed. A loud crash followed as a delicate porcelain vase tumbled to the floor, shattering into countless pieces. The noise echoed in the stillness of the room, startling Ondina out of her daze.

Before she could even react, the door swung open, and a young woman hurried in. She had long blonde hair that cascaded down her back in loose waves and warm, kind brown eyes that immediately took in the scene. Her expression was one of concern, not anger, as she quickly assessed the situation.

"Oh no, are you alright?" the girl asked, her voice soft and soothing as she took in the sight of the broken vase. "Don't worry about that, it's just a vase. Are you hurt?"

Ondina blinked, momentarily speechless. The girl's demeanour was disarming, her kindness unexpected. "W—Who?," Ondina stammered, her eyes darting down to her hands. She instinctively tried to cover the markings.

The blonde girl's gaze flickered to Ondina's hands, and then back to her face. But instead of reacting with fear or curiosity, she simply smiled, a gentle, understanding smile that put Ondina at ease. "My name is Caroline," she introduced herself, her voice still soft. "I'm assigned to look after you while you're here."

"Caroline..." Ondina repeated, the name foreign on her tongue. "Where am I?"

"You're in Lord Kiernan's estate," Caroline explained, her tone careful, as if she were aware of how disorienting this might be for Ondina. "You were brought here last night. Lord Kiernan has assured us that you'll be safe here."

Ondina's heart raced as Caroline's words sank in. She bolted upright, the plush bed suddenly feeling like a trap. "Please, you don't understand," Ondina blurted out, her voice rising in panic. "I need to find my friend—he's in danger!"

Caroline stepped back, startled by Ondina's urgency. "Hey, it's okay," she said soothingly, raising her hands in a calming gesture. "I'm sure Lord Kiernan has an explanation for this. He said you'd be safe here."

"Safe?" Ondina's voice shook with anger and disbelief. "You think I'm safe here? He kidnapped me!" Her hands trembled as she pointed at her exposed markings. "He took off my gloves! He—he tricked me, and now my friend—Kael—he could be—" She choked on the words, the gravity of the situation crashing down on her.

"Lord Kiernan wouldn't do something like that unless it was for a good reason," Caroline said softly, her voice filled with conviction. Ondina's eyes widened in disbelief as Caroline attempted to reassure her.

Ondina's mouth fell open, shock and anger battling for control. "A good reason?" she repeated, her voice dripping with incredulity. "He brought me here against my will—and you think he had a good reason?"

Caroline flinched at the intensity of Ondina's words, but she didn't back down. "I know it seems wrong," she said, her tone pleading for understanding. "But Lord Kiernan is...he's complicated. He's not a bad person, Ondina. He wouldn't do something like this unless he believed it was necessary."

"Necessary?" Ondina's voice rose with each word, her emotions a storm of frustration and fury. "What could possibly justify this, Caroline? What could make any of this necessary?"

Caroline's eyes darted away, guilt and uncertainty flashing across her face. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice wavering. "But I've known Lord Kiernan for as long as I remember. He's always done what he thinks is right, even if it's hard to understand. Maybe he's trying to protect you."

Ondina took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest. "Protect me?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. "From what? From who?"

Caroline shook her head, unable to meet Ondina's gaze. "I don't know," she whispered, her own confusion evident. "But I trust him. He wouldn't just hurt someone without a reason."

Ondina's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "I don't need his protection," she hissed. "I don't need him. All I want is to find my friend and get as far away from here as possible."

As Caroline began to respond, the door to the room creaked open, and both women turned to see Kiernan stride in with an air of quiet authority. His presence filled the room, and without a word, he gestured for Caroline to leave.

Caroline hesitated for a brief moment, her eyes flicking from Kiernan to Ondina, before bowing her head and quickly exiting the room, leaving the door to click shut behind her.

Ondina's heart raced as Kiernan's gaze settled on her, the silence between them heavy with unspoken tension. She took a step back, her anger flaring again as she tried to keep her voice steady. "What do you want?" she demanded, her tone laced with defiance. "Come to tell me more lies?"

Kiernan's expression remained unreadable as he slowly approached her. "You misunderstand me," he said, his voice calm and measured. "I'm not here to justify anything. I'm here to talk—to help you understand why you're here."

Ondina narrowed her eyes, refusing to be swayed by his composed demeanour. "I don't need your explanations," she snapped. "I don't care about your reasons. All I want is to find the Blackwoods and leave."

Ondina's defiance faltered at the sight of Kiernan shaking his head, his expression shadowed with something she couldn't quite place. "So you don't know?" he said softly, his voice almost pitying.

Her heart skipped a beat, a cold dread creeping into her chest. "Know what?" she demanded, though the crack in her voice betrayed her growing unease.

Kiernan took a slow, measured breath, his eyes locking onto hers with a gravity that made the room feel smaller, the air heavier. "The Blackwood family," he began, each word deliberate, as if he were carefully placing a fragile object down, "they've all been executed."

The words hit her like a physical blow, and for a moment, the world around her ceased to exist. Everything faded—her anger, her fear, the luxurious room she was in—until all that remained was the unbearable weight of his revelation.

"No," she whispered, shaking her head in disbelief, her knees weakening beneath her. "That can't be true. You're lying."

Kiernan took a step closer, his voice steady but tinged with an unmistakable gravity. "It's true. The Queen made the announcement yesterday."

Ondina staggered back, her hands flying to her mouth as the full impact of his words sank in. Her mind reeled, images of the Blackwood family flashing before her eyes—Kael's mother, so kind and warm; Cyrus; so clever and kind; his younger siblings, laughing and playing with her; Kael; her first friend on land. Gone. All of them. Murdered.

Her vision blurred with tears, and she felt her legs give way, sending her collapsing to the floor. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think past the suffocating grief that closed in on her from all sides. It felt like she lost her family.. again.

Kiernan moved towards her, his hand outstretched as if to offer comfort, but Ondina recoiled, her shock giving way to a raw, desperate anger. "No!" she screamed, her voice broken, "This isn't true! It can't be!"

But even as she shouted, she knew, deep down, that it was true. The look in Kiernan's eyes, the solemnity in his voice—it was all too real.

Ondina's sobs grew louder, raw and uncontrolled, as the reality of Kiernan's words sank in. She wanted to deny it, to scream that it wasn't true, but deep down, she knew. The look in Kiernan's eyes, the solemnity in his voice—it was all too real. There was no denying it anymore. The Blackwood family was gone.

Kiernan, seeing the pain etched across her face, knelt down on one knee in front of her, his expression softening. "Hey," he murmured gently, trying to reach her through the storm of her grief. "I know this is unbearable, but you're not alone in this. I'll find a way through it. I promise."

Ondina shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clutched at the fabric of her dress, her knuckles white from the force of her grip. "They're gone... they're really gone," she whispered, her voice breaking. "They were good people.."

Kiernan hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to console her. He reached out, his hand hovering near her shoulder, before gently placing it there, offering what little comfort he could. "You don't have to understand it all right now. Just breathe, one step at a time. This is why I brought you here."

Ondina looked up at him, her eyes still clouded with tears and confusion. "Why? Why did you bring me here? I don't understand."

Kiernan took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "I brought you here for your protection. The Queen..." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "She's been looking for you. She sees you as a threat, and she wants you dead."

Ondina's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "The Queen? But why?"

Kiernan's gaze grew serious. "The Queen believes that your siren abilities could be used against her, or perhaps she simply wants to eliminate any potential threats before they become real. Either way, she's determined to find you and kill you."

Ondina felt a surge of anger and frustration. "So, you brought me here to hide?" She shook her head, her frustration evident. "I don't want to hide. I want to fight back."

Kiernan looked at her, a mix of surprise and curiosity in his eyes. "Revenge?" he repeated, as if testing the word.

Ondina's silence and fire in her eyes said it all.

Kiernan's expression hardened with a mixture of determination and calculation. "I understand," he said, his voice measured and calm. "It's a powerful motivator. But right now, you're in no condition to confront the Queen. You need to be stronger, more prepared. That's where I can come in."

Ondina's eyes met his with a fierce, burning intensity. "What are you suggesting?"

Kiernan leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "I'm suggesting that you stay here with me. I have the resources and the knowledge to help you become stronger. I can train you, equip you with the skills and strategy you'll need to face the Queen. If you leave now, you'll be walking into danger unprepared."

Ondina hesitated, the weight of Kiernan's words pressing on her. "But what if she comes for me here?"

Kiernan's gaze was unwavering. "That's a risk we can manage. The estate is well protected, and I have connections that will ensure you're safe from immediate threats. What's more important is that you use this time to build yourself into a formidable force. You want revenge, and you'll get it. But first, you need to be ready."

Ondina's frustration was palpable, but Kiernan's argument was persuasive. "And how long will this take?"

Kiernan gave her a reassuring smile. "I won't lie to you—it'll take time. Training isn't instant. But every day you spend here will make you stronger, more capable. When the time comes, you'll be ready to confront the Queen and get revenge for the Blackwood's."

Ondina's anger began to shift into a more calculated resolve. "And what's in it for you?"

Kiernan's smile widened, though there was a hint of something calculating in his eyes. "Helping you aligns with my own interests. By preparing you, I ensure that you can achieve your goals. And in return, I gain a powerful ally—one who can help me with my own ambitions."

Ondina studied him carefully, weighing his words. "You told me you disliked the Royal Family. You want something from this too."

Kiernan's expression was frank. "I do. But that doesn't change the fact that helping you is in both our interests. You need to be strong, and I need you to be an asset. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Ondina's eyes narrowed, her expression hardening. "So, you admit it. You're just using me to further your own interests."

Kiernan's gaze was steady, his voice smooth and untroubled. "Using you? Perhaps. But not in the way you're thinking. I'm offering you a chance to gain the strength you need to achieve your own goals. If that means our interests align, so be it."

Ondina's anger flared. "And what happens when you've gotten what you want from me?"

Kiernan leaned in slightly, his tone becoming more persuasive. "Think about it this way: I'm not trying to control you. I'm offering you a partnership. If you succeed, we both benefit. If you're strong enough to challenge the Queen, you'll be in a position to secure your own future and mine. I'll be right there beside you, supporting you."

Ondina's scepticism was palpable. "And why should I trust you? How do I know you won't betray me once you've used me for your own ends?"

Kiernan's eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement. "Trust is earned, not given. But consider this: if I wanted to betray you, I would have done so already. Instead, I'm offering you a chance to fight back, to gain the power you need."

Ondina was taken aback by his logic, but her anger remained. "And what makes you think I'll accept this?"

Kiernan's smirk widened as he extended a hand to Ondina. "You look like a clever siren, Ondina. You understand the value of power and the necessity of alliances. It's why you're still standing here, considering my offer instead of storming out."

Ondina glared at his hand, her anger still burning brightly. "Clever? Don't mistake my willingness to listen for trust."

Kiernan chuckled softly, retracting his hand but maintaining his confident stance. "Perhaps. Or maybe it's just pragmatic to recognize when you need help."

Ondina's eyes flashed with defiance. "Don't pretend this is some noble gesture. You're just as self-serving as anyone else in this power struggle."

Kiernan's smile didn't falter. "And you're just as self-serving. You're seeking revenge, not justice. You want power, not safety. We're two sides of the same coin. I'm simply offering you a chance to tip the scales in your favour."

Ondina stared at Kiernan's hand, her anger mingling with a begrudging respect. The tension between them was palpable, crackling with unspoken conflicts and shifting allegiances. After a moment's hesitation, she grasped his hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet.

Kiernan's grip was firm, but his eyes held a trace of something softer—perhaps a hint of genuine interest or a flicker of understanding. He studied her for a moment, as if weighing her resolve against his own intentions.

Kiernan's grip remained firm, but his gaze softened as he regarded Ondina with a mixture of curiosity and approval. "Let's not dwell on the heavy stuff for now," he said, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "How about joining me for dinner? We can discuss plans and get to know each other a bit better."

Ondina's eyes narrowed slightly, her scepticism evident. "Why would I want to have dinner with you? I still don't trust you."

Kiernan's smile remained unperturbed. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill. Plus, a meal might provide a chance to talk in a less charged setting. You might find that I'm not as bad as you think."

Ondina crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "And why should I believe that? You've already deceived me once."

Kiernan shrugged, his tone casual but sincere. "Everyone has their secrets. I'm offering you an opportunity to see another side of things. It's up to you whether you want to take it."

Ondina then stared at him giving him a judgemental look, glancing at him up and down.

Kiernan chuckled softly at Ondina's scrutinizing gaze, clearly amused. "What? Do I have something on my face?"

Ondina's eyes narrowed as she met his gaze. "I'm just trying to figure you out. You seem to have a talent for saying just the right things to make people doubt you."

Kiernan's smile broadened, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Ah, you've caught me. I do have a knack for that. It's a necessary skill when you're surrounded by deception."

Ondina continued to scrutinize him, clearly sceptical. "And why should I give you that chance? What's in it for me?"

Kiernan's gaze softened slightly, his tone becoming more genuine. "For one, it might make your stay here more bearable. I assure you, I'm not as easy to read as you might think."

Ondina's expression remained guarded, but the sincerity in Kiernan's voice seemed to pierce through her defences, just slightly. "Alright," she said begrudgingly. "I'll join you. But don't expect me to drop my guard."

Kiernan then smiled and bowed his head slightly, showing respect and turned to walk away leaving the room.

Caroline entered the room with a quiet, measured step, she paused as she saw Ondina standing by the window, her posture still tense and defensive.

"Miss Ondina," Caroline said softly, approaching her with a gentle demeanour. "I heard you agreed to join Lord Kiernan for dinner. Is there anything you need before you go?"

Ondina turned to face her, her expression softening just a fraction. "This whole situation is overwhelming."

Caroline nodded sympathetically, her eyes full of understanding. "Lord Kiernan genuinely wants to help you. And while he has his own way of doing things, he's not entirely without a sense of honour."

Ondina's gaze dropped to the floor, her mind racing with the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties. "I just don't know who to trust right now."

Caroline gently placed a reassuring hand on Ondina's arm. "He might be a bit of a puzzle, but it's important to remember that he did bring you here for a reason. He wants to help you, and in his own way, he's trying to show you that."

Caroline's smile was warm and genuine as she approached Ondina with a playful twinkle in her eye. "Oh, come on," she said with a light-hearted tone. "You can't go to dinner looking like you just fought a dragon. Let me help you get ready."

Ondina looked up, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly as she saw the sincerity and warmth in Caroline's eyes. "I can't?" she admitted, her voice softening.

Caroline's face brightened, "Let me help you," she immediately set to work with practiced efficiency. She guided Ondina to a nearby tub filled with warm water and began to help her with a bath. The gentle touch of the water and Caroline's easy conversation started to work their magic, easing some of the tension from Ondina's mind.

As Caroline worked, she chatted about everything from the quirky habits of the estate's other inhabitants to amusing anecdotes about Lord Kiernan's more peculiar traits. Ondina found herself laughing despite herself, the sound a welcome relief from her previous distress.

Once the bath was finished, Caroline helped Ondina with her attire, selecting a simple but elegant dress that suited Ondina's style. The fabric was soft, and the colours brought out the depth of her eyes, enhancing her natural grace. Caroline expertly styled Ondina's hair, and by the time she was finished, Ondina looked polished and composed.

As Caroline finished her work and offered a final, approving smile, she gently left the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click. Ondina stood still for a moment, staring at her reflection in the full-length mirror. The dress, a deep, ocean-blue hue that complemented her eyes, flowed elegantly around her, making her feel almost like a stranger in her own skin.

With a deep breath, Ondina let herself fall back onto the bed, the soft fabric of the bedding cool against her warm skin.