A Duet with the Siren Duke (Married to Magic, #4)

by Elise Kova

for everyone who gave up on their happily ever after... only to find it when they least expected

The sea will devour me, if given the chance. If not the waves and currents, or sharp-toothed animals, then the ghosts and monsters that haunt its depths.

If the cost of my happiness is the world’s judgment, then it is a price I’ll pay.

He doesn’t love me. He never did. He loves feeling needed. Important. What he loves is knowing that at any time of day, I am there to be whatever he wants. That I am here on this rock every time he leaves and am waiting every time he returns.

He made me feel special. Feel…important. Desirable. All the things a young woman who never saw enough value in herself wanted.

He beholds me in the manner one would a god, as if the world starts and ends with me, here in this singular moment.

“An offering, Of life so fine, Unto the old And ancient divine. Er’y corner of the land, Er’y depth of the sea, Shall open unto thee. No plant nor man, Bird nor beast, Shall hold you back when you desire release.”

“Come to me. I call to you. Come, come—”

“We all endure deep and difficult wounds. They’re not an excuse for handling oneself in a boorish manner.” I squeeze her shoulder before releasing. “Never compromise your worth, not for anyone, not even for family.”

“You have a greater purpose.” “I had a purpose!” Rage and hurt bubbles over. “I was a captain, responsible for my crew—the crew that you killed.”

“I exhaust you?” I call after him as he swims away. “Most definitely. You seem to require all my energy and attention these days; I can think of nothing else but you.”

I can think of nothing else but you,

“You don’t have to repay someone for their love. It’s given freely.” “But—” “No buts. That’s it. It’s that simple. If someone loves you, truly loves you, it’s because they want to—because they can’t imagine a world in which they don’t. Because you make their soul sing just with your mere existence.”

Who we are is independent of the trauma that tries to mar our souls. It is a part of us, it might teach us, but it does not define us.”