An Immortal's Song (Dante's Circle #6)(22)

And holy hell could the man move.

He pulled Tristan and Amara toward a bright light, and Tristan could only marvel at Seth’s powers. He knew Seth was young and still growing in magic, and one day, the man would rival any leader. Tristan couldn’t wait for that.

Before he could truly enjoy the ride, though, they came upon an ancient underground castle. Seth pushed through a barrier and Tristan found himself wet and coughing on his ass while Amara leaned against Seth, catching her breath.

Tristan raised a brow at Seth, who shrugged.

“Sorry for the rough landing,” his lover said with a shy smile. “I’m not used to hauling two people through the border like that. I’ll get it down eventually.” He held out his hand and helped Tristan to his feet. The other man now stood on two legs, rather than a tail, and he even had his jeans on. How merfolk could do that, he didn’t know, but it was a handy gift.

“That was…” Amara said softly then shook her head. “That was awesome.” She smiled wide as she ran her hands over her wet clothes. “We’re going to have to do that again. And I’m going to need a towel.”

Seth kissed her temple while he squeezed Tristan’s hand. “We can get you a towel at my sister’s.”

“Will she be at home, then?” Tristan asked. Calling ahead between realms didn’t always work. In fact, it rarely worked at all. Most places were even on a different linear plane, meaning that time moved differently. They had to be careful how long they stayed in one place if they were planning to meet anyone. In reality, it was only a few moments off between realms for most places. However, the difference between the hell realm and the rest of them was the most significant. Hence, why it was called hell. Well, that and the demons, fire, and lava.

“I’m here, actually,” Calypso said as she made her way toward them. She looked like Seth, her long, chestnut hair hanging in waves down her back and over her shoulders. She was only a few inches shorter, as well; which meant she was pretty damn tall. “We don’t have time to waste,” she said quickly. “Let’s go to my place.” She looked over her shoulder at the people milling about in human form and the others in mer form in the water surrounding the castle. “Now.”

There was a reason Calypso was a Conclave member, and the immense power radiating from her was only part of it. She had to be at least a century or two older than Seth, as well; but looked the same age as immortals never looked too far past their prime.

Seth brushed a kiss to her forehead then pulled Amara close to him. “Let’s go, then. Introductions later.”

Amara nodded, and Tristan did as well as they followed Calypso to her home. He assumed she had more than one as he figured not everyone wanted to live in the hustle and bustle of the underwater city at all times, but this was the one they were meeting at. Since Seth had brought them here, this one must be the one she lived at most often.

Tristan was overthinking and worried about his mates. Since the bond hadn’t snapped into place and Amara and Seth weren’t his in truth as of yet, he couldn’t quite think clearly. His heart hurt, and he needed to push that away if he wanted to figure out the next step. As long as he was cool and logical, he would figure it out.

Amara leaned into him and he knew then that there would be no clear and logical when it came to his feelings for her…or Seth.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts of what could happen and focus on what was more important at that moment. They made their way into Calypso’s place and he glanced around at the elegant home but couldn’t focus. There was something going on that he couldn’t quite figure out, and hopefully, Seth’s sister would be able to help.

“So, I take it the bond didn’t come?” Calypso asked bluntly. He’d always admired the way his fellow Conclave member spoke, but right then, he wanted her to use a little more finesse.

Tristan looked over at Amara, but his mate—yes, mate, despite the lack of bond—merely raised her chin.

“No, there is no bond,” Amara answered, her voice cool. “You’re Seth’s sister, then? You’ll be able to tell us why? Or at least point us in the right direction.”

Calypso sighed and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m so damn sorry. I had hoped what I’d been hearing and what I thought might be happening was wrong, but it seems I’m not. Yes, Amara, I’m Calypso, Seth’s sister. Again, I’m sorry for not introducing myself properly, but there isn’t much time.”

Tristan fisted his hands. “What are you saying?”

“Stop with the cryptic bullshit, Caly,” Seth said. “Amara and I aren’t Conclave members so you don’t have to hide your true meaning when you speak.”

Tristan narrowed his eyes but didn’t say anything. It was true he’d had to double-speak in the past to survive and keep his people alive, but a Conclave member wasn’t all he was.

“Take a seat,” Calypso said as she gestured toward the couches. “The sirens are on the brink of war, and many don’t even seem to understand it. The queen has been in power for far too long. And while we are all long-lived, practically immortal, usually there is some sort of way for the powers at large to change over when the realm is falling apart. However, this queen,” Caly shook her head, “this queen is using curses, fear, and death in order to stay in power. As sirens, you can sing to souls.”