Mistin narrowed her eyes. “Just because everyone from Calden has dark features doesn’t mean we all look alike. But no, we’re not siblings. Just friends.”
All those stories about Mistin growing up in the streets, her dead sisters and mother. Living a life of fear for being a Witch—all of it had been to manipulate Senna into empathizing with her. Senna clenched her fists at her sides. “Is there anything you two haven’t lied about?”
Mistin frowned. “We really are your friends.”
Senna had to suppress the urge to hit her. But if she was going to escape, she’d need all her strength and her captors relaxed. She perched on the edge of the bed and started eating. A creamy cheese was spread over thick, soft bread. Atop that, Mistin piled meat with a tangy, sweet sauce. For a time, they were silent except for the sounds of eating.
She’d thought these two were her friends. She’d been wrong. “What’s going to happen to me?” she asked finally.
Mistin exchanged a glance with Cord. “We’ll take you somewhere safe.”
Senna palmed a handful of the berries. They exploded in her mouth, tart and sweet with little nuts inside. “Safe from what?”
“From the Tartens and Haven,” Cord said.
Senna snorted. “Who’s going to protect me from you?”
Mistin’s eyes filled with sorrow. “We won’t hurt you.”
Ha! They’d already hurt her, numerous times. She studied them both. There was no way Mistin was working alone. Her song wasn’t strong enough to sing a boat through the underwater cave that led to Haven. “Who was the other traitor? Drenelle?”
Mistin opened her mouth to say something, but shut it when Cord nudged her, a chiding look on his face.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Senna looked between them.
Cord shrugged before taking the empty tray and leaving the room.
Senna washed her hands in the water basin. Soon, she felt the ship move out to sea.
She was leaving Joshen behind. Who knew what Grendi would do to him? And Reden. If either of them were still alive. Senna lay on the bed as far away from Mistin as she could get and twisted her pearl ring round and round her finger.
Joshen was all right. She was going to escape. She was going to free him and Reden. She repeated it in her head like a mantra.
When the door opened again, she expected it to be Cord coming back. Instead, Krissin stood there—the sound of Witch song drifting in from behind her. Senna sat up. She wanted to sing, wanted it desperately. But it would only cost her what little freedom she had. She had to bide her time.
“Senna, you will come with me. Mistin, stay close.” Krissin said.
Steeling herself, Senna followed Krissin out of the room. She was surprised to see twilight coming on. There was no sign of land; the ship must be well out to sea. Judging by the way they skimmed across the waves, they were making excellent time. Black storm clouds churned on the horizon.
Krissin led Senna and Mistin into the captain’s cabin and shut the door behind the three of them. Senna retreated to the far side of the room. Mistin shadowed her and watched her every movement warily.
Krissin lit a dozen candles. “Do you know who we are?”
Senna nodded. “You’re the Witches planning to take over Haven.”
Krissin’s face remained blank. “Yes.”
“Did you send an Earth tremor after Haven?” Senna asked.
Krissin smiled. “Very good. Mistin informed me your Heads were growing suspicious. We needed a long-term distraction.”
“What about the damage you did to Nefalie’s coast? The people you killed?”
The smile faded to a frown. “I regret that.”
Senna snorted. “Why did you send Mistin and Cord to kidnap me?”
“Because you were the only thing that stood between us and Haven.” Krissin poured herself a cup of tea.
“I’m only one Witch.”
Krissin studied her. “Yes, but I know what’s happening to you.”
“What’s happening to me?” Senna echoed breathlessly.
The Head looked out the window. “All Witch song influences the music around them. But you—you can hear the music. The strength of your song fluctuates—there are times when you can match a full choir. Other times your song seems almost normal.”
Senna shook her head. How had Krissin known? “I don’t understand what that has to do with anything.”
Krissin leaned forward. “Your Witches don’t understand how songs really work. We strengthen the Four Sister’s music, bend it if we can. But we can’t hear it. You, however, can. And what’s more, you can create music.”
Create music? Senna couldn’t seem to get enough air. Was that really what she’d been doing? “How do you know this? How do you know anything about me? Calden disappeared long ago.”