Read Online Sacrifices of the Siren [Sirens and Sailors 6] (Siren Publishing Allure) by Bella Settarra - Free Book Online Page A

flowers which would be sold on the mainland, and Blandon whiled away the time by tying them into bunches. The smell was beautiful, and reminded him of Melantho. The girls made their own soap from the flowers, and she always smelled sweet. He smiled as he thought of her.
    Ademia had packed her men off with a basket full of goodies and they all enjoyed a hearty breakfast, while the majestic vessel cut through the calm waves like a knife through warm butter.
    A couple of trucks were waiting for them when they arrived at Eastland’s harbor and four men came over to help them unload the flowers. Less than an hour later the three handsome sailors made their way through the busy streets before finding Harbor Grove.
    Blandon’s heart wrenched as he stared at all the concrete and bricks. He knew Melantho would hate it here. She had lived all her life on Refrainia and was used to the fresh air, the grass, and the sea.
    “There’s number twelve,” Farris said, pointing to a neat little sign beside a battleship-gray front door.
    “Let me do the talking,” Dr. Jay instructed them, obviously aware that Farris’s temper and Blandon’s emotions were likely to get the better of them once Hermandine started protesting—which she was bound to do.
    Although the doctor knocked loudly on the front door, there was no answer. A curtain twitched at the front of the house and the men were aware of some movement inside.
    “I’ll check the back,” Farris said with a frown, and ran off down the road, searching for the end of the terrace.
    Blandon put his ear to the thick door. “I think someone’s going up and downstairs,” he said.
    Dr. Jay hammered even harder on the door. A few passers-by looked askance at them but said nothing. Blandon couldn’t help thinking how unfriendly everyone seemed. Melantho would hate this.
    “It’s totally sealed off,” Farris shouted as he ran back up the street. “Thick, high walls all the way around, backing onto the backyards of the houses behind. It’s like a prison!”
    Dr. Jay knocked hard on the window at the front of the house. “Open this door now or I’ll smash this window, Hermandine!” he hollered.
    Eventually they heard the sound of the key being turned in the lock and they all instinctively took a step forward as the door slowly opened a crack.
    “What do you want?” Hermandine’s croaky voice snapped out at them irritably.
    “We want to see Melantho,” Dr. Jay said calmly but firmly. “May we come in? It’s raining out here.”
    “No. She doesn’t want to see you. She doesn’t want anything to do with any of you.” Hermandine tried to close the door but Farris already had his foot wedged in it.
    “Let her tell us that herself and we won’t trouble you anymore.” Dr. Jay spoke through gritted teeth.
    “No. I am respecting her wishes which is more than what you’re doing!” the old woman shrieked.
    “Now, why am I having so much difficulty believing that?” Farris scorned and pushed at the heavy door. A thick chain could be seen linking the door to the wall, and the door strained against it.
    “Go away. You’re not wanted here!” the old crone yelled at them.
    “We’ll let Melantho decide that!” Dr. Jay and Farris were both very large men, and together they pushed against the door, which sprang open.
    “Hey, what’s your game?” A couple of men came running down the street, evidently seeing the kerfuffle on the old lady’s doorstep. Dr. Jay turned around to converse with them while Farris held the door open and Blandon ran under his arm and pushed past Hermandine.
    The house felt cold as he searched the lounge and went through to the kitchen. The back door was open and he could see abandoned washing in the yard. He knew the old crones wouldn’t be doing their own washing.
    “Mel?” he called as he heard footsteps rushing down the stairs. He ran to the narrow stairwell and saw Solon barring his way, flailing her walking stick at him. His heart hammered as