Black widow

Siren's prey

Recommendation: For better experience for this chapter please check out following song : Annie Lennox-I put a spell on you

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Marcel

—A...ga...tha...

I whisper, let her name out of my lips slowly, as if trying to savor the taste and it's unbelievably sweet.

I watch her every day causing myself irresistible pain by realising that she will never be mine. She is like goddess. Her body so neat and petite, I'd love to hold her in my arms, cuddle and kiss. I'd die for just one night with her. Not that I want her only sexually, but I'm 23 and my lust for her is unbearable but my love... I never knew someone could love so hard , I never knew if I could ever love anyone in the first place. I was good with one night stands but Agatha... I'd make her my queen.

While I'm watching how she is preparing her ship for first time though it feels like she had done that hundred times, she for a second looks at me. My heart raced instantly and I felt the urge to kiss her.

She smiled at me as if she heard my thoughts and I felt my cheeks getting warm and probably tomato red.

—Son, I need your help

My dad distracted me as we were working on nearby construction together. Once a small town, now was building into larger one and our team was assigned to build the school at the outskirts near where she lived.

I haven't seen her after that for a year, not even her girls, who were supposed to go to school.

Agatha

I was so devastated with my husband's death, I went to see my only friend and allay-Althea.

Girls were still at school, not knowing that their father was gone for good. But he had it coming for too long already. My veins were boiling in anger when he said those words to me. My past flashed before my eyes and I broke once again. Disappointed and heart-broken my eyes turned greenish blue, just like ocean water at our bay.

At that point I was not in charge of myself and my actions. There was pod of mermaids chanting in my head as I went to our bedroom. Andreas was happy to see me and he doesn't even notice that I wasn't there, that it was another person, true me. He never knew for real who I was, but it was enough for me that he loved me, even if he saw a perfect wife in me and never seem to notice any imperfections, even if he was pretending that my voice doesn't terrify him when I'm angered.

He never knew me for real, but he loved what he knew and I was happy with that. I loved him back. He was first man who gained my trust after ninety years of loneliness.

We've been married for seven years now and had our twin mermaids. He was a good husband any woman can wish for, but I'm not just any and that was the main problem.

When I got closer to him, humming in his lips, he gently placed his hands on my waist. My heart started pounding so hard it was unable to focus on my song. My body and soul already aware of the lose started mourning him before he actually died.

After my kiss he started getting cold and paler, until he fell back on the bed like a frozen statue with look of love in his eyes. I knew that it was all spell. Any man could fall for me, because of my voice and looks but he almost made me believe that it was true love and we were meant to be together till the end.

I called Althea trying to hide my emotions and control my voice. She told me to go to her place. That was the answer that I needed. I felt the walls of my house tightening on me, like they wanted to crush and suffocate me. My heart rate went crazier as I looked once again at Andreas before leaving him covered with sheets as if he was sleeping.

Althea lived very close and it took five minutes to get at her house. I didn't even knock on the door, went straight inside and on her arms. She at first was not expecting that but hugged me when heard me sobbing in her chest. Her face sink in my hear and her hands start to gently pat my back, while I am allowed to let my emotions out.

After few minutes I was calm and gathered my thoughts.

—Your initiation ritual is coming...

She said pouring green tea from a white porcelain pot into similar porcelain cup with no ornament.

I cupped my hands around source of heat and almost dipped tip of my nose in hot tea, feeling burning but pleasuring steam nibble my face , as if trying to ease my pain.

—I am ready

I say very slowly and clearly, not letting my thoughts distract me from my hot steam bath.

—Andreas was good man and it is a pity he died. Though it might do you good while initiation.

I frown as my brain refuses to process the information and still stare at single mint leaf in my cup. It looks like little boat surfing on the surface of green ocean. My mind drifts away slowly but surely. Althea doesn't bother me. she knows me too well. It's better to give me some space when I'm silent. Long time passes although I can not gather my thoughts, they were chaotic all this time and overwhelmed me even more with anxiety and shame, pain and loneliness.

My inner girl, 17 years old Agy was devastated, lost and scared, broken because of Andreas but Black widow had her prey and was happy to take further steps to become one with her own pod.

—I need to take my ship

I decide instantly and for the first time actually look at my best friend.

—The black pearl ? you haven't been on desk for years.

—Yes, after I met Andreas, I settled down, but now I want to work again. Now that he died, I'm eager to complete the ritual because he didn't die in vein.

—I hear Agatha talking and I'm okay with that but try not to show you weakness to your pod. In the sea your connection will be stronger with them. And don't forget four man.

—I will be carefull and a good girl mommy

I smiled and hit her gently, it was more patting than hitting.

—I will look after your girls.

—No magic! They are too small yet.

I threatened her with my pointer because I knew how she wanted her god-daughters to become little sea witches.

—Though you can always teach them how to swim or fight, I'd be glad.

—Ugh! you're no fun Agatha. But I owe you big, so your word is my command your mermaidness.

Althea giggled demonstrating her dimples on cheeks and small gap between her upper tooth. I found her perfect In every way and always wished my girls would grow as beautiful as her.

—They are good eaters and sleep 10 PM sharp so it mustn't be a burden. I'd have taken them but I'm scared they are little for truth. At least we have four more years before sea school and ten years before initiation. We will figure it out, but for now... I need to tell them about their father.

I left Althea's house soon and locked my husband's body in our shared room. I was going to gift him to the pod later that night under the full moon.

Serena and Undina where sad and broken for the first time in their life they lost relative but they have to get used to death. It is as normal as waking up in the morning or morning tea or just cereal bowl.

Still something breaks inside me thinking that I spared my daughters the possibility to grow up in a full family with loving father. I was guilty but not more than Andreas.

Girls were sad whole day and even refused to sleep ,but too tired from school and emotions they passed out watching TV.

I had time to drag body down the stairs and out of the house. It was very hard for me, because he was tall and heavy. He had muscles and sexy body, I loved so much. It was pity seeing him like this. Even though I loved him, my trauma was too out of control. I couldn't care less about him now , because he said those words...

My hand was not shaking at all, as I decapitated his body and gave it to the ocean. Couple dozen heads popped out from the water and greeted him with chanting. Four more heads... four more moons... till I can be able to become a true mermaid. All this sacrifices they were not in vein. Besides it's not just me now, my daughters are in this too, I need to think of them and do what's right. they will never know the pain or assault that I had to take and live with.

My eyes filled with tears. Honestly I didn't know why. Was I scared about my children's future ? yes! Do I regret killing Andreas ? No! my mind says no. I want to say no but there is my heart that beats so fast as if I'm gonna get heart attack any minute now. There still is human side of me. Pure 17 years old girl giving away her second love to the same ocean. I knew at that point I'll never let anyone else fall for me and never love back again.

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Two weeks passed

Marcel

Building process went on and I had the pleasure to watch Agatha every day, but she seemed bit worried and energized same time.

—For God's sake! Marcel!

I heard my dad's voice and rolled my eyes frustrated he won't let me watch her even from such distance.

—I told you to stop. You heard about poor Andreas.

I jumped down from little platform where I was sitting painting wall to face my father. I knew he was worried but I'd never let go of her.

—Dad, I know that you care about me. Andras was a good guy, but things like that just happen. He fell out of his ship and shark attacked him. That has nothing to do with Agatha. She wasn't even there.

He was listening but shaking his head, clearly not wanting to believe my words.

—Why people call her Black widow then ?

any man that is attracted to her is lost or dead. I don't want to scare you ya know? but she lived here for very long time. People say that it's been decades and she still looks like a teenage girl. She is a devil! don't even think of her in any way... copied?

—Yes sir

I gave him salute with smile and he went on working still shaking his had. In his head I was a lost case and he was right.

I saw Korbin approaching with a wide smile. He was my friend from high school and we worked together since then. He was already too sweaty from working and his chocolate black six pack was shining under sun as he was only in shorts.

—Marcel! Yo, ma boy, heard bout Black pearl thing ? Agatha's gatherin a crew. Ya think can handle the sea ? I'm already in.

He said excitedly and hit my shoulder with fist playfully.

—He ain't going anywhere Korbin!

—Uncle Gabe, He safe with me.

I smiled at both and stood thinking for a moment. I knew the answer in instant but was careful not to worry dad too much knowing about his heart condition it was always hard to confront him. Clearly I don't want to be a reason he goes to hospital or even worse.

—I'll text you okay ?

I answered winking at Kor before tilting my head in my father's direction. that meant I had to deal with my old man first.

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Agatha

—Okay, Korbin is here, good... Luke?

—Here!

A young boy stepped on the desk. He was quite tall and fit, but I didn't care about that too much so I just went with my list.

—Jimmy !

—Here ma'am.

Humble old man, who was sitting nearby on the floor smiled at me.

—Last one, Marcel...

I knew someone was missing and it was clear this guy wasn't here. I needed him desperately. Four man, only four of them. That was my whole crew. It might seem strange that I chose random man but here in lunaria, at least once in a life every boy and man had sailed long distance. Fishing was like culture and the only way to survive here. Although my purpose for going into the sea was different, I intended to bring some goods for the town and make money for my family.

I was already getting nervous. Marcel was still missing while other man stood nearby eager to be in my crew. I decided to give that boy five more minutes before choosing substitute.

Weather was fine that day. Sun was shining and a soft, gentle sea breeze caressed my body causing goosebumps. Air was fresh, clean, salty and fishy, just how I like it.

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Marcel

I knew I was late but I made my mind the day before, when Korbin told me about the opportunity. First the reason was Agatha, but now... My father was taken to hospital last night as he couldn't stomach the thought of me going to be alone with Agatha for four month. I was sitting there with my head in my hands, medical bill clenched in one. I knew one possible way to make such money. I needed Agatha now more than ever.

My father was in an induced coma and they promised me to keep him like that before I had money to do the surgery.

I left him with heavy heart and ran as fast as I could, not to lose my chance be in a crew. I grabed my small bag that I packed last night and ran straight to the bay.

When I saw her, my heart skipped a beat. something about her made me forget all my pain and struggles and just make me want her so bad. My mind was going crazy and my heart aching with unbearable pain. She was standing on the plank of a huge black ship. Her black hear was nicely dancing with light sea breeze and her black dress made waves occasionally wrapping against her small, beautiful body detailing her features. I felt my heart race even more and my cheeks blush as I distinguished ni**les

shaped nicely under her clothing.

I stood still for a moment when I was snapped out of my thoughts by a voice

—Okay, Looks like we have a place for one candidate.

She said with her soft, musical voice but she was loud so that everyone could hear.

—No! I... I am here !

I ran up to the ship and Korbin helped me get on it smiling widely, happy to see me.