When we got to the city, most of the citizens had gathered around the pale palace that jutted from the side of a cliff. Above the water, there was a lush little island that our people often enjoyed sunning on. It was a paradise with a natural harbor that was surrounded by rocks that would sink any ship that even looked at it funny.

In other words, it was human free. 

For as long as I can remember, my people have mistrusted the humans, if not outright hated them. Though I never learned the story of it, I gather that there once was a tribe of humans the Undine were very close with. 

From the way we act now whenever humans are mentioned, I can only think that something terrible happened.

I shake my head and look up as the Sirens come out onto the balcony. Lyre has her pale blonde hair done in an updo and pinned with pearls. She is the newest Siren and she replaced the one who died thirty years ago. Even though she looks sweet as can be, she is fairly mean spirited, and I feel sorry for whoever her handmaidens are.

Percussa stands to the other side of the balcony. Her age is showing in her tail--the tip of it is turning white--and her dark brown hair has streaks of gray. Still, she looks as proud and fierce as ever. I know from personal experience that she has no patience for foolishness. While she lacks any sort of tact, I still appreciate her forwardness. There is something to be said about people who don't beat around the sand.

In the middle of the trio stands Viola, her fiery red hair blazing in the light of the day cycle. Of the three, it is she who commands the most respect. When she enters a room, everyone turns towards her without even thinking about it. It helps that she has a something neither of the other Sirens do: a black tail that glitters like obsidian.

Viola lifts her arms up and the murmuring crowd hushes. I reach out and slip my hand into Melodia's. When she threads our fingers together, a smile turns up the corners of my mouth. No matter what the Sirens say, all is right with the world as long as I am with her.

"Undine! Hear my words. This day, we three announce the fall of a star." 

At Viola's words, Melodia goes rigid beside me. I feel the blood drain from my face. These words are tradition and they mean only one thing: a Siren is laying down her title.

Percussa moves forward and bows to the people as Viola continues. "This sorrowful day, we bid farewell to our sister, Siren Percussa. Fate has decreed that she will leave glorious leadership of her own volition."

Shock flows through me. 

Not only is she giving up her title at the tender age of four hundred and five, but she is doing so without leaving the clan! Normally, Sirens only pass on their title with death or when they leave the Undine. This is unheard of.

Beside me, Melodia leans forward and I can feel her shaking. I look at her, worried, but she is smiling. It's not fear or surprise that has her shaking...it is excitement. My heart sinks.

Melodia turned fifty today, which means she is eligible to compete for the title.

"Sisters of mine, tonight we bid our Percussa a hearty thank you for her service by feasting. Tomorrow, we will discover what fate has in store for her replacement. Now, sing!"

Immediately, a tune rises from the gathered people as they sing farewell to Percussa. I open my mouth to sing my thanks to the school teacher and long time leader of our people, but all that comes out is sorrow.

Melodia lets go of my hand. 

I can feel her let go of me, too.