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Sitting together on the end of the pier, they watched Josiah anchor his yacht. “I’m glad to see you two have made up,” Josiah said, walking down the plank to join them on the pier. “Though next time, call instead of using a sea monster to get our attention.”

“Sorry about that, but sirens have a flair for the dramatic.” Aerin chuckled.

“Are you sure about staying? Last chance,” Josiah asked.

“Never been more sure,” Gideon said, kissing the back of Aerin’s hand.

“As sad as I am to say goodbye to my brother, the sooner I get out of here, the better it is for everyone. I have to return home and make sure that everyone who matters is certain you’re dead.”

“Keep the plaque and signet ring we picked up from Miranda,” Gideon instructed as they got to their feet.

“I completely forgot about them. I’m sorry.” Aerin gawked at him.

“Don’t worry, we paid your friend for them, and to keep our secret,” Josiah added.

“You didn’t need to do that, but thank you. I’m sure she was happy to make a profit and return them to you,” Aerin said, relieved Miranda got paid for the time she spent helping them.

“You should bring home his coffin,” Aerin added.

“But the auction, the house?” Gideon frowned.

“We can figure something else out; keeping you and the cove safe is more important,” Aerin said. “I can have another made in town for you, but if he’s going to sell your death to the clan and prevent anyone else from coming to look for you, then your brother will need it.”

“I’ll send someone we can trust to collect and ship it home, but are you sure? These are the only things that can prove who you are, your lineage?” Josiah asked.

“Maybe if I remembered who I was before, if I hadn’t been in the water so long, I would want them, but I’m not that man anymore,” Gideon said.

“I understand. I wouldn’t want to leave a woman who’s willing to chase down a yacht or who can command a sea monster either.” Josiah chuckled. “With your belongings, I should be able to convince the clan to end your line officially.”

“And only our sister and mother know about the letter detailing my possible survival?” Gideon asked, not wanting to leave any loose ends.

“Yes, we didn’t tell the rest of the clan until we were sure the information was credible. We had never heard of a Miranda Brightwell, so when we received her letter detailing the plaque and ring, and their connection to Gideon St Draqial, we were suspicious⁠—”

“The letter was from Miranda?” Gideon interrupted, looking to Aerin.

“I can answer that. Sandy and Shelby took the letter I sent because they didn’t want us to break up; they said I was nicer with you around. They might also be the reason you haven’t been able to leave for the past three days,” Aerin confessed.

“They’re the ones who stole the starter?” Josiah grumbled. “I expect to be reimbursed.”

“You’ll survive the cost of a starter.” Gideon chuckled. “Remind me to get those girls their own crates of gold, each,” he whispered to Aerin, kissing the side of her head.

“Don’t! We shouldn’t reward their mischief. Their mother already blames me for being a bad influence. I thought her head was going to explode when she arrived at my door this evening, her girls in tow. I’m sorry you got caught up in their schemes,” Aerin said to Josiah.

“Don’t be. This has been the most entertaining trip I’ve had in a while. I found my brother, saw a Kraken, and got pranked by sirens. A pity I can’t tell the clan when I get back. They’ll have to settle for another dead end. We’ve had more than a few sightings or false positives over the years. It won’t be a surprise when I return without you,” Josiah said.

“I’m sorry you have to go back with bad news, but it’s safest for everyone,” Gideon told him, and Josiah nodded in agreement.

“Well, now that’s settled, I should get going. However, I do have something for Aerin.” Josiah turned to her.

Aerin gripped Gideon’s hand, making him wince.

“Since I didn’t think I was going to see you again, I didn’t get a chance to give you your reward.”

“I don’t need a reward.” Aerin chuckled.

“I won’t take no for an answer. Consider it a welcome-to-the-family gift,” Josiah said, and two of his crew brought out a chest and placed it on the pier at her feet.

Aerin gasped as he opened the lid to reveal a mountain of gold coins. Gideon loved seeing her eyes light up. Giving a siren treasure was like Christmas and a birthday to a human.