In the Veins of the Drowning

Imogen dreams of her body being crushed beneath the pressure of the sea as the pain of the severance overcomes her. She worries that the empty space created by their broken bond will be filled with awful things, making her into a monster.

When Imogen wakes three days later, she discovers her former engagement ring hanging on a chain around her neck. At the foot of the bed is a black gown with material that resembles the iridescent sheen of Siren wings and another ring—gold with a honey-colored jewel that matches her eyes. A handmaid informs Imogen that Theo had carried her inside and stayed with her for a day and a half until she stopped bleeding. He turned her over to the healers when Chancellor Eftan arrived to drag him out.

Lachlan has left a note, informing Imogen that a ship, The Hercule, has been prepared for her. It is staffed with Siren-bound men who’ll be immune to her lure. Imogen meets with Chancellor Eftan, who calls for a carriage to escort her to the docks. Inside the pocket of her dress, Imogen finds a letter from Theo that explains how agonized he is to be apart from her.