Sirens thrived in suffering and death.

They used their voices to lure unwitting sailors into the water, laughing as the sailors are torn apart by the angry sea or impaled upon jagged rocks jutting out of the water’s surface.

There have been many who attempted to create a reason for why the sirens sang. They simply loved music, some claimed, it was natural to share with others what one loved and sirens were tragic creatures who are unable to have someone fully appreciate them. Sirens enjoyed the power they held, others claimed, they delighted in the destruction they could bring, and constantly sought out new ships in chase of that feeling. Still, others believed there was no reason for their singing. They sang because they could, wouldn’t anyone?

Whatever the reason, a siren’s song causes the death of entire ships. What use is there to contemplate on the reason for the song when the bodies caused by it remain the same?

Fingers tracing idly on the rock she was perched on, Penelope’s eyes narrowed as she spotted a ship in the distance.

The crew looked like they had been traveling for a long, long time. They could barely hold themselves together, clinging to the ship’s railings to keep themselves standing as their sunken eyes searched the sea for food to fill their hollow stomachs. The ship swayed with the choppy waters of the sea, nearly indistinguishable from the wreckage of other ships nearby. It seemed that even a particularly strong storm would spell the end of the crew.

Penelope sighed. Weak and spineless travelers were the type she liked the least. They couldn’t hold her interest for very long, falling easily under her spell. From previous experience, she knew that she would not even make it halfway into her song.

However, she couldn’t be picky. It’s been a while since the last ship had entered her waters. Humans learn, even if every single ship that has entered her waters has met an untimely end. The whisperings amongst the sailors meant that ships now avoided her territory, using up their own time and resources to avoid an untimely demise at her hands.

So, while Penelope would normally leave this type of ship to her sisters, she wished to sing once more.

As her eyes continued to scan over the crew, Penelope finally noticed you.

Your position at the helm and the large hat on your head signalled you to be the captain of the ship, and you shone in comparison to everyone else. Your voice carried, reaching even her ears, and it was clear to see the respect and attention the rest of the crew gave to you specifically. You barked out another command, sweeping your arm to the side, and your crew leapt to follow, navigating the ship safely through the rocky waters of her domain.

Penelope‘s lips curled into a smirk. Perhaps this ship wasn’t completely worthless after all.

Pulling from your memories, Penelope learned of the spouse and child you had waited years to return home to. She shed her tail, trading it for human legs while her face morphed to match the lover you wished to see. Raising herself higher on her arms, she waited impatiently for your ship to come within range.

Once it did, she opened her mouth and sang.