The Siren's Scion

They say when you die, that's it. Nothingness.

They're wrong.

I was floating near the ceiling, looking down at my own body, small and pathetic in its congealed pool of blood. A sad, forgotten doll.

My vision swirled, and I was suddenly pulled away, my spirit yanked across town to a sterile hospital room.

Elara's hand was freshly bandaged. She sat on the edge of the bed, head bowed. Liam, after a failed call to my phone, scowled at the screen.

My mother stood nearby. "The child still isn't answering?"

Liam grunted in affirmation, a flicker of unease crossing his face. Mom waved a dismissive hand. "She pulled this running-away stunt when she was fourteen. So dramatic. She has no consideration for everything we're dealing with, especially with Elara."

Liam's expression hardened, and he put his phone away. I watched, the ghost of a sob catching in my non-existent throat. I'll never answer your calls again, Liam. Will you care?

Elara's voice, calm and flat, broke the silence. "When are you sending her away?"

Liam flinched. "Elara, darling..."

"Don't 'darling' me!" she shrieked, her composure shattering. "I said send her away! I don't want to see her!"

Both Mom and Liam jumped to soothe her. "Okay! Okay, I'll make the arrangements. I'll send her to the boarding school in Switzerland. Today!"

"Don't get worked up, your hand..."

Elara breathed heavily, her eyes wide and frantic. I finally understood. She saw me as competition. For Liam's attention, for our parents' love. In this house, only she could be the princess.

I thought, my spirit numb. You got your wish. I'm gone. Are you happy?

The doctor entered, his face grim. "Her immune system is weakening. The Siren's Affliction will progress faster. You must be more vigilant. Remove all hard surfaces from your home."

Liam's eyes grew wet. "I understand." The doctor's words only solidified his decision. The moment the door closed, he called his assistant. "Get Isla enrolled at the Institut Alpin in Switzerland. Money is no object. Handle her transfer and enrollment immediately."

He turned to a dazed Elara and pulled her into a gentle hug. "It's alright, my little siren. She'll be gone. You'll never have to see her again."

Elara looked up, a strange emptiness in her gaze. "Good."

A deep, cold sorrow filled me. You won, Elara. No one will ever steal your spotlight again.