AQUIVER the bearer of death

Sirena watched Luke, pondering repeatedly. She was a merciless officer, executing humans who broke underwater laws.

Sirena and Esme were special officers handling Red Sea crises. Humans who slaughtered mermaid witches were cursed, which is why Sirena worked at the hospital, treating survivors of the curse then they will kill him.

Esme was the most reliable information seeker and worked alongside Sirena.

"How does it feel living with a sea snake for two years? Your pain doesn't compare to our friend's death. Here's the plan: I'll keep you alive, make you healthy, then feed you two sea snakes at once. You won't die easily, Luke; you'll suffer."

Sirena rose, resolved. She grasped Luke's jaw, reciting a spell to break the curse. Luke gasped, struggling in agony. Sirena inserted two slender fingers into his mouth, prompting weak moans. His tense body writhed. Disgusted, Sirena frowned. Red tears dripped from Luke's eyes as she extracted a sea snake from his mouth. He suffered unbearable pain, unable to do more than struggle feebly.

Sirena laughed happily as she saw Luke crying blood, but his body couldn't move much. "I'm really enjoying this, Luke. Let's slow down the snake's removal so you'll be in pain longer."

***

Two days passed. Luke opened his eyes to a welcoming beam of light, which made him frown. When Sirena moved the flashlight away, her sweet smile came into view.

"Say something," Sirena asked.

"Hi..." Luke whispered.

He stared in awe at the woman checking his heartbeat. Sirena's captivating eyes drew Luke in, her warm smile momentarily erasing his pain.

Sirena laughed sweetly, spontaneously. She shook her long hair proudly, having broken the Atlantean witch's curse with sheer strength. "I'm great too," she muttered. Rolling her eyes, she glanced at Jason and Ellam, who waited anxiously across the sofa.

Ellam visibly upset that they'd entrusted Luke to this seemingly careless young woman. Ellam had threatened Jason that if Sirena failed to cure Luke, he would kill her. Ellam's distrust stemmed from their first meeting, where Sirena's piercing gaze unsettled him.

"He's awake," Sirena announced.

Jason and Ellam rose simultaneously, but halted as Sirena raised a finger.

"Give me a minute. Wait outside," she directed firmly.

Jason began, "I want—"

Sirena interrupted, "No requests."

Sirena gestured toward the exit, signaling Jason and Ellam to leave immediately. Irritation flickered across her face; their constant visits every two hours for two days had worn her patience thin. Ellam's lingering concern for Luke's safety was evident.

Jason calmly pulled Ellam's arm, urging compliance with Sirena's demand. He trusted Erick's judgment, even though his brother-in-law hadn't disclosed much about Sirena. Her success in reviving his son spoke volumes about her capabilities.

"What do you feel?" Sirena asked.

"Hungry..." Luke whispered.

"Can you get up?"

Luke nodded, attempting to move. His body faltered, weakened. Sirena's gaze intensified, her disappointment evident as Luke struggled to lift his arms.

"I don't think I can," Luke whispered, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

He felt a surge of embarrassment under Sirena's piercing gaze. Her stunning beauty left him flustered.

"Y-you can cure me?" he asked doubtfully.

"You cured yourself," Sirena replied.

"How?"

"Eat," Sirena instructed.

She pulled out a pen and grasped Luke's arm, scribbling phone numbers on the back of his hand. Luke winced slightly, her firm pressure evident.

"Your weight's down to 40 kilograms, Luke," she warned. "If you don't meet me, you'll likely perish soon."

Her gaze swept his frail frame. "You're extremely underweight."

"My body must look terrible," Luke admitted, feeling self-conscious.

Sirena smiled sweetly. "Your job now is to eat and gain weight. Reach fifty kilograms, then contact me."

Luke looked puzzled. "You're not treating me?"

Sirena winked seductively. "I only treat patients with normal weight. Want my help? Gain weight quickly."

As Sirena removed her white coat and departed, leaving Luke alone, an unusual flutter persisted in his chest. Despite feeling relieved she hadn't lingered to scrutinize his frailty, Luke couldn't shake his instant attraction to her.

***

Two months flew by. Ellam sighed, exasperated, as Luke chuckled, stirring his chicken soup.

"See something funny?" Ellam asked.

Luke grinned mischievously. "I called Sirena; she's coming today! I've reached fifty kilos! Ready for round two treating with the captivating doctor!"

Ellam observed his brother's radiant smile, clearly enthralled by Sirena's impending arrival. Despite his concerns, fueled by Erick's secrecy and her own inability to uncover information about Sirena, Ellam's attention shifted alongside Luke's to the doorway.

Sirena's entrance left Luke choking on his water soup. Her striking appearance—black mini skirt and sleeveless white blouse—left him breathless, his face flushing intensely.

Sirena beamed warmly. "Hi," she said, greeting Ellam and Luke.

Luke sprang into action clearing the table. "Fifty kilos gained, Doc!" he announced proudly.

Sirena's gaze swept Luke's transformed physique.

Luke's eyes locked onto Sirena's as she drew near, his breathing deepening. Her intense stare made his heart race.

"Your eyes are still sunken, Luke," she whispered.

"Am I... still too thin?" Luke asked nervously.

Sirena's gaze roamed his face. "Very thin. Reach sixty kilos, then call me."

Luke nodded hastily, struggling to breathe. Sirena's proximity set his ears ablaze.

With a gentle yet annoyed pat on Luke's head, Sirena stood up and swiftly departed.

"Where are you going, Doc?" Luke asked, confusion etched on his face.

"Home," Sirena replied.

"But what about my treatment? Aren't you going to examine me?" Luke pressed.

Sirena smiled. "Sixty kilograms first, then I'll treat you."

Luke wanted to protest, but hesitated, fearing Sirena recommendation for choosing another doctor. Ellam observed Sirena's enigmatic smile, sensing she was toying with Luke.

Despite reservations, Ellam remained silent, grateful for Sirena's progress with Luke.

"Call me again," Sirena instructed.

Luke nodded obediently, captivated by her beauty. Whatever Doctor Sirena ordered, Luke would obey as long as he was under her care.

***

The following month, Sirena came with the same clothes, the same smile, and remained beautiful in Luke's eyes, which raised the corners of his lips perfectly. Now, after his body weight reached seventy kilograms, Sirena really came every day to help Luke's healing process.

Although both of them were more inclined to play around, because, compared to getting treatment and doing anything healthy, Sirena sometimes brought instant noodles and ice cream, until Luke had the flu and fever for two days.

She accompanied Luke out of the hospital and helped pack his belongings. Over time, they grew closer, with Sirena's infectious laughter captivating Luke, who fell deeply in love.

Luke surrendered to his feelings. Their brief romance blossomed into seriousness. Now, Luke healthy and exercising to impress her, Luke gazed at Sirena intensely. He showered her with flowers and chocolates whenever she visited.

Today, they would explore a museum together.

"Umm, Luke..."

"Yes, Doctor?" Luke settled into the driver's seat, ready for their date.

"My contract ends today," Sirena announced.

Luke's hand froze on the seatbelt, eyes widening anxiously as he turned to Sirena, who gazed back seriously.

"But I'm still sick," Luke protested.

Sirena's face lit up with a sweet laugh as she secured her seatbelt.

Luke's face fell.

"You're very healthy now, Luke. Look at the progress – you're driving again," Sirena explained gently. "I have other patients to care for."

"Not men," Luke protested, half-joking.

Sirena smirked. "What if they're transgender?"

Luke rolled his eyes. "Come on, Doc."

Sirena chuckled, thinking he joked.

"Today's my last day, 3 p.m.," she said.

Luke's expression turned serious. "No extensions? You can't leave!"

Sirena smiled. "I—"

Luke interrupted, firm. "No! You can't go!"

Luke's gaze fixed on the yard, frustration simmering. He had planned to confess love at the museum.

Sirena's soft voice broke his trance. "You're welcome anytime, Luke."

He turned, locking eyes with her gentle smile.

"No contract," she added.

Luke's intense focus searched for hidden meanings.

"Can I meet you?" he asked hesitantly.

Sirena nodded confidently.

"Anytime?" Luke asked again, seeking assurance.

"Anytime," she reaffirmed.

Luke's impatience grew. "What about a date?" he asked, having rehearsed the invitation.

Sirena's silence left Luke anxious. "Doc?"

Luke's grip on the steering wheel tightened, the engine still off.

"Call me Sirena," she said.

Luke took her seriously, his gaze locked on hers. He focused intently on her, drawn to her lips.

Luke's body reacted instinctively. He leaned in, his calm breath whispering against her lips in a soft, meaningful kiss.

Sirena didn't pull away.

Luke thought Sirena would reject his kiss, considering it might be too soon for her, although he had liked her from the moment they met.

"I like you, Sirena..." Luke whispered.

"Me too, Luke. I like you," she replied softly.

To Be Continued…