The Panther And Her Siren
Sometimes it felt as if she came out of nowhere. Invading Shuri's world in more ways than she could have imagined. Making her question things she firmly believed in. Shuri could never have prepared herself for the revelations. But... will she be able to handle the truth? Especially when she's so drawn to the enigmatic beauty who comes with more secrets than she can fathom. What starts as curiosity turns into a dark unraveling. Not just for Shuri, but the whole Wakanda.
“Are you feeling better?” A warm hand was resting on her back, rubbing circles as she groaned and raised a hand to her temple. “I think it’s a bug. I ate too much last night.”
The older woman smiled in response, “That you did. But I can take you to the doctor if it gets worse. Just tell me.”
Kele nodded and took a sip from the glass in front of her, “I will. Thank you.”
“Not that I’m judging but,” The woman eyed the glass. “Are you sure drinking whiskey is a good idea right now?”
The woman had found her leaning against the bathroom door, her breath uneven as she tried to blink away the dark spots in her vision. She had taken her to the bar and ordered a glass of water. Which Kele had exchanged for a glass of whiskey.
“Mmh.” The younger girl nodded. “You don’t have to worry, Oya. I asked Sye to fetch me. He’ll be here in thirty minutes.”
“Will you be fine on your own?”
“Yeah, just three glasses of this and I’ll be good to go.”
“Millennials.” She muttered and shook her head. “Take care, okay? If Sye doesn’t come, I can get someone to take you home.”
Kele smiled when the woman kissed her cheek, giving her arm a small squeeze. “See you.”
She turned back to the counter and lifted the glass to her lips.
Kele rolled her eyes and placed her drink down. There were only a few people who called her by that name, and none of them were pleasant.
She turned, now face to face with a tall boy. Dressed in a peach button down and black leather pants with black boots. A band like hers was clasped around his neck, a matching band on his wrist, the two were companied by silver jewellery. He had diamond studs in his ears and black nail polish.
“You know,” He plopped down on the seat Oya had occupied just a minute ago, his back and elbows leaning against the counter. “I thought their security would be tighter after our previous stunt.”
He eyed her, “I’m glad the country is treating you well, sister. It’s good to see you.”
“Six months.” She ignored the greeting and crossed her arms. “That’s what we agreed on. No contact for six months.”
“Change of plans.” He took her glass and downed the contents. Wincing, he replied, “Klaue just introduced me to this guy. He’s tough.”
“But I don’t trust him or Klaue. So,” He turned to her. “I need your help.”
“Our sister is being held in this country.” He said sternly. “Now you know I can’t be here for too long. So, I suggest you listen.”
“Why would Tsholo be here? I thought I was handling everything…” Her eyes widened in realisation.
In a hushed tone, she hissed at him, “Please don’t tell me you were stealing. You guys promised!”
“This was a side mission, I don’t know how Tsholo got caught in the crossfire.” He defended before studying her. “Don’t tell me you haven’t felt it. That sinking feeling in your gut. The nausea that’s been kicking in since last week? Obviously, something’s wrong.”
“I thought I was pregnant.” She stated bluntly. “Or one of you was. You guys don’t tell me anything.”
The boy’s lips parted. Before he leaned in, “Does it even work like that?”
He frowned, then shook his head when he noticed they were getting distracted.
“Never mind. Tsholo was supposed to meet up with that uncle of hers but for some reason she ended up here. There are whispers of an unconscious girl found in their waters. I don’t know what’s going on.”
Kele shook her head, “How would we even find her?”
“My best bet is the palace. Boitumelo has already checked everywhere else.” He answered. “If you can get inside, we can find out where she’s being held exactly.”
Kele eyed him, “Does this... Klaue know about you? About me?”
“Only what Tsholo wanted him to know.” He reassured. “I am safe.”
She nodded before sighing dejectedly, “But I don’t have access to the palace. My powers are limited.”
“Now, don’t lie to your twin brother.” He smiled teasingly. “I know you’ve been playing with the princess.’
“When did you- Boitumelo snitched, didn’t he? I talked to her once.” She held up her index finger. “Once!”
“That should be enough for you to gain access, right?”
Kele turned her head and motioned for the bartender to give her a refill. Her brother glanced at the bartender before noticing the look on her face.
“I know that look.” He tilted his head and leaned closer. “You’re hiding something.”
“I’m not hiding anything.” She mumbled; eyes focused on her fiddling hands. “Have you…”
“Have your powers ever failed midway?” She hesitated. “I mean… have they ever stopped working?”
“Just once.” He nodded, frowning. “Why? What happened?”
“She broke out of my trance.”
“What?” He turned his body to her. “How?”
“It was only for a few minutes, but she broke out of it. I tried to pull her back in, but you know I have a limit.”
She continued, “The pushback is different from the one I experienced with the King and the Prince. It’s like I’m blocked.”
“Well.” He sighed. Kele watched as his eyes wondered off, a faraway look on his face. “Huh.”
He took her glass as soon as the bartender placed it down.
“Get your own glass!” She whined and asked the bartender to bring two more. The woman glanced between them and shook her head.
“I need to process this.” He defended. “Forget about it. It’s probably because of Tsholo.”
“Have you met dad’s family?” He asked softly.
She averted her gaze to the band around her wrist.
“…I don’t think I can do it.” She shook her head. “Sye seems so happy, and I can’t give them that hope knowing I’m going to leave.”
“Hey.” He took her hand in his. “Don’t you think we can be selfish about this one thing?”
“The chance to have a piece of dad.” He continued. “To know what he was like and to know him outside of those walls.”
“This is the only thing that wasn’t taken from us.” He smiled and tugged on the necklace. “This is the only thing I have.”
She sighed, “Mme would love this place.” She smiled sadly. “I can’t even tell her about it.”
“We will tell her everything once we find everyone.” He returned a comforting smile. “We’re so close.”
She nodded. “How long are you staying?”
“I’m leaving tonight. To prepare for the celebration.”
“I forgot about that.” She mumbled. “I’ve seen enough of you already.”
He chuckled and took the two glasses as soon as they were placed down. Kele shrieked and grabbed his arm before he could drink both.
“Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!” She yelled as she pulled his arm and slapped him. “No.”
Finally snatching one glass from his hand, she downed the contents before he could take it back.
“You monster.” He whispered.
“You ghoul.” She retorted, wiping her bottom lip.
He took his time studying her, a sentimental smile on his lips.
His hand smoothed down her braids.
“Come here.” She was pulled into his warm embrace. His hand held her head while the other rested on her back. “I got you, okay?”
She returned the embrace. “Do you think she’s okay?”
“Ga ke itse. But we’ll find her. I promise.”
“Prepare yourself in case something goes wrong.” He pulled her out of his embrace, holding her at an arm’s length. “You have to be ready.”
“I don’t think I can handle it.” She shook her head.
“Has our faith ever failed us? The Great Mother will give you strength.”
“We have to find her, Tladi.” She held his gaze. “No matter what.”
“We will.” He promised. “No matter what.”
