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Heading for the nearest person, a thin, blond, siren, I place my hand on her shoulder. She glances up at me, eyes of honey. Even with my energy low, I could take from her. That risks the potential of a struggle I’m too tired to have.

“Hey, darlin’. You mind?”

It doesn’t take her more than a few seconds to register what I’m referring to, and she shakes her head, moving her golden locks back for me. “Not at all.”

It’s almost annoying how easy it is, even if I am in no mood for arguing. I guess I’ve kind of come to enjoy the back and forth when it came to this.

My entire body lights up when the first drop of blood hits my tongue. It’s like finally getting that cold sip of water after days spent walking through a scorching desert. Only this is warm and sweet, and so much more refreshing than a simple glass of water.

It isn’t her blood, but it still serves its purpose.

“Easy there.” The siren laughs, pressing her hand to my chest. “Save some for me.”

I break away from her neck, reluctant, but satisfied enough to stop when she asks me.

Fuck. I needed that more than I thought I did.

Reaching for my link, I realize it isn’t in my pocket. Almost everyone from the party is inside as I make my way back onto the deck to look for it.

Almost.

Ashen is in the water now, chest deep and holding Siena. The mirrored moons shine down on them, lighting every detail for me to see. Her arms wrap loosely around his shoulders, his fingers brushing through her wet hair. And then, as though they’ve done it a thousand times, they come closer, removing all space and locking their mouths together.

I feel nothing as I watch them. Not jealousy, not possessiveness, not lust for what was once mine.

My feet pull me down the steps to the edge of the pool, finding what I came for. The wooden base of my Thornlink scraping on the ground as I pick it up is enough to alert the two in the water that they are no longer alone.

Ashen sees me first, his hold on the faerie dropping. “Fuck, man, listen, it isn’t what it looks like.”

“No?” I ask, observing them move away from each other.

“I- we… damnit.” He shakes his head. “Look, there was no overlap. I promise. You know I wouldn’t do that to you.”

I’m not sure what I know, only that it doesn’t matter.

“It’s fine,” I say, gripping my link and turning toward the house. Siena was never mine, just like I was never hers.

I couldn’t tell you what I expected to happen if Sumner had stayed here. It’s not like we had established any sort of commitment to each other. There was something there though. Even with the countless ups and downs, I fucking felt it. I thought she had too.

Apart from losing my father, nothing has ever affected me like this. So, screw her. Screw her for making me feel so shitty. For taking whatever happiness I’d found and leaving with it.

And screw me for allowing myself to fall for her in the first place.

I’d always assumed I was hardened beyond penetration, that there was nothing but pitch that kept my blood pumping. It’s only now I realize there was still some sliver of a beat beneath my ribs, because when she left, she tore it right out of me.

The girl was my obsession long before I knew her. I always wanted her broken. I just didn’t expect she’d break me too.

The knocking doesn’t stop, even after several minutes of ignoring it. The sun is out, shining too damn brightly through the closed window.

Begrudgingly, I answer the door, finding Ashen on the other side. He eyes my appearance, unwashed and unkempt. I’m wearing only sweats and a pair of socks. My hair is disheveled, a combination of attempted sleep and running my fingers through it.

“Can I come in?” he asks, keeping his voice low and on the edge of caution.

I’ve known this man for my entire life. I grew up with him, shared a room even. He’s never once asked if he can enter my house. I’m honestly surprised he even knocks. Right now, he’s nervous, treading lightly.

I motion for him to step in, then lug myself to the couch. Ashen takes the opposite end, keeping his focus on his feet.

“I don’t know where to start,” he says slowly. “I know she was your girl, and I know it makes me a shitty friend. It just seemed like you didn’t want her anymore after you ended things, and I guess I should have asked first. But…you have to know it was never personal.”