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“Layne, if you really want to help me, then you’ll do something to help me find Preston,” I said, my voice breaking, as the frustration set in.

He looked at me with a curious light in his eyes. Leaning back on his throne, legs splayed, he said, “And what do I get in return?”

I cocked my head to the side. “What do you mean in return?” My voice was cutting. “You’re the one who did this to me. You owe me answers⁠—”

Layne's laugh echoed so loud it rippled the waters around us. “Owe you? Oh, princess, you’re sadly mistaken. I gave you your second life. I gave you power. Another chance to get your revenge.” His voice was sharper, more serious now. “You don't get to make demands.”

Just play his stupid game, I told myself.

I released my grip and sighed, reluctantly drifting toward him. “Fine. What do you want?” I asked, my voice hesitant.

“Oh, I don't know yet!” His smile was serpentine. “But I do love having you in my debt. It makes things much more fun.”

“You are fucking exhausting!” My jaw tightened. “Is it always just a game to you? You turned me into this—this monster—then left me alone to figure shit out, and now you’re speaking in riddles again!”

Layne’s eyes darkened. “Because it is a game, Evelyn,” Layne snapped, appearing inches from my face faster than I could blink. “My game, and you’re the star player I’ve been waiting for, but you don't even understand all the rules yet.” He paused, softening his eyes. “You’re still learning, and watching you is both…beautiful and captivating.”

I studied his face, attempting to decipher what he really wanted from me. It was like he was testing me or something.

“If you want answers, you’ll just have to earn them,” Layne said, his voice soft and tender. “Show me my little creation was worth the bargain we made.”

His creation…as if he owns me now.

His golden eyes searched my face, trying to dissect my thoughts. “Right now you’re still…fragile.” He paused, trailing his finger down my neck, making my breath hitch. “Another mistake like tonight, and you might not make it out so clean next time. And then, you’ll never get the revenge that is so rightfully yours, darling.”

His touch. His wicked smile—it was infuriating.

So why was I feeling this way?

Pressing my eyes shut, I shook my head and propelled myself backward. “I don't have time for any more cryptic bullshit. I just need to find Preston, okay?” My voice was filled with defeat, and he seemed to pick up on it.

Layne watched me with a more serious and thoughtful demeanor as he said, “You will, Evelyn.” He held my hand between his, but I quickly pulled it away. “But only when you’re ready, and have shown that you can handle things.” He moved back, spreading his arms wide above his head, shoulders broad and high. “Until then, keep hunting, get stronger, and then maybe—maybe—I’ll give you what you want.”

Rolling my eyes, I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me.

“And Evelyn…one more thing.”

I glanced back, already regretting it. “What now?” I groaned.

Layne closed the distance between us in a blur of smoky shadows. His hand pressed flat against my chest, right above my heart. It was warmer than I expected.

Just as I was about to jerk back, he raised a finger in the air. “Relax,” he whispered. “A parting lesson, and then you can go brood in peace.”

I scoffed, trying to ignore the heat creeping up my neck at his touch. “I don’t brood⁠—”

“You absolutely brood, darling. It’s very dramatic, but I quite love it.”

He’s calling ME dramatic?

“Close your eyes,” he said. “I want you to feel something.”

I cocked an eyebrow, and Layne rolled his eyes.

“Just trust me…”

Trust him? Trust was something to be earned, and so far, Layne was on my shit list. But if he wanted to actually help me and it would get me closer to Preston, then I’d swallow my pride, at least this once.

“Fine,” I said, pressing my eyes shut.