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“Ethan,” Layne repeated, grimacing as if the name itself tasted bitter. “Yes…the nervous boy with sad green eyes.”

I scowled. “Don’t…”

Layne threw up his arms, biceps bulging with dark veins. “I’m not mocking him, nor you,” he said, voice softening. It almost sounded sincere. “I’m just observing. It’s something I quite enjoy, if you hadn't figured that out yet.” He paused and studied my face as he twirled a strand of my hair that floated above me. “You like him.”

That wasn't a question.

I swam away, resting my back against the drowned tree, attempting to avoid Layne’s penetrating stare. “I’m focused on finding Preston,” I said. “That’s it.” I didn’t sound very convincing.

Layne drifted over, settling himself on the opposite side of the tree. “Then why do you feel so guilty about using your golden song on him?”

How the hell would he know how I feel?

“Because he didn’t deserve it, Layne,” I spat, whirling around the tree to face him. “He’s an actual good person, kind and honest. I know you don't know what that feels like, but I can’t treat him the way I treat⁠—”

Layne appeared in front of me in a plume of inky shadows. “Like the men you hunt and feed on?”

My throat tightened, the weight of my choices pressing my eyes down to the floor. “Yes…” I sighed. “I’m not going to do that to him. I know what it feels like not to have a choice.”

We sat in silence together.

Layne finally spoke, his voice soft. “Listen…I’m sorry, Evelyn.” His tone had lost its usual snarky, cruel edge. “I…I really am.”

I looked up at him curiously and slowly blinked, unsure if I had actually heard him correctly. “What?” I asked.

Layne’s golden eyes held a softness to them, void of their usual malice. “I’m sorry for what Preston did to you, and for what he did to your father.”

My brow furrowed, and I slowly studied his face, waiting for the sarcastic follow-up.

“Preston Willows is no man. He’s a monster that hides behind his wealth and privilege. You and your father weren't his first victims and surely won't be his last.” His gaze held mine, and for once, there was no hidden meaning behind it. “You have every right to make him pay for what he took. I want to help you do that, Evelyn. I always have.”

What's your angle, Layne…

My gaze held his as I studied him. The harshness of his features softened, and for the first time, he seemed sincere. The unexpected kindness unsettled me, and I wasn't sure what to say.

As we floated next to each other, he towered above me, his frame massive compared to mine. “I gave you this power because you deserve this second chance,” he said softly.

I finally broke my silence. “Thank you…” I still wasn't sure if I believed him, but he sounded so genuine. Ever since I'd agreed to the bargain, Layne had been nothing but a relentless and clingy shadow that I couldn’t seem to shake. But for a moment, I saw him as something else entirely.

Who are you, Layne Murrows? I thought, What are you?

“Can I ask you something?” I said, seizing the moment of sincerity.

Layne’s grin returned, and he shrugged. “You can ask, but that doesn't mean I’ll answer, princess.”

And he’s back.

I ignored his usual sarcasm, determined to probe deeper. “How long have you been down here?” I asked, gesturing to the depths. “In the sea, I mean.”

Layne’s expression shifted between surprise and something that looked like sadness, but the moment was brief. “Long enough, little drowned one.” He paused, looking toward the surface. “Long enough that I forget what the sun feels like. I stopped counting a long time ago…” His voice trailed off, the words dying in his throat.

I leaned forward, unable to hide my curiosity. “Why can't you leave?”

The question struck something within him, his golden eyes flickering down. “Because…the chains of a curse don't care how long you've been hooked and shackled by them...” His voice was quiet and tired. “I made a decision a long time ago, a very binding one. Bindings like that…” He looked at me, and the gold in his eyes dimmed ever so slightly. “They don’t break without huge sacrifice.”

My hands inched toward him, wanting to rest them on his shoulders, and it caught me off guard. Consoling Layne Murrows was the last thing I thought I’d be doing, but he also continued to surprise me.

This did confirm something I had been suspecting, though. Layne was stuck down here, which explained why I’d never encountered him on land before. But still, if what he was saying were true, then who or what cursed him? I had so many more questions that I knew he wouldn’t answer.