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As much as I tried to believe the lie, I knew there wasn't much truth to my logic. Ethan had been clear last time, even under my compulsion. He didn't seem to know much more than he’d already said. So why the hell was I here? I had told myself I wasn't going to use my golden song on him again, and I meant it. But maybe organically, I might hear something else. It was worth a shot, right? It’s not like I had any other leads.

I groaned as the truth gnawed at me.

Keeping my feelings separate was bullshit, but if I didn’t, then Ethan would⁠—

“Evie!”

I turned to greet Ethan as he jogged toward me, his face handsome as ever. That damn smile. It was bright enough to rival the Ferris wheel glowing above us.

The funny thing about losing your humanity was how clearly I could see it within other people, especially Ethan. But with that came the dangerous desire to hold onto it as long as I possibly could.

“Hey,” I said, returning his smile, larger than I meant to.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said breathlessly, “It’s been a very long day.”

He does look pretty worn down, but still cute, though.

“Ethan, you're literally early. In fact, I’m the psycho who’s early for once. You’re rubbing off on me…”

He laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“Ask me again at the end of the night.”

Really, can't help yourself, can you?

“Deal,” he said with a grin.

A chill ran up my spine, and I fought to keep my face straight. Even a word as simple as that now carried the weight of the curse.

Ethan shoved his hands into his pockets, but quickly pulled them back out, awkwardly gesturing to the pier. “Wanna walk?”

“Sure,” I said dryly, nodding to the water. “Unless you want to take a dip?”

Ethan raised his eyebrows as if he believed me, and I laughed at how gullible he was.

He rolled his eyes and smiled. “Sure, you first.”

“I’d hate to ruin this look,” I said, flicking my hair behind my shoulder. “Can’t have you seeing me looking terrible now, can I?”

Ethan paused and looked at me sincerely. “I’m not sure that’s even possible, Evie.”

Heat crept up my neck, and I smiled before clearing my throat. “Come on,” I said, gesturing ahead. “Let’s go.”

We smiled and made our way along the pier, passing through the crowd of people. Lights reflected onto the dark water of the Bay below us.

Seattle was truly beautiful at this hour, especially on clear nights like this. I’d always enjoyed coming here to clear my mind between shifts. The smell of salt and fried food sent waves of emotion through me.

“So,” Ethan started, “how's the week been for you?”

Oh, you know, hunting the darkest of hearts in Seattle while searching for the fucker who murdered me.

“Just keeping busy, nothing crazy. I live a pretty boring life, you know?” If only that were true.

Ethan paused and turned toward me, eyes alit with inquisition. “I don’t actually know.” He laughed, but I could tell he was serious. “Enlighten me. What do you like doing for fun?”

“What is this, an interrogation?” I joked, brows raised and voice light, even though my stomach was tightening.

Ethan shrugged playfully and smiled. “No, just curious.” He kept his gaze focused on me. That earnest, open look that made me want to crawl out of my own glamoured skin. “I just realized I do most of the talking when we're together. I've told you pretty much everything about me, and you're still…” He gestured vaguely at me, his voice lighthearted, “A mystery.”