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I did that, I thought. It’s my fault this is happening to him.

The curse had already sunk its teeth into him. All because I couldn’t stop myself from falling for the one thing I could no longer have.

The nightmares. The visions. All of it was my fault, my own doing, from being so goddamn selfish.

Layne was right. He’d been right this entire fucking time. The curse was slowly killing Ethan.

I knew that. I knew it, and I had kissed him anyway.

Selfish. You’re so fucking selfish, Evie.

“Evie?” Ethan’s voice jolted me back. His brow creased. “Are you…okay? You don’t have to go. Trust me.” He glanced up at the Ferris wheel. “I get it. I don't blame you…”

I needed to snap out of it. Think. Buy more time.

“S-Sorry…” I stuttered. “When–When was it you said again?”

“Next Saturday.”

Every possibility in my head played out the same way, over and over. I couldn't let my feelings for Ethan become any stronger, but I also couldn't trust myself not to. Not anymore.

I was poison to Ethan.

Every longing glance, every touch, every damn kiss that I yearned for—it was killing him. But when would I ever get another chance like this?

I nodded. “Let me…let me get back to you tomorrow,” I said, averting my gaze. “If that's okay?”

Disappointment flickered across his face, but he didn't let it last long, snapping back into that hopeful smile I didn't deserve. “Of course. It’s no pressure, really.”

Guilt twisted my stomach. “Thanks for a good time tonight, Ethan…really.”

He reached for my hand, but I pulled away.

“Sorry…I have to go.” I couldn't look him in the eye. “I’ll meet you at the West Point Lighthouse. Same time as tonight.” My voice was rushed and desperate, eager to get away.

Ethan’s shoulders slumped, no longer pretending to hide his disappointment. “Sure…” He put his hands in his pockets. “I’ll–I’ll see you then.”

The space between us was vast, and all I wanted was to close it. To grab him and pull him into me again. To press my lips against his, just one more time.

And you’ll watch him die for it.

“Goodnight, Ethan,” my voice cracked, and I turned before he could see my face crumble.

“Goodnight, Evie…”

I felt his lingering gaze as I walked away. Each step I took was heavier than the last, like the pier itself was trying to hold me back.

I made my way down to the shoreline, wading into the water, hidden by the darkness and barnacle-covered pilings of the pier. The water welcomed me back like an old friend, my glamour dissolving the moment the salty water touched my skin. Scales rippled across my body, and my legs burned before fusing together into my tail.

I was myself again—Evelyn Graymore, the Siren—for better or worse. That is who I was now.

Sinking beneath the surface of the Sound, I dove deeper, swimming harder and faster with every whip of my tail. No matter how fast I shot through the currents, I knew I couldn't outswim my racing thoughts.

Preston.

Ethan.

That kiss…