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My face hardened, forcing an icier expression. I channeled as much vitriol into my voice as possible as I screamed, “I didn't feel shit with you, Ethan!”

More daggers.

“The other night was a mistake. You were a mistake!”

Ethan winced, the words cutting through him sharper than anything my siren’s claws could have done.

He shook his head slowly. “I don’t believe you. You’re lying…”

Goddamnit, Ethan.

I balled my fists as the water around us surged, waves breaking against the shore in a violent, chaotic rhythm.

“Believe whatever the fuck you want.” I turned before my mask could crack, pieces chipping away with every slash of my words. “I’m done, Ethan.”

“No,” he choked out. “You don't get to do that, Evie. You don't get to pretend like we didn't have something special.”

My head dropped, but I turned and started back toward the water.

Ethan’s voice rose with desperation. “You don't get to pretend like you weren’t the most goddamn amazing girl to walk into my life, and then run away when things get too real!”

The waves thrashed harder, and the lighthouse beam swept by again.

Red.

White.

Red.

“Evie, I—” He reached for my arm, his fingers brushing my skin.

As soon as I felt the warmth of his touch, my control shattered, along with the glamour.

My magic recoiled as the waves around us exploded. A column of seawater shot upwards, ten feet into the air, crashing down around us in a violent spray. Black scales flickered across my arm before quickly settling back beneath the illusion, but it was too late.

My face betrayed me as my eyes snapped to where the scales had broken through. My stomach sank as our eyes met. Ethan had seen my face and knew that I had seen it too.

Fuck!

Ethan jerked back as his eyes darted between his hand and my arm. “What—What the hell, Evie?” he stuttered.

He’s going to get himself killed if this doesn't stop.

“Just…just stop, Ethan! Please!”

The sea raged as I screamed, my magic manipulating the ocean as my control waned.

His eyes went to the water churning behind him, then back to me. Confusion and fear warred across his face.

“Was that–” He looked at the raging waters around us, then back to me. “Did you⁠—”

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Go home, Ethan!” My voice was sharp and commanding.

“Tell me what's going on, Evie. Please!” His voice cracked. “Tell me so I can help you!”

I swallowed hard as I spun to face him.