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The desire to save him almost got me into the water.

My hope for some truths kept me on the shore.

Medusa took my hand, interlocking her fingers with mine. “I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m here for you, sugar.”

I appreciated every moment of her presence. “Thank you.”

She squeezed my hand.

I spoke about everything from the curse to Selene and the gifts she’d given me. Medusa kept hold of my hand, listening until I’d finished my outpouring.

She didn’t say anything for a whole minute.

“Thank you, Selene.” Another squeeze of my hand. “Can she feel that?”

“She’s not here right now,” I responded.

“Okay.” She released a long sigh. “Oh, sugar. What a time to be alive.”

“I’ll say.”

“Aidan…I don’t want to say his name.”

Curse Aidan. I have an elf who loves me.

Would Paris being in the water end our curse? Was that what Selene meant?

I touched the amulet, watching Paris intently. If this gave us a chance to be together now that we were both on the same page, I would make every single day count. Give him my all, be his friend, lover, everything.

A vampire death struck the Heart of All. Cruel sorrow raked its claws through it, gouging an eternal hole there for a vampire called Amy.

I clutched at my chest, my pulse a drum in my ears.

“What is it?” Medusa asked.

“I—”

Another death, then another, then five more. They came in quick succession. An endless tirade, the grief forcing me to my knees.

“Sugar?”

My hand slipped from hers, ten more deaths tearing into the Heart of All. Name after name, loss after loss. My people were under attack across the world.

Fifteen deaths next. I wailed, collapsing onto my back. I was winded, nothing but a conduit for grief.

Medusa knelt beside me in a panic, trying to get me to speak.

Words solidified in my throat.

Five more deaths.

Six more.

Two more.

Four.

Five again.