Page 64 of Make Out With A Merman

She whistles. “That’s advanced stuff. You’re not a caster.”

“I know. That’s why I came to you.”

Hazel leans back, chewing on the edge of one of her many hair beads. “It won’t be easy. The rift’s already got hooks in him. The magic’s older than me, older thanthis lake.Binding someone to the surface takes more than a chant and a friendship bracelet.”

“I’ll help. I’ll do whatever you need.”

She eyes me. “Even if it costs?”

I nod. “What’s the price?”

Her grin turns devious. “I want your shift tomorrow. Water games. I get to run it. With full glitter cannon access.”

My mouth falls open. “Hazel”

“Full. Access.” she repeats, smug as sin.

I hesitate.

Then sigh. “Fine.”

She squeals. “Yay! We’re making magic!”

She hops up and starts pulling supplies from her enchanted fanny pack like she’s about to host a sparkly séance.

“Meet me at the fire circle at midnight,” she says. “Bring something of his. Something important. Somethingreal.”

“What kind of real?”

She pauses, suddenly serious. “Something with hisheartin it. Not blood. Just... meaning.”

I nod slowly.

“Thanks, Hazel.”

She winks. “Anything for true love. Now get outta here. I’ve got prep to do and boys to impress.”

As I walk away, I don’t even bother to hide my smile.

Because yeah, this might be wild and reckless.

But Ryder’s not going under.

Not if I can help it.

Not without me.

Hazel runswater games the next day.

Runsis a generous term.

Reignsmight be more accurate.

I try not to wince as she steps out onto the pool deck wearing a sequined cape, swim goggles bedazzled with rhinestones, and holding what I can only describe as a modified leaf blower that’s spewing purple glitter.

“Loyal subjects!” she announces. “Today, you compete for glory, hydration, and tiny plastic trophies shaped like narwhals!”

Jason cheers like she’s Moses parting the lake.

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