Page 94 of Make Out With A Merman

I slap the folder onto his desk.

“My first official project,” I announce. “Schematics, costs, resource lists, and three possible enchantment configurations.”

Torack raises an eyebrow, flips open the folder, and starts reading.

Ten seconds pass.

Then twenty.

Then he looks at me, eyes sharp. “You want to build an underwater observation deck.”

“Yes.”

“For students.”

“Yes.”

“That can adjust to magical tide flux and redirect energy through a shielding ring?”

“Exactly.”

He closes the folder slowly.

Then leans back in his chair.

“Why?”

I blink. “Because… it’s awesome?”

He gives me a look.

So I try again. “Because kids should see what’s under the surface. Not just the danger. The beauty. The magic. And maybe if they canseeit, reallyseeit, they’ll protect it better.”

Torack taps a finger against the folder.

Then nods.

“I’ll need a full magical structural analysis,” he says.

“Already included.”

He smirks.

And for the first time, I feel like not just a helper…

But a damn architect.

Of the future.

That night, Ryder tells me to meet him at the dock after dark.

“No questions,” he says, voice low but full of something…earnest.“Just wear something comfortable. And bring your curiosity.”

I squint at him. “This isn’t a trap, is it?”

“No glitter cannons involved,” he deadpans. “Promise.”

Which is suspicious, honestly.

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