Page 49 of Siren Problems
I stand anchored to the floor like something ancient and immovable.
She’s leaving.
Not maybe.
Likely.
And gods, it shouldn’thurtlike this.
But it does.
Because this time, it’s not the sea stealing something from me.
It’s me.
My silence.
My absence.
Myfear.
I wanted to protect her. To keep her safe from the storm I carry inside me. But all I did was convince her I’d never choose her back.
And now?
Now I’m the reason she’s packing up the pieces and preparing to walk away.
The idea slices through me deeper than any curse flare ever could.
Because Luna didn’t just crawl into my bed.
She opened me up in a way I didn’t think could be touched anymore.
She made mewantagain.
And I let that want drown under guilt.
I turn toward the door.
The tide’s coming in fast now.
And if I don’t move soon...
I might lose the only person who’s ever looked at the monster andreached for the maninstead.
CHAPTER 17
LUNA
Ishould’ve known better than to respond to a text from Kai without inspecting the emojis.
“Emergency at The Gutter Mermaid. Bring gloves. Wear something washable. ”
You’d think I’d learn. But no. I walk straight into the trap, clutching an industrial-strength aura filter and half-expecting to find a kelpie riot or another potion spill incident involving amorous barnacles.
What do I find instead?
Kai is sitting on the bar, surrounded by snacks, glitter pens, and what looks like a therapy workbook labeled“Feelings Don’t Have to Suck: A Guide for Magical Hot Messes.”
