Page 11 of Siren Problems
CHAPTER 5
LUNA
“This is a bad idea.”
Kai ignores me completely, digging through the backseat of her jeep like a raccoon in a glam rock thrift store. She’s wearing a sequin bikini top, cutoff shorts, and has already enchanted her hair to smell like mango every time it flips.
“It’s not abadidea,” she says. “It’s a vibes-based decision. Those are different.”
“Pretty sure they lead to the same kind of hangover.”
She straightens, grinning, two potion bottles in hand—one a glimmering lavender, the other glowing chartreuse. “Don’t worry, I pre-tested the flirtation elixirs on the kelpie twins. You’ll befine.Unless you have unresolved feelings. Then it gets... spicy.”
“Kai.”
She waves a hand. “Don’t make that face. It’s just a little enchantment. The magic wears off in a couple of hours. You couldusea couple hours of lower inhibitions.”
“Lowered inhibitions got me into grad school with a sea magic thesis and a crush on a cursed fisherman. I don’t need more.”
Kai tosses the bottles in a bag and drags me toward the beach bonfire already glowing at the far curve of the cove. The party’s already in full swing—witches weaving illusions into the fire, a group of tiefling guys passing around a charmed guitar that only plays sad breakup songs, and someone—probably one of Kai’s bar staff—passing out rainbow jello shots that blink Morse code.
“Where’s Mira?” I ask, mostly so I don’t have to think abouthimbeing here.
“Over by the tide tables,” Kai says, gesturing with her chin. “Talking to that nymph intern from the ley registry. I think she’s trying to seduce him with graphs.”
“And Calder?” I ask before I can stop myself.
Kai doesn’t answer.
Because I already see him.
He’s leaning against a piece of driftwood, shirt damp, hair pulled back, looking like he lost a fight with a thunderstorm and won anyway. He’s not mingling. Of course he’s not. He’s brooding in public like it’s an art form.
My stomach twists.
Kai hands me the lavender bottle. “Sip. Breathe. Don’t look like you’re about to scream.”
“I’m fine,” I lie.
She clinks her bottle against mine. “Here’s to science and bad decisions.”
We drink.
I don’t know what’s in mine, but it tastes like lavender, honey, and a very specific kind of regret. My tongue tingles. My skin feels... buoyant. Not floaty, exactly, but like I could say something honest and not immediately want to die.
Which is dangerous.
Because Calder sees me.
His eyes lock on mine from across the firelight. I feel it in myribs.
“Go talk to him,” Kai whispers.
“I’m not here to flirt,” I hiss.
“No. You’re here to overshare under magical influence. Big difference.”
I mutter something rude and head toward the drinks table instead, heart racing. Mira intercepts me halfway with a fresh spreadsheet and an alarming smile.
