Page 38 of Siren Problems
I finally collapse into my chair, rubbing my temples.
Because here’s the truth I haven’t said aloud yet.
Every time Calder looks at me I feel something pull. Not like fate. Not like magic.
Likerecognition.
And when Mira quoted that line—“a voice unbound”—I remembered the way his voice almost came back the night we kissed. Like my presence cracked the curse.
Not through power.
Not through magic.
But throughemotion.
Through... vulnerability.
Through love.
And gods help me, I’m starting to think that’s the key.
“I think...” I say slowly, eyes still closed, “his curse is tied to emotional suppression. Like, it feeds off repression. Silence. Fear. The more he wants, the more dangerous the magic gets.”
Kai whistles low. “That’sdiabolical.”
“It’s brilliant,” Mira adds. “A curse that weaponizes intimacy. Keeps him isolated. Guarded. Broken.”
I look up. “Which means... maybe it’s not about breaking the curse with force.”
Kai’s grin is wicked. “It’s about breakinghimopen. Gently. Romantically. Possibly with steamy bathtub scenes.”
I throw a pillow at her.
Mira blinks. “Luna. Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
I nod.
“If I want to free him... I have to love him out loud.”
CHAPTER 14
CALDER
The wind howls outside the beach shack, but inside, it’s too quiet.
Toocharged.
Luna paces the warped wooden floor, hair wild from the storm, cheeks flushed from the cold—or maybe from the fight we just had.
“Say something,” she demands.
I don’t.
Because if I open my mouth right now, I can’t tell if I’ll speak...
Orsing.
She turns on me, eyes blazing. “You can’t justlookat me like that and then run. You don’t get tokissme like that and act like nothing happened. If I’m fate—then face it. If I’m danger—then tell me. But don’t pretend like this isn’treal.”
