Aria's POV

The afternoon air was crisp, carrying the scent of cinnamon and dry leaves as Jack and I strolled toward the café at the end of town. The streets were quieter than usual, the golden light of the sun stretching across the sidewalk, painting everything in soft, warm tones of fall.

Jack slung his arm over my shoulder, pulling me closer as we walked. His body radiated heat, making me want to lean in more than I probably should. "So, iced pumpkin chai again, huh?" he asked, a smug grin spreading across his face, like the cocky idiot he was.

I rolled my eyes, nudging him playfully. "Babe, you made my favorite drink back at Eli's house. And guess what? I saw you take a sip." I smirked. "Caught you red-handed. I know it's gonna grow on you."

Jack laughed, low and warm, the sound doing that annoying thing where it made my heart skip. "Yeah? I don't know what you're talking about." He gave me a shit-eating grin. "Just 'cause I made your favorite drink doesn't mean I'm gonna start liking it. I may like you, babygirl, but not enough to get obsessed with fucking pumpkin-flavored candles." He wriggled his eyebrows at me, his grin widening. "Also, you were totally checking me out, weren't you?"

I gave him my best mock glare, though the heat rising to my cheeks betrayed me. "I did not. You're imagining things." I tilted my head with a smirk. "But nah, you like me, babe. I caught your attention, so now you're stuck with a girl who's obsessed—with both you and candles."

Jack's laughter rumbled in his chest as he pulled me even closer. "Goddamn. I guess that does make me the dumbass dating someone obsessed with candles." He gave me a mock-serious look, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Alright, fine—if you say you weren't checking me out."

I snorted, rolling my eyes but grinning despite myself. "I hate you."

Jack's arm stayed firmly around me, like he had no intention of letting go, and the teasing grin on his face told me he wasn't done giving me shit anytime soon.

We reached the café, the little bell above the door jingling as we stepped inside. The warm scent of coffee, cinnamon, and baked goods wrapped around us, cozy and familiar. Autumn decorations were scattered everywhere—twinkling lights strung along the ceiling, tiny pumpkins on each table, and colorful wreaths framing the windows.

I let out a content sigh, already feeling lighter. This place always felt like an escape—a small bubble where everything made sense, at least for a little while.

Jack leaned down, his lips brushing lightly against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. "Brownie points for the boyfriend," he whispered, his voice low and smug. "I know exactly how to keep my girl happy—judging by that little satisfied sigh you just gave."

I bit my lip to keep from smiling too much, though the warmth spreading through me was hard to ignore. "Whatever, babe," I shot back, nudging him with my elbow. "I just want my drink."

Jack chuckled, the sound low and teasing, his breath warm against my ear. "Admit it, you're spoiled, and you love it."

At the counter, Jack nudged me with that familiar, cocky grin. "Babygirl, they've got new flavors—Candied Pecan Mocha and Frosted Apple Spice Latte. Sounds like something right up your alley."

I shot him a look that said, If you don't give me my drink, you're going to have a pissed-off girlfriend real fast.

Jack raised a brow, clearly enjoying himself. "What? I'm just saying, babe—you gotta switch it up once in a while. Add some fucking variety to your life."

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow like it wasn't even a question. "Iced pumpkin chai latte. Always. I stick to what I know."

Jack groaned dramatically, though the grin never left his face. "You're no fucking fun, babe. Live a little."

I smirked. "If I don't get my pumpkin chai, your girl's gonna start hating you real quick."

Jack laughed, pulling out his card before I could argue. "Shit. Had to try. Fine—anything to keep my girl happy and still liking me. Got it, babygirl. Don't even think about giving me any more shit."

I gave him a half-hearted glare, but the truth was, I loved it when he did shit like this. It wasn't just about the drink—it was how Jack always seemed to know exactly what I needed, without me even saying it. Even when my thoughts drifted to the moon ring and all the other crap running through my head, Jack knew how to pull me back to the moment.

And, if I was being honest, I'd already tried those other drinks. Loved them, too. But giving Jack shit was more fun. One of these days, I'd switch it up—just to throw him off and watch him squirm.

We found a table by the window, and I curled my hands around the cup, inhaling the spicy aroma. Outside, the wind kicked up, swirling leaves across the street in little tornadoes.

Jack watched me take the first sip, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Good?"

I hummed in response, the warmth of the drink spreading through me. "Fucking perfect."

Jack leaned back in his chair, giving me that smug, satisfied look. "See? I spoil you right."

I rolled my eyes, but the grin on my face gave me away. "Don't let it go to your head, Carter."

He laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Too late."

For a moment, the teasing faded, and we sat together in a comfortable quiet, watching the world drift by outside the window. The golden glow of the afternoon wrapped around everything, making it feel like the world had slowed down just for us.

After we left the café, the cool autumn breeze curled around us, carrying the scent of cinnamon and rain-soaked leaves. Jack's arm draped casually over my shoulder, his warmth pressing into my side. I leaned into him without thinking—it was becoming a habit I didn't mind.

The streets were quiet, leaves swirling lazily along the sidewalk, bathed in the soft afternoon light. It felt peaceful. Too peaceful.

"So," Jack started, grinning down at me, "how long before you stumble into some water today? Just to keep life exciting."

I nudged him with my shoulder. "Didn't you say earlier that I'm supposed to keep the relationship fun? I'm just doing my part."

Jack let out a low chuckle, his breath warm against my hair. "At this point, I need a damn rescue kit for you. Towels, goggles... maybe a fucking lifeguard whistle."

I rolled my eyes, though a grin tugged at the corners of my mouth. "As if I enjoy this. Trust me, growing a tail randomly isn't on my bucket list."

We strolled through the park, the chatter of kids and the bubbling fountain filling the air. For a moment, everything felt normal. Safe.

Until a kid barreled straight through the edge of the fountain, sending a spray of cold water flying toward us.

The second the water touched my skin, the tingling started. It shot through me like an electric jolt, sharp and unavoidable. My heart slammed in my chest. I could already feel my legs shifting, bones rearranging, muscles tightening.

"Jack," I whispered, panic creeping into my voice. "It's happening."

Jack's eyes widened. "Shit."

Before I could say another word, Jack grabbed my hand and yanked me off the path, dragging me toward the nearest hiding spot. My legs buckled as the transformation took hold, my knees fusing, scales already shimmering beneath my clothes.

Jack spotted a gazebo tucked away between some trees and practically hauled me inside just as I collapsed onto the wooden floor. The moment we were hidden, my legs gave way completely, my tail shimmering into view with a ripple of magic.

I groaned, slumping onto my stomach. "Fuck. That was way too close."

Jack crouched beside me, running a hand through his hair. "Jesus, Aria. You're killing me."

I flexed my tail experimentally, the glowing scales catching the autumn light. "I hate this," I muttered, the frustration thick in my voice. "Every damn time..."

Jack's hand slid across my back, grounding me. "Babe, you need to stop giving me heart attacks. You gotta be more careful."

I managed a weak grin. "I mean, I feel like you're my Prince Eric, always swooping in to save the day. Since you love teasing me about being your little mermaid, it's only fair to call you my Prince Charming."

Jack huffed, but the amusement in his eyes gave him away. "Yeah, yeah. I'll give you that—I guess you are my little mermaid." He shot me a smirk, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "But damn, babe, even Prince Charming needs a break every once in a while."

Steam curled off my skin as I focused on my powers, channeling heat to dry off faster. My clothes shimmered back into place as my tail disappeared, my legs returning just as smoothly as they had left. He offered me a hand, and I took it, letting him pull me to my feet.

"Come on," he said with a grin, brushing a quick kiss to my temple. "Let's get out of here before you find another puddle to fall into."

I rolled my eyes but let him guide me back onto the path, his arm still wrapped protectively around me.

"I hate you sometimes," I muttered, though the warmth spreading through my chest betrayed the words.

Jack's smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Well, like you said—using my own words against me—I'm just here to keep things interesting, babe. Even if you can't give me a goddamn break with these surprise transformations."

I shot him a mock glare. "One of these days, I'm going to throw you into a puddle."

Jack laughed, his grin wide and unrepentant. "Yeah, babe? I'd like to see you try."

After the chaos of the mishap, Jack and I made our way toward Waves and Whispers Bookstore, hoping to find some clarity. My moon ring still hummed faintly against my skin, a pulse of magic I couldn't quite shake.

Jack walked beside me, his hand warm in mine, steadying me like always. "So," he murmured with a smirk, "we're asking the cryptic bookstore lady for answers again. Honestly, she still seems suspicious as hell—especially after the time Brent and I came in here."

I bumped him with my shoulder, fighting the grin tugging at my lips. "She prefers 'Elara,' but yeah, she's... different. It's weird, though. The first time I came in, it felt like she was expecting me, watching me. Like she already knew something about me before I even spoke."

Jack raised an eyebrow, his curiosity sparking. "Still trying to figure her out, huh? Any luck?"

I shook my head, exhaling softly. "Nope. It's like she knows everything but never gives you enough to piece it together. I've been coming here for months, and I still have no clue who she really is."

Jack chuckled, squeezing my hand. "Sounds like she enjoys fucking with you."

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, well, I'm starting to think that's her whole personality."

The bookstore sat at the end of a narrow street, tucked between a vintage record shop and a café. Its window was cluttered with dusty tomes, jars of herbs, and shimmering crystals, as if daring passersby to peek inside. The sign above the door swayed gently in the breeze, the words "Waves and Whispers" painted in swirling silver letters.

Jack shot me a sideways glance, one brow arched. "I still can't believe no one else ever comes in here. How the hell does she stay in business?"

I shrugged, the corner of my mouth tugging into a grin. "Maybe she only caters to the weird and mysterious—random mermaids like me are probably just her target audience."

Jack chuckled, shaking his head. "Figures."

I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Or maybe she's running a secret mermaid network, and I'm just the newest recruit."

Jack snorted. "Well, if that's the case, you'd better get some good perks."

With a smirk, I pushed open the heavy oak door. "Let's find out."

The moment we stepped inside, the world shifted. The air was cooler, laced with the scent of old books, lavender, and something that smelled faintly of the ocean. Shelves towered around us, stuffed with weathered books, strange artifacts, and twinkling lights that cast soft shadows across the floor.

Elara stood behind the counter, as if she'd been waiting for us. Her silver braid shimmered in the dim light, and her sharp green eyes sparkled with amusement.

Elara's sharp green eyes flickered with amusement as we stepped inside. "Ah, Aria. I see your relationship has made some progress. I'll admit, I'm a bit surprised he's still around," she said with a knowing smile. "I was wondering when you two would show up—or just Aria, on her usual solo hunt for answers."

Jack leaned on the counter, his expression unreadable but with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Not sure if that was supposed to be a joke or not, but yeah—I'm still here."

Elara gave a casual shrug, her gaze steady. "Most people don't stick around. They run when things get complicated. I've seen it happen too many times."

Jack shot me a look, one eyebrow raised. I rolled my eyes, but a small laugh escaped before I could stop it. "Yeah, well, not this one. He's stubborn."

Jack smirked, brushing his thumb over the back of my hand. "Damn right I am."

I gave Elara a half-smile. "We need your help, Elara."

Elara's gaze flicked to the moon ring on my finger, her expression unreadable. "Ah. I see," she murmured, as if the ring itself had whispered something only she could hear.

Jack shifted beside me, his easygoing demeanor slipping into something more serious. "Her moon ring's been... acting weird. It's been buzzing all day. What's going on?"

Elara tilted her head slightly, her fingers drumming softly on the countertop. "The full moon is coming."

Jack frowned, his protective instincts kicking in. "Okay... and what does that mean for her?"

Elara's gaze lingered on me, her sharp features softening ever so slightly. "For now? You're safe. The moon ring is merely alerting you to the full moon. A regular one." She paused, her voice lowering into something almost soothing. "I imagine you've dealt with those before. The full moon tends to... enchant mermaids, but nothing more. It's just a reminder."

I exhaled slowly, feeling some of the tension ease—until Elara continued.

"But," she added, her voice turning more cryptic, "the moon ring serves more than just that. It tracks every cycle—lunar eclipses, blood moons, supermoons. Each phase has meaning, some more powerful than others. And when the time comes, the ring will tell you."

Jack noticed the shift in my expression and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "So, what exactly is it trying to tell her right now?"

Elara smiled faintly, frustratingly calm. "That's the thing—you're not ready for those answers yet."

My jaw tightened, frustration bubbling in my chest. Why did everything with Elara have to be wrapped in riddles? "Not ready?" I muttered. "What am I not ready for? What else is this ring hiding from me?"

Elara's gaze sharpened, though there was no malice in it. "In time, Aria. Just know that the moon ring is... ancient. Its magic reaches back 5,000 years. And with it, the legacy of mermaids—long gone, extinct."

I clenched my fists at my sides, the weight of her words settling in my chest. It wasn't just the ring. It was everything—being a mermaid, dealing with powers I didn't fully understand, and now this mysterious ring that seemed to know more about me than I knew about myself.

Jack, sensing my frustration, leaned casually against the counter with a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah, about that. We've already had a fun little experience with her full moon phase." He gave me a playful wink. "She was a handful."

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Jack," I muttered, "you're not helping."

He laughed, clearly pleased with himself. "Hey, babe. Just stating facts. And let's be real—you don't even remember half of it."

I sighed, the blush creeping further up my neck. "Yeah, and that's the worst part."

Elara chuckled softly, her knowing smile returning. "Ah, young love. It's always entertaining."

"If you're really that stubborn about sticking by her side," Elara said, her tone light but with an edge, "you'd best keep her on a leash. Make her stay inside when things get unpredictable. But the moon ring... that's a different story."

Jack tensed beside me, his arm tightening protectively around my waist. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

Elara's smile was cryptic, as always. "It depends. The moon ring is one of the most powerful artifacts tied to mermaids. The fact that Aria has found it only marks the beginning of her journey. But don't worry... It's not a threat—at least, not yet."

I swallowed hard, the low hum from my moon ring buzzing louder, as if it had heard her words and was responding in kind. The weight of what she was implying settled heavy in my chest.

"Elara," I began carefully, "is there a way to stop it? Or maybe... control it?"

Elara didn't answer right away. Instead, she bent beneath the counter, pulling out a leather-bound book that looked older than anything I'd ever seen. The pages were yellowed, brittle, as if they might crumble with a single careless touch. She set it down in front of me, her fingers brushing gently over the worn cover.

"The full moon you can handle," she said softly, her voice like the rustling of pages. "It's just a temporary enchantment—it bewilders mermaids like a drunk night out. You'll wake up with hazy memories, but no real harm done."

Jack gave me a sideways glance, his lips twitching into a grin. "Yeah... I can confirm. She was a handful last time."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Jack, not helping."

Jack chuckled, clearly amused. "Just stating facts, babe. It's not my fault you don't remember."

Elara's eyes twinkled with amusement but remained focused as she continued. "Moon rings, however, carry ancient magic. They don't just amplify your powers—they bind you to the tides and the cycles of the moon. Every phase, every shift... it will call to you. There's no stopping it, Aria. The only way forward is to learn how to move with it."

Jack's jaw clenched, his free hand flexing at his side. "That's... not exactly comforting."

Elara's laugh was light, but there was a knowing edge to it. "Magic rarely is, Jack. It doesn't play by comforting rules."

I stared down at the book, my fingers trailing over the cracked leather. The pages seemed to hum beneath my touch, like they held secrets waiting to be unlocked—secrets I wasn't sure I was ready for.

"So," Jack murmured, shifting beside me, "what exactly are we supposed to do with all that?"

Elara's smile deepened, her gaze gleaming with that familiar, unreadable expression. "Trust each other. And stay on your toes. The moon... it tends to bring hidden things to light, whether you're ready for them or not."

I opened the book carefully, flipping through pages filled with intricate sketches of moon rings, diagrams of planetary alignments, and notes scribbled in a language I couldn't decipher. My fingers hovered over one phrase written boldly across the top of a page:

"Improper use of the moon ring will cause problems."

I sighed, the frustration building in my chest. "Of course. Another cryptic answer from Elara. Why am I not surprised?"

Jack leaned closer, peeking over my shoulder. "Super helpful," he said dryly. "Glad we came all this way."

Elara gave a slow, deliberate nod, her expression as serene as ever. "The moon ring reveals what's hidden—things even you may not know about yourself. It's not just about power. It pushes you toward your potential. But if you're not ready... well, it can be overwhelming."

Jack's brow furrowed, and I caught the flicker of concern in his gaze. "And what if she's not ready?"

Elara smiled, a soft, knowing expression that somehow made my chest tighten even more. "That, I'm afraid, is something I can't answer. Some things... only time will tell."

A heavy silence settled between us, thick with unanswered questions. The only sound was the soft rustling of paper as I closed the book and tucked it under my arm. The weight of everything—the ring, the cryptic warnings, the potential I didn't even understand—pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe.

Jack gave Elara a long, considering look, his lips curving into a smirk. "Okay, I have to ask. How do you know all this? It's like you've got every answer, but you never tell us the full story. Who are you exactly?"

Elara's grin returned—mischievous, playful, and a little too knowing. "Ah, Jack. That's a very good question." She tilted her head, her silver braid sliding over her shoulder. "Let's just say... Aria may need me sooner than she thinks. Or perhaps, Jack, I'll have advice for you when things start getting... complicated."

Jack huffed a quiet laugh, though his hand slid protectively around my waist, pulling me just a little closer. His thumb brushed a slow, grounding circle over my hip, anchoring me.

"So, what?" Jack asked, raising a brow. "Are you just a regular bookstore owner? Or have you had some... experience with the sea yourself?"

Elara's grin deepened, cryptic and coy. "Maybe I'm just an ordinary woman. Or maybe I've had my share of adventures on the water." She gave a playful shrug. "Who knows?"

Jack chuckled, but his grip on me remained firm, like he thought holding me tighter could somehow protect me from whatever truths Elara wasn't sharing. 

As we turned to leave, Elara's soft voice stopped us in our tracks. "Aria."

I glanced over my shoulder, meeting her sharp, knowing gaze.

"Be careful," she warned, her tone low and deliberate. "The moon ring may not seem dangerous now, but its true nature will reveal itself eventually. Right now, it's harmless—just alerting you to the full moon. But the ring..." She trailed off, her eyes flickering with something unreadable. "There are no easy answers, and when they come, you may wish you never asked."

I swallowed hard, the hum from my moon ring buzzing quietly, as if it agreed with her cryptic warning. My chest tightened under the weight of unspoken questions. "Thanks, Elara," I muttered, though my frustration simmered just beneath the surface.

Jack held the door open for me, and we stepped out into the crisp autumn air. The cool breeze nipped at my cheeks, carrying with it the scent of fallen leaves and distant rain. For a moment, neither of us said a word, the weight of Elara's words settling between us like a shadow we couldn't quite shake.

"You okay?" Jack asked quietly, his thumb brushing slow circles over the back of my hand. The small, grounding gesture sent warmth spreading through me, but it wasn't enough to stop my mind from spinning.

I gave a slow nod, though uncertainty coiled tight in my chest. "Yeah... just a lot to process. And honestly?" I exhaled through my nose. "Elara drives me crazier than you ever could."

Jack grinned, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "Well, at least I'm not cryptic and weird." He nudged me with his shoulder. "Plus, I'm way better at making things interesting. I mean, I did save your ass from transforming in public—again."

I rolled my eyes, but a reluctant smile tugged at my lips. "My own personal prince charming."

Jack smirked, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Damn right. And I'm still here, aren't I? You're stuck with me, babe."

The hum from my moon ring buzzed again against my skin—not ominous, just present. But what did it mean? What secrets lay beneath its quiet pulse, waiting to be uncovered?

I took a deep breath, squeezing Jack's hand a little tighter. "Yeah... we've got this."

Jack glanced down at me, his grin softening. "Always, babygirl."

The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and orange as we drove toward the beach. The day's events still weighed heavy on my chest—the cryptic warnings from Elara, the hum of my moon ring that refused to settle. It was too much, and all I wanted was the ocean's familiar embrace to calm the storm inside me.

Jack glanced over at me from the driver's seat, his hand resting on mine. "You okay?"

I exhaled slowly, brushing my thumb over his knuckles as the frustration bubbled up. "I just hate the way Elara is—always so damn cryptic, never giving me any real answers. Like, seriously, what the hell?" I muttered, my voice tight with annoyance.

Jack gave a small nod, like he understood without needing me to explain any further. "Beach it is," he said with a reassuring grin. "Damn, I've never seen you like this. First time for everything, huh? It's okay, babygirl. Let it out."

We reached the edge of the coast just as the sky deepened to twilight. The soft crash of waves greeted us as we stepped out of the car, the salty breeze wrapping around us like an old friend. Jack slung his arm over my shoulders, pulling me close as we made our way down to the secluded cove.

This part of the beach wasn't crowded—just the way I liked it. The water glimmered under the fading light, and somewhere beneath the surface lay the hidden entrance to the moon pool, my secret sanctuary.

We settled on the sand, the cool grains slipping between my fingers as I let out a long, tired sigh. The sound of the ocean soothed me, its gentle rhythm matching the steady pulse of my heart. Jack sat beside me, his arm brushing against mine.

"I guess the moon pool isn't the only place that calms you," Jack murmured, his voice low, almost hesitant. "The beach seems to work, too."

I gave a small nod, exhaling slowly. "Yeah... the water always helps." I glanced toward the horizon, the familiar ache of trying to balance two worlds pressing on my chest. "It's just... hard sometimes, you know? Trying to act normal—go to school, deal with gossip—and then there's all of this." I held up my hand, the moon ring glinting softly under the fading light. "It's like... I'm always stuck between two worlds, and I don't really know where I belong. I thought I had it all figured out when I first transformed at ten. My parents weren't around to help, so I just... handled it. Alone." I paused, my voice softening. "Then you showed up—being your stubborn self, always trying to push your way in." I gave him a sideways glance. "I was fine doing this alone, you know. Or at least I thought I was."

Jack's arm slipped around my shoulders, pulling me closer, his warmth grounding me in a way I didn't know I needed. "You don't have to figure it all out right now, babe," he said quietly. "I know I'm not your parents, and I can't pretend to understand what you've been through since you were ten. But I'm here now. And I need you to stop shutting me out like you tried to during our project. Don't pull that shit again."

His voice was steady, unwavering—a lifeline when everything else felt like it was slipping through my fingers. "You don't have to do this alone. I'm right here, Aria."

A soft smile tugged at my lips, his words spreading warmth through me, chasing away the heaviness in my chest. "Well, in that case..." I scooted away from him with a grin. "Pulling away now."

Jack didn't miss a beat, grabbing me by the waist and tugging me back toward him. He pressed a kiss to my temple, his lips lingering just long enough to make my heart flutter. "Nice try, but not happening." His grin deepened, mischievous and warm. "You drive me fucking crazy, you know that? Cute as hell, but still a pain in the ass."

I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress the laugh that bubbled out of me. "You really know how to ruin a sweet moment, babe."

Jack chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "What can I say? Gotta keep you on your toes." His hand slipped to my hip, holding me close. "And for the record? That ass of yours isn't making it any easier."

I groaned, smacking his arm playfully, but he just laughed, clearly pleased with himself. "You're impossible," I muttered, though the grin tugging at my lips gave me away.

"Yeah," Jack whispered, his eyes gleaming with affection. "But you like me anyway."

For a moment, we sat in comfortable silence, the waves lapping gently against the shore. The world felt smaller here, quieter, as if it was just the two of us tucked away from everything else.

"You're always good at saying the right thing," I murmured, leaning into his side.

Jack chuckled, brushing his fingers lightly through my hair. "Yeah, well, I've had some practice. Besides..." He tilted his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'm kinda fond of keeping you around."

I laughed softly, the sound carried away by the breeze. "Oh, really?"

"Yeah," Jack murmured, his voice dropping to that low, teasing tone that always made my heart skip. "I mean, someone's gotta make sure you don't trip into any more puddles."

I groaned, burying my face in his shoulder. "You're never letting that go, are you?"

"Not a chance," he said with a grin, his hand slipping down to squeeze my waist. "But hey... I like being your prince charming. Keeps things interesting."

The hum of my moon ring buzzed softly against my skin again, but this time, it felt less like a warning and more like a quiet reassurance—as if the ocean, the ring, and everything in between were reminding me that I wasn't alone.

I tilted my head up, meeting Jack's gaze. The way he looked at me—like I was the only thing in the world that mattered—made my heart ache in the best way.

"Thanks," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound of the waves. "For being here."

Jack leaned down, brushing a kiss over my lips—soft, slow, and deliberate, as if he had all the time in the world. "Always, babygirl."

The kiss left me breathless, my heart pounding hard against my ribs. His lips were warm and soft, moving with a slow, deliberate intent that made my knees feel weak. The faint taste of salt from the ocean clung to his kiss, mixing with the warmth of his breath as he tilted his head just enough to deepen the connection.

A soft hum of contentment bubbled up in my chest, the feel of his hand cradling the back of my neck grounding me, steadying me even as my pulse raced. His thumb traced a slow, lazy circle against my skin, sending tiny shivers down my spine. The world around us blurred—just the two of us, tangled in the quiet intimacy of the kiss, as if the crashing waves and the cool autumn breeze existed only to frame this moment.

When he finally pulled back, I found myself chasing the ghost of his lips, unwilling to let the warmth fade so soon. My forehead pressed against his, the cool air swirling around us, sharp and crisp, a perfect contrast to the heat still lingering between us.

For a moment, everything else—Elara, the moon ring, the weight of the day—faded into the background, leaving only the quiet rhythm of his breath mingling with mine.

The ocean whispered in the background, the water glimmering under the moon's soft light. And for the first time all day, I felt at peace—like maybe, just maybe, I could handle whatever came next.

The breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean, and the rhythmic crash of waves filled the quiet space between Jack and me. For a moment, it felt like everything was finally still—the weight of the day lightened by the sound of the water.

Then, out of nowhere, a wet golden retriever barreled down the shore, barking joyfully as it splashed through the shallow waves. Jack barely had time to react before the dog kicked up a spray of seawater in its wake, drenching my legs.

The cool water soaked through my clothes, and a sharp tingle shot through my legs. My heart dropped into my stomach. No. Not now.

"Jack," I whispered, panic rising in my chest as the transformation began—inevitable and fast.

Jack's eyes widened, immediately understanding what was happening. "Shit."

The familiar prickling sensation raced down my legs, and I could feel the shift start. There was no stopping it. Ten seconds, I thought wildly, just ten seconds.

Jack sprang into action, grabbing me by the waist and pulling me close to block anyone's view. "C'mon, babe," he whispered urgently. "We gotta get you in the water. Now."

I stumbled as my legs began to fuse, my balance slipping. Jack held me up effortlessly, his strong arms steadying me. "Almost there, just a little further," he said, his voice low but calm, though I could hear the tension beneath it.

We made it to the water's edge just as my knees buckled. Jack lowered me gently into the shallow surf, shielding me with his body as the transformation completed. A shiver ran through me as my tail emerged—shimmering in the moonlight, catching the soft glow of the waves.

I exhaled in relief, the cool water soothing against my skin. "Thanks," I muttered, still catching my breath. "That's the third time today."

Jack crouched by the shore, his jeans soaked at the knees, a crooked grin on his face. "Goddamn, babe. First at school without texting me, then almost at the fountain, and now this? You're really committed to keeping this relationship interesting, huh?"

With a flick of my tail, I slid deeper into the water, letting the waves pull me farther from the shore. The stress and frustration from the day melted away the second my tail hit the sea. Here, in the water, everything felt lighter—like I belonged.

I surfaced a few feet out, brushing my wet hair back from my face and meeting Jack's gaze. He sat at the water's edge, arms resting casually on his knees, his jeans soaked through. The moonlight bathed him in a soft glow, catching the mischief in his eyes.

Jack tilted his head, pretending to size me up. "Oh, you're cute. Never seen you around before. What's a mermaid like you doing here? Let me have your number, cutie."

I floated on my back, the waves cradling me as I smirked. "So, this is my Prince Charming, huh? The one who's been waiting for me all this time. Are you sure you can handle me?"

Jack rubbed his thumb and forefinger over his chin, pretending to think hard. "Hmm... Prince Charming. I like the sound of that." His eyes gleamed with amusement. "But let me think about it... I know a certain mermaid who pulls away all the damn time, drives me crazy with how stubborn she is. She's got three different sides—each one more intriguing than the last. And, well... she kinda stole my heart. So yeah, I think I'll stick around."

I laughed, sending ripples across the surface of the water. "Fine. I'll give you my number... but only if I have permission from my kingdom to date a human."

Jack chuckled, leaning forward as if he couldn't resist. "Kingdom or not, you're stuck with me, babe." He pressed a quick, warm kiss to my lips—just enough to leave me breathless again.

Jack leaned back on his hands, his easy, warm grin making my heart flutter in that annoying way it always did. "Okay, babygirl, with all that stress from the bookstore, you need this. Just swim for a bit, clear your head," he said softly, his gaze steady on mine. "I'll be right here."

The hum from my moon ring buzzed faintly against my skin, but for once, it didn't bother me. The water welcomed me like an old friend—the one place where I didn't have to pretend or hide.

I swam closer to the shore, resting my arms on a smooth rock as I met Jack's gaze. His expression was relaxed, like handling all this—my powers, the transformations—was second nature to him.

"You're really handling this well," I said, eyeing him curiously. "Telling me to swim to clear my head like it's no big deal. How are you not freaked out? Seriously, you're way too good at handling these random transformations."

Jack chuckled, running a hand through his damp hair, making it stick up in messy spikes. "What can I say? I'm a fast learner. Plus, I kinda like saving your ass." His grin turned sly, but his voice softened. "Babe, if I wanted to bail on you, I would've done it already. But I'm not that guy—the one who dumps girls when they get too close. I'm not going anywhere, Aria."

I rolled my eyes, but the grin spreading across my face gave me away. "I guess I really do have a guy who's sticking around, huh?"

"Damn right you do," Jack said, winking. "I've got a thing for mermaids. Specifically one who's beautiful, a bit sassy, and likes to overthink everything. She's stubborn as hell, but she's starting to show me her real self, even if it scares her." His grin deepened as he added, "Though, she still refuses to show me off on her Instagram or let me in her vlogs."

I let out a playful scoff, flicking water in his direction. "Yeah, I'm definitely breaking up with you now."

Jack laughed, unfazed. "You can't break up with me, babe. I never agreed to it."

I shook my head, grinning, and slipped back into the water, diving under the surface.

The waves lapped gently against the shore, and for a moment, it was just us—tucked away from the rest of the world, with only the moon and the sea as our witnesses. The hum of my moon ring buzzed faintly in the background, but I didn't mind.

For once, everything felt exactly as it should

After a while, I swam back toward the shore, the cool water trailing off my skin in shimmering drops. Jack stood waiting with his arms crossed, his usual smirk firmly in place.

I flicked my tail playfully before focusing, channeling my hydro-thermokinesis. Warmth radiated from my skin, evaporating the water until I was completely dry. My tail shimmered for a moment before vanishing, my clothes reappearing perfectly dry as if nothing had happened.

Jack whistled low, his smirk deepening. "Not bad, babe. You'll get the hang of it eventually."

I rolled my eyes, brushing my damp hair back from my face. "Eventually? I think I already nailed it."

"Sure, sure," Jack teased, throwing an arm around my shoulders as we made our way back toward town. "But I'm keeping track of all your mishaps. That way, when you owe me for saving your ass—again—I'll have receipts."

I nudged him with my shoulder, grinning despite myself. "Receipts, huh? What, are you planning to charge me in kisses?"

Jack chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to my temple. "Now you're catching on."

The breeze shifted as we walked up the sandy path toward town, and for a moment, everything felt light—like we could stay wrapped in this little bubble forever.

Different POV?

The beach stretched endlessly before me, the waves crashing against the shore in a steady, relentless rhythm. The ocean never stopped—never cared. It called to me, like it always did, pulling at something buried deep inside. It didn't ask questions. It just demanded.

I stood at the water's edge, barefoot, cold sand grinding under my heels. The wind sliced through me, carrying the salty tang of the sea, but I stayed still, rooted in place. This wasn't about the view or some sentimental bullshit. The ocean wouldn't let me stay away—not tonight.

Farther down the beach, a couple sat together, laughing like the whole goddamn world belonged to them. Happiness. What a fucking joke. Watching them made my stomach twist. Love, relationships—it was all a fucking lie. A pretty trap people fell into, thinking it would save them. But it never did.

Good for them, I guess. They'd learn the hard way soon enough.

Me? I didn't need that kind of shit. I had my own way of doing things. Play the game, stay three steps ahead, keep people at a distance. It was safer that way—easier to win when you didn't get attached.

The waves crashed against my legs, cold and unforgiving. The tingling started that familiar pull and I let it take me. There was no one here to see, anyway. The water curled around me, and just like that, my clothes vanished, absorbed by the transformation. My legs fused, muscles stretching and twisting until they became a single, sleek tail, dark as a storm.

Where other mermaids sparkled, mine swallowed the light. The scales shimmered with hints of black and deep purple, like shadows twisting just beneath the surface. Sharp and dangerous. Just how I liked it.

I slipped beneath the waves, the cold wrapping around me like an old friend. The second I transformed, everything felt right. The bullshit of dry land—the fake smiles, the shitty families—it all drifted away, sinking to the bottom of the ocean where it belonged.

Another fucking family. Another new house, like I was some broken toy no one wanted to keep. They tried. They always tried. And they always failed. I wasn't easy to love, and I never pretended to be.

Love makes you weak. And weak people don't survive.

But this part of me? This mermaid shit? It stayed with me through all of it. The foster homes, the fake promises, the whispered conversations when they thought I couldn't hear. The water was the only constant. The ocean didn't care if I was a problem. It just accepted me.

I kicked my tail lazily, feeling the power ripple through me. I was good at surviving. Hell, I thrived on it. Much better than that girl down the beach—the one laughing with her boyfriend like life hadn't already marked her as prey.

People like her crack under pressure. They cling to hope like idiots until it slips through their fingers. Me? I let that shit go a long time ago. Hope is a liability. All you need is instinct and the guts to do whatever it takes to stay alive.

The waves lapped against my tail, steady and cool. The ocean whispered to me, like it always did, but tonight it carried something heavier. A warning.

I'd been slipping up too much lately. Transforming where I shouldn't. Someone noticed.

There was a shadow following me—someone dangerous. I didn't know who they were yet, but they were watching. Waiting for me to fuck up.

Good. Let them come. They'd regret it.

I surfaced again, drifting closer to the shore. My arms rested on a smooth rock, and the night air brushed against my skin. This was where I belonged right between two worlds, where no one could touch me.

The couple down the beach kept laughing, lost in their little fairy tale. They didn't notice me. People like them never did—until it was too late.

I kicked my tail, sending ripples across the water. The ocean knew me. It knew all the parts of me the good, the bad, and the dangerous. It didn't care. And it sure as hell didn't ask me to change.

But someone out there was paying attention now. Someone who wanted me gone.

I grinned, the sharpness of it cutting across my face like a blade. Good fucking luck. I wasn't afraid. I'd been ready for a fight my whole life. They wanted a mermaid? They'd get one.

The breeze shifted, carrying the salty air toward me, and with it came the faintest whisper of a threat. Whatever was coming, I'd be ready. I had to be.

Because this wasn't just about hiding who I was anymore. It was about surviving.

<>

A/N: Now, who is this new character? Ah, you guys will find out, but not today nor in this book that's for sure.