The bell above the door gave a soft, lilting chime as Jack and I stepped into Waves and Whispers. A warm, dense air greeted us, thick with the scent of sea salt and lavender, wrapping around me like a familiar tide—but there was an undercurrent of something unsettling. A strange musk of old books and wax lingered, as if the bookstore itself had been holding its breath for years, waiting for something—or someone.

Candles flickered on every available surface, their small, wavering flames casting shadows that danced along the bookshelves. Each shelf seemed mismatched, filled with cracked leather tomes and dog-eared volumes stacked haphazardly. The warm glow of the flames didn't do much to chase away the sense of something... watching.

Purple. Everywhere. Deep violets, lilacs, indigos—every possible shade of purple woven into the decor, like the color itself was a theme only Elara understood. Velvet drapes in dark plum swayed faintly in the breeze from the door, and the candles, cradled in lavender-hued glass holders, reflected soft glimmers across the spines of the books. Even the rugs underfoot carried faint geometric patterns in lavender and deep amethyst, like the waves of an unseen tide swirling beneath us.

It was oddly comforting—and unsettling at the same time.

I took a deep breath. The scent of lavender grounded me, reminding me of ocean breezes and quiet moments by the shore, yet something else lingered beneath it—something sharper. Something like mystery. The space felt intimate and secretive, as if it had been crafted not just to sell books but to keep knowledge hidden.

Jack gave a low whistle, his brows arching as he glanced around. "You know, every damn time we come in here, it's like she finds a way to make it creepier. Or maybe she just changes things up to fuck with people. What's up with all the purple? Trying to match it to your tail?" He shot me a playful grin. "Though, between us, your purple's way better."

I elbowed him lightly, though I couldn't stop the small smile pulling at my lips. "She's the only one in town with the kind of answers I need, so... creepy or not, I have to deal with it." I gave a small shrug, glancing around at the shifting shadows. "But yeah, she's probably messing with us. Wouldn't surprise me if she rearranges everything just to throw people off."

Jack leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear, sending a small shiver down my spine. "You sure know how to pick your places, huh?"

I rolled my eyes, nudging him with my shoulder. "Don't pretend you don't like it. You'd follow me in here no matter what."

He chuckled under his breath. "True. Even if it feels like the start of some creepy-ass horror movie."

I rolled my eyes at Jack, but the flicker of humor between us did little to unravel the strange knot twisting in my chest. The moon ring on my finger pulsed faintly—its glow steady and rhythmic, like it was syncing with the invisible pull of the tide. It was subtle but enough to make me glance down. The faint hum I always felt while wearing the ring thrummed louder here, sharper, like the salty breeze outside had followed us in and settled between the bookshelves.

Jack noticed. His brow furrowed slightly, concern flickering behind his usual calm gaze. "You know, I get that Elara said the ring warns you when a full moon's coming, but..." He trailed off, biting his lip. "I can't shake the feeling this is bigger. And as much as I hate saying it—because I know you'll kick my ass—I kinda wish it didn't involve you."

A sigh slipped out before I could stop it. "Yeah, well, I didn't choose this life. Did I?"

The words came out bitterer than I intended, but Jack didn't flinch. He just stayed close, his steady presence grounding me. The hum from the moon ring made the air feel electric, like something unseen was simmering just beneath the surface, waiting to rise. The glow around the ring pulsed again, brighter this time, and I clenched my hand, trying to calm the sudden tension buzzing in my chest.

Jack's hand brushed against mine, warm and familiar. "Come on," he murmured, squeezing my fingers briefly before pulling away. "Let's find Elara—and with any luck, she'll be less cryptic than usual."

I huffed a laugh, but it came out more tired than amused. "Yeah, right. That woman lives to be mysterious."

He grinned, that cocky smirk that always managed to make me feel lighter, even when the world felt like it was tilting sideways. "Well, at least if she's vague, you've got me to translate her bullshit."

The knot in my chest loosened just a little. Whatever was waiting for us in this place, at least I wasn't facing it alone.

Jack and I wandered deeper into the store, the smell of sea salt and lavender wrapping around us like a second skin. My fingers brushed along the spines of old books as we passed, the leather cracked and worn beneath my touch. The air felt heavier here, charged with something I couldn't quite name. Jack's arm stayed close to mine, his presence steady, but even he couldn't completely shake the weird vibe this place carried.

From the back of the store, Elara appeared, her silver hair catching the dim light, reflecting it in strange, fragmented patterns. She moved with the kind of grace that made it seem like she wasn't entirely rooted to the ground. A familiar smirk curled at the edges of her lips, the kind that always left me wondering what she knew that I didn't.

"My two favorite people," she said smoothly, her voice deliberate, like she'd been expecting us. "Though I notice you're missing those other two boys—what were their names again? Brandon and Levi?"

I stifled a groan. "It's Brent and Eli," I corrected, trying not to let my irritation show. "And no, they're busy with their own stuff. It's just me and my boyfriend today."

Jack leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. "Babe, forget about them," he murmured, his tone low and reassuring. "We're here to focus on your ring, remember?"

Before I could respond, Elara's smirk deepened, as if she'd heard every word. Her eyes flicked between Jack and me, glinting with quiet amusement—or maybe something more unsettling. Jack shifted beside me, his posture stiffening slightly, like he was bracing himself for another one of Elara's cryptic games.

"I see that ring glowing again," Elara said smoothly, her tone calm yet unsettling. "And somehow... it's not about the full moon this time."

Jack shot me a look that screamed, See? What did I tell you? I elbowed him lightly, shooting him a warning glance—Be serious right now. Despite the brief exchange, the knot in my chest twisted tighter, my pulse syncing with the faint hum of the moon ring on my finger. Elara had this way of peeling back your composure with the smallest gestures, like she knew every secret we hadn't even discovered about ourselves yet.

Elara's gaze flicked between us, her lips curving into that all-knowing smirk. It was the kind of expression that felt like she was already three steps ahead of us, as if she knew exactly where this was going. With a graceful turn, she motioned toward the back of the store. "Well, young mermaid," she said cryptically, "let's just say... surprises are on the horizon. And things are coming for you—whether you're ready or not."

Jack grumbled under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear. "Why the hell can't she just tell us what she actually means?"

I couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "That's what I'm saying."

We exchanged amused glances, but the tension lingered beneath our playful banter, like a shadow we couldn't quite shake. Jack's hand brushed against mine—brief, fleeting, but enough to ground me in the moment. No matter how strange things got, we were in this together.

Elara's pace never faltered, her presence unsettling but oddly magnetic, like the ocean during a storm. As we followed her deeper into the dim-lit bookstore, the flickering candles seemed to dance with the same eerie rhythm as my moon ring's pulse, as if everything around me was conspiring to remind me—something was coming.

And this time, there was no running from it.

Elara slid the heavy, ancient book from the shelf, the spine cracked and worn from centuries of use. Goddamn, how many books is she going to dump on me? First spells, then magic, potions, and now this? This woman is out of her mind. She dropped the book onto the table with a deliberate thud, dust scattering into the flickering candlelight. The thick leather cover was etched with swirling patterns—symbols that shimmered like waves under dim light, shifting with every glance.

"Aria," Elara murmured, her tone smooth but laced with that same cryptic edge, "that last book? That was just scratching the surface. This one goes deeper. Far deeper." Her fingers traced the cover with an eerie familiarity, as if she knew exactly what secrets it held and wouldn't share them unless we pried them out of her.

See? This is what I mean—she knows something, but instead of telling us outright, she'd rather watch us stumble through the dark. Jack was right. She's messing with us on purpose, keeping us on edge. And just my luck, we need her. If it weren't for Jack and this crazy-ass bookstore, I'd be completely lost.

Jack leaned closer, muttering under his breath, "Damn, this sounds serious if she's giving us the advanced edition."

I shot him a look—half warning, half exhausted—and turned my focus to the book. I knew Jack meant well, but sometimes I wished he could take this a little more seriously. It wasn't just some game we could laugh through. This was my life—our life—and whatever was happening with this moon ring was becoming more than I could handle alone. And as much as I wanted to believe we had everything under control, I could feel it slipping away, piece by piece.

I flipped through the brittle pages, the scent of sea salt and old paper swirling around me. The book was filled with illustrations of moon rings, tales of underwater magic, and ancient symbols I couldn't quite understand but that thrummed with an odd familiarity—like pieces of a puzzle waiting to click into place. As I skimmed further, a chill prickled along the back of my neck.

Then I stopped.

There, on a page lined with faded ink, was an image that made my breath hitch. It was a sleek mermaid figure—her tail dark, almost shadowy, with swirling patterns hinting at powerful magic. I didn't recognize her, but there was something eerily familiar about the aura in the drawing, like a memory brushing against the edges of my mind.

The knot in my chest tightened.

Jack noticed my hesitation, leaning in closer. "What is it?" His voice dropped, concern threading through his words.

I hesitated. "It's... I don't know." My fingers hovered over the drawing as the moon ring on my hand gave a faint pulse, matching the hum deep in my bones. "It's just... something about this. I can't explain it."

Jack glanced between me and the book, his brow furrowing. "You think it's connected to your dream?"

I bit my lip, trying to piece together the nagging feeling building inside me. "Maybe. Or... maybe there's something—or someone—else." I let the words hang between us, uneasy and unfinished.

Jack sat back, his expression shifting to something more serious. "Someone else?"

The words felt heavy, even as I said them aloud. "Yeah... I think I'm not the only one anymore."

Elara's smile flickered, just for a second—a subtle, knowing grin that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. She said nothing, only watched as I stared down at the drawing, that eerie sense of familiarity gnawing at me.

Jack gave my hand a gentle squeeze, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in that comforting way he always did. "At least I managed to catch the friendlier mermaid," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the side of my head. "The one who also happens to have my heart."

The warmth of his words and that gentle kiss settled me, if only a little. But the weight of everything—of the dream, the moon ring, and this new sense of something stirring—still pressed heavily against my chest.

I tried to smile, but it was weak, like a flickering candle struggling against a gust of wind. "Yeah, lucky you," I whispered, though the knot in my stomach said otherwise. Whatever was coming wasn't going to let me off easy. And just when I thought things were beginning to fall into place, life decided to toss in something new. Again.

I exhaled slowly, resting my forehead briefly against Jack's shoulder. My life was supposed to be simple—or at least, simpler than this. It was supposed to be a quiet crush on the school's star quarterback, watching him from the sidelines and cheering him on from afar. I figured he'd graduate, I'd survive sophomore year, and life would go on like it always did—uneventful, safe, predictable.

But no.

Somehow, life had other plans, and Jack ended up right in the middle of everything—dragging me out of the shadows, pulling me closer, and making himself part of this chaotic, magical mess. Now, it wasn't just my secret or my powers. It was ours. And just as I thought I was starting to balance it all, the universe decided to throw in one more curveball.

I glanced back at the drawing of the dark-tailed mermaid, that creeping sense of familiarity whispering along the edges of my mind. They—whoever they were—felt close. Too close. Like a storm gathering just over the horizon, waiting for the right moment to hit.

Jack must've sensed the shift in my mood because his hand tightened around mine. "Hey," he said softly, his voice steady and grounding. "Whatever's coming, we'll deal with it. You're not in this alone, Aria. Not anymore."

I nodded, even though the knot in my chest refused to loosen. Whoever—or whatever—was out there wasn't just a passing threat. They were part of the storm heading my way, and whether I was ready or not, they were already on the horizon.

And something told me they weren't coming just to say hello.

Elara's sharp gaze didn't waver as she placed a delicate hand on the ancient book. "The moon ring glowing out of cycle suggests... changes. A shift in energy." She paused, her words deliberate, like each one was a puzzle piece waiting to snap into place. "Or the presence of another being. Perhaps someone with abilities similar to yours." Her cryptic smile hinted at more than she was willing to share. "The moon doesn't play favorites."

Jack's hand, steady at the small of my back, tightened slightly. "So, what you're saying is my girlfriend has to deal with more shit? Like she doesn't already have enough?"

I glanced up at Jack, and despite the heaviness of the conversation, my heart gave a small flip. Maybe my boyfriend really did take all of this seriously after all. His sarcasm and light-hearted jokes—it wasn't just him being Jack. It was his way of grounding me, keeping me from spiraling into overthinking like I always did. It was subtle, but I saw through it now. He was trying to ease the weight off my shoulders, in his own way. And as much as I liked that about him—his knack for making me feel lighter—I couldn't help but appreciate his protective nature too, the way he wanted to shield me from all of this, even if it was beyond both of our control.

Elara's gaze drifted back to the book, her fingers tracing the edge of a faded page. "The water draws others in, just as it did you," she said softly, her voice carrying a weight that settled deep in my chest. "You may not be the only one anymore. And..." She hesitated for the briefest moment before continuing. "There's another presence—one that's not a mermaid."

The way she said it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Jack shifted beside me, jaw clenching. "The fuck does that mean? My girl already has enough to handle. What do you mean, 'another presence'?"

Elara shrugged, her smile unwavering, though it never quite reached her eyes. "The water finds those who belong to it. It's subtle at first, but it won't stay hidden for long. Think deeper about what someone might want from beings like you."

Jack frowned, his tone sharp. "I know what research means. What are you trying to say?"

Elara sighed, leaning back slightly, her expression unreadable. "I'll spell it out, then. Mermaid hunters are real."

Silence fell between us, heavy and thick as the meaning sank in.

"Oh, great," I muttered sarcastically, crossing my arms. "Exactly what I needed—moon rings, mysterious mermaids, and now mermaid hunters. Just perfect."

Jack ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "This just keeps getting better and better."

Elara's smile widened, amused by our frustration. "The water has always carried dangers with it. And now, it seems, those dangers are closer than you think."

I exchanged a glance with Jack, the weight of Elara's words pressing down hard, heavier than I expected. Whatever we thought we were dealing with—it was so much bigger than a glowing moon ring or cryptic dreams. For a split second, doubt gnawed at me. Was it wrong to drag Jack into this mess? Should I have pushed him away back then with our fight when he called me out, kept him out of this chaos? Maybe if I had, he wouldn't look so frustrated or on edge now.

As if reading my mind, Jack leaned in, his voice a low murmur meant only for me. "Don't even fucking start with that, babygirl. I know that look, and I'm not having it."

His hand brushed against mine, fingers intertwining briefly, the familiar warmth pulling me back from the swirl of doubts.

"Come on, pumpkin girl." His tone softened, though there was still that edge of protectiveness beneath it. "Let's get the hell out of here before she decides to drop more cryptic bullshit on us."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, the knot in my chest loosening just a bit. Jack squeezed my hand one more time before tugging me toward the door, grounding me, just like always.

Elara's soft laugh followed us as we turned toward the door. "Oh, don't worry. I have no doubt you'll figure it out. One way or another."

As we stepped outside, the cold air nipped at my skin, sharp and unforgiving, but it did nothing to quiet the gnawing worry twisting tighter in my chest. Jack's arm looped around my waist, pulling me into his warmth, grounding me in the steady rhythm of his presence.

"Babe," he muttered, voice low, barely audible over the breeze. "I know that look. You're doubting this again, aren't you? Thinking about pulling away. Look, I get it—this is a lot, way more than we signed up for. But maybe... maybe these are just challenges we're supposed to face. Together." His hand slid to my arm, his touch gentle yet firm, a quiet reminder of his presence.

He pressed a kiss to my temple, lingering just long enough to make my heart flutter. Then, he reached for my wrist, lifting it slightly. "See this?" he whispered, running his thumb over the charm bracelet he gave me. "I gave you this for a reason, Aria. Just a reminder—I'm not going anywhere."

I swallowed hard, nodding as I twisted the moon ring absently on my other hand. Its faint glow flickered again, almost in response to the unspoken fear stirring inside me. My gaze dropped to the charm bracelet dangling from my wrist, the tiny trinkets catching the weak light, as if to reassure me of something solid amidst the unknown.

Whatever was coming, I knew it was already in motion, moving toward us like the tide—relentless, inevitable. And as much as part of me wanted to retreat, to dive back into the safety of invisibility, I knew there was no turning back.

Not now. Not with Jack at my side, holding on, refusing to let go.

The steady hum of Jack's car engine filled the quiet between us as we cruised down the empty streets. The glow of passing streetlights flickered across the dashboard, and I leaned my head against the cool window. The cold glass grounded me as my thoughts drifted—always, inevitably—toward the pull of the ocean.

Jack's hand left the wheel, finding my thigh. His thumb traced slow, deliberate circles, each motion soothing, like he was anchoring me to the present.

"Alright, pumpkin girl," he murmured, "you've been quiet since we left the bookstore. What's going on?"

I sighed, knowing there was no point in pretending I wasn't overthinking. "It's... everything. The moon ring, the new mermaid, Elara's cryptic bullshit. And now this hunter? I feel like I pulled you into something way bigger than either of us. Sometimes I think... maybe if I'd just stayed invisible, or kept my distance, things would've been easier."

Jack stayed quiet, his gaze steady on the road, which somehow made my heart tighten more. Just as I started second-guessing everything I said, he spoke.

"First of all," he began, calm but deliberate, "you didn't drag me into shit. I chose to be here." He squeezed my leg, reassuring but firm. "And don't start with that 'you'd be better off alone' crap. You wouldn't have made it this far without someone at your side."

The weight of his words hit me harder than I expected.

"I know," I whispered, my voice almost lost beneath the hum of the engine. "But it feels like two worlds colliding. And I don't know how to stop you from getting caught in the middle of it all."

Jack shot me a quick glance, the corner of his mouth lifting in that familiar, easy smile. "Babe, I've already told you—I'm in this. No halfway. You've got a lot going on—a new mermaid, a hunter, and whatever else Elara's hinting at. But we'll figure it out."

I let out a shaky breath, the tension in my chest loosening just a little. "You really think we can?"

Jack's grin widened. "Do you know who you're talking to? Of course, we've got this."

A soft laugh slipped out before I could stop it—a laugh I hadn't felt in days. Jack's thumb traced those same familiar circles on my thigh, grounding me with every motion.

"Just... don't pull away again, okay?" His voice was softer this time, but no less steady. "If things get hard, you don't get to shut me out. I mean it."

I nodded, the knot in my chest loosening further. "Okay."

He gave me one last glance, a grin playing at his lips. "Good. Because even if you tried, you know damn well I'd just come right back."

I shook my head, smiling for real now. "You're impossible."

"And you love it." Jack shot me a wink, his hand leaving my thigh only to grip the wheel again.

The moon ring hummed faintly against my finger, a reminder that the ocean wasn't done with me yet. But for now, with Jack beside me, it felt like I could breathe. Whatever waves were coming—we'd ride them together. 

Jack pulled into the café parking lot, sliding his car smoothly into a spot. He cut the engine and turned to me with that smug-ass grin that always made it impossible to stay mad at him. "After that whole thing back there? Fuck yeah, we earned this. You gotta hit pause sometimes, babe. A little caffeine never hurt anyone."

I rolled my eyes, though warmth spread through me, softening the edges of my irritation. "You do realize you're enabling this addiction, right?"

Jack rested his hand on my thigh, giving it a light squeeze. "If keeping you smiling means I have to feed your pumpkin spice obsession, I'll fucking do it. Gotta keep my pumpkin girl happy."

A laugh bubbled out of me, unguarded and genuine. "You know, one day you're really gonna regret fueling this obsession."

He leaned in, close enough that the playful glint in his eye was impossible to miss. "Highly doubt it. If you're gonna be hooked on something, might as well be pumpkin spice—and me."

Inside the café, the warm smell of cinnamon, coffee beans, and vanilla wrapped around us. The soft hum of espresso machines and quiet chatter added to the cozy vibe. Jack ordered my iced pumpkin chai latte without skipping a beat, throwing in his usual black coffee.

I leaned against the counter, scrolling mindlessly through my phone. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that look—the one Jack always wore when he was about to stir some shit.

When our drinks came, I barely had the cup in my hand before I saw his phone tilt upward. The camera clicked just as I took a sip, catching the crinkle of my nose from the cold.

"Jack!" I groaned, though a laugh slipped through despite myself. "What the hell, babe?"

He grinned, unapologetic, already typing out the caption. "Couldn't help it. Too cute not to share." He turned the screen toward me, showing me the caption: Thankful for my girl.

I tried to glare, but my heart wasn't in it. Instead, I shook my head, hiding the warmth creeping up my neck with another sip of my drink. "You're a fucking menace."

Jack's smirk deepened. "Yeah? Can't help it, babygirl. I just love showing you off."

I arched a brow at him. "If that's your way of hinting about my vlogs again, the answer's still no."

He took a slow sip of his coffee, his grin lazy and full of mischief. "Nah, never. Just stockpiling candid shots, you know—keeping the aesthetic on point. But hey, if you ever change your mind..."

I rolled my eyes, but the giggle slipped through anyway. "Not happening."

Jack grinned wider, looking far too pleased with himself. "Your loss, pumpkin girl. Now come on—let's enjoy this caffeine before you make me regret all my life choices."

Jack pulled into the driveway, the soft purr of the engine quieting as he shifted into park. The warm glow from the windows bathed the front yard in a golden hue, flickering like promises of comfort waiting inside. The scent hit me next—roasting turkey with hints of sage, buttery mashed potatoes, and the unmistakable sweetness of pumpkin pie fresh out of the oven. The crisp autumn air carried those aromas, mingling with the earthy smell of fallen leaves and woodsmoke drifting from somewhere down the block. It wrapped around me like a familiar hug, cozy and nostalgic, the kind that makes your chest feel warm.

In the stillness, the faint clink of silverware carried through the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation and bursts of laughter drifting from the kitchen—sounds of a family woven into the easy rhythm of a holiday evening. The warmth of it seeped through the walls, wrapping around me like an invitation I never expected but secretly craved.

Jack's hand brushed lightly against my knee, anchoring me to the moment, his touch familiar and steady.

He glanced over, his lips curling into that playful, easy smile I'd come to know too well. "Look at you, pumpkin girl. Sitting here like you belong. See? Told you inviting you over was a good idea."

His breath, warm against the cool night air, fogged slightly as it brushed my cheek. A small smile tugged at my lips, unbidden but welcome, easing the knot of unease that had been coiled tight in my chest all day.

Before I could even unbuckle my seatbelt, the front door flew open with a bang, and two small figures barreled out, their excited shouts cutting through the crisp night air.

"Aria's here!"

Chloe and Noah sprinted across the yard, their faces glowing with joy, little feet thudding against the ground. Something about their energy made me relax. Being an only child, I'd never known what it felt like to have siblings, but moments like this gave me a glimpse of it. Even though Jack always called them chaotic, I didn't mind at all. It felt... nice.

I barely had time to laugh before they collided with me, their tiny hands grabbing at my arms, tugging me eagerly toward the house.

"Okay, okay! I'm coming! No need to rush!" I said, breathless with laughter, stumbling under their infectious enthusiasm.

"You have to see what we made!" Chloe's wild curls bounced as she skipped along, determination etched on her little face.

Jack trailed behind, slinging our bags over his shoulder with an exaggerated sigh. "Awh, come on. You guys are seriously stealing my girlfriend already?" His playful glare made them giggle louder.

Chloe turned her head just enough to flash him a mischievous grin. "Well, she's our friend now too!"

Jack smirked, shutting the car door with a shake of his head. "I see how it is. Can't leave her alone for two seconds."

Despite the cold night, warmth spread through my chest—being around them, around Jack's family, felt like stepping into something I hadn't known I was missing. As Chloe and Noah tugged me toward the glowing doorway, their laughter filling the air, I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this was what belonging felt like.

"You already had time with your girlfriend," said Chloe sticking out her tongue.

"Mom saved you a seat!" Noah shouted, his messy hair sticking out in every direction. "And you have to sit next to us!"

"I guess Jack won't have me then." I laughed, stumbling as they pulled me toward the steps.

Chloe looked back at Jack, her eyes sparkling. "Good, we stealing you from our brother. I want you to do my make-up. I see you with make-up. We told Dad not to carve the turkey until you both got here. He was this close to starting without you!"

"You two stole my girl as well," Jack said smugly, catching up to us with ease. He shot me a wink. "Pumpkin girl, welcome to the chaos."

Inside, the smell of Thanksgiving dinner hit me in full force. Laughter echoed from the kitchen, dishes clattered in the background, and warmth radiated from every corner. Jack's parents glanced over from the dining room, both wearing welcoming smiles.

"There she is," Lucy greeted warmly, her smile soft and inviting. "I was hoping Jack would bring you over again. He seemed so happy last time. I practically had to twist his arm to make sure he invited you this time."

Jack leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. "And to think you were going to spend today binging Netflix instead," he whispered, his voice laced with playful teasing.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the small smile that tugged at my lips. "Yeah, yeah, well, your siblings made sure that wasn't happening," I whispered back, feeling Chloe and Noah's eager gazes on me, their eyes practically shining like I was some kind of hero.

Chloe tugged at my hand. "Okay, Aria with us."

Noah nodded enthusiastically, bouncing on his toes. "Yeah, right between us! No Jack allowed."

Jack chuckled, brushing his hand lightly against the small of my back—a gesture so simple yet steady, grounding me in the moment. "Hey, you two better remember I brought her here first," Jack teased, but the warmth in his tone betrayed the fondness he had for the chaos his siblings created.

Lucy shook her head, laughing as she waved us toward the dining room. "Come on, let's get you settled. Dinner's almost ready."

As Chloe and Noah dragged me toward the table, I glanced back at Jack. His easy smile was still in place, and for the first time in a long while, the weight that usually sat heavy on my chest felt a little lighter

After dinner, the house buzzed with laughter and conversation, the warmth pressing down on me like a heavy blanket. It wasn't bad—just... a lot. Jack caught my gaze from across the room and gave a small nod toward the porch.

"Come on," he murmured, threading his fingers through mine. "Let's get some air."

The night air hit us, cool and crisp, slicing through the warmth from inside. We sat close on the porch swing, our shoulders brushing, his hand steady in mine. The stars glittered overhead, the moon casting soft ripples of light across the dark horizon.

Jack glanced at me, his gaze steady. "You good?" His voice was soft but carried that familiar patience, never pushing, just waiting for me to find my words.

I exhaled slowly, the knot in my chest loosening just a bit. "It's a lot, you know? Your family... they make me feel like I belong. That's weird for me. I don't even remember the last time I had a real Thanksgiving." My fingers traced the edge of the moon ring, then drifted to Jack's charm bracelet on my wrist. "It feels nice, though. Nicer than I thought it would."

Jack shifted closer, draping his arm over my shoulders. "That's why I dragged you here, pumpkin girl. Couldn't let you Netflix the day away by yourself. Would've killed me knowing you were alone." He gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "I want you here. With me."

A small smile tugged at my lips, and for the first time in hours, the knot in my chest eased. "Thanks for bringing me. For wanting me."

Jack leaned in, brushing a soft kiss against my temple, lingering just long enough to make my heart flutter. "Wouldn't have it any other way. Even if the world threw some weird-ass curveballs to get us here."

A quiet laugh slipped out. "Yeah, like a fucked-up project with a quarterback and a mermaid. Imagine that."

Jack chuckled, the sound low and easy. "Okay, no need to roast me, babe."

I grinned, nudging him playfully. "But it's true."

He gave me a squeeze, his smile softening. "Yeah. It is."

For a moment, we sat there in the quiet, distant laughter from inside trailing through the door. The cool night air brushed over us, and with Jack beside me, the weight of everything didn't feel as heavy.

Jack's tone dropped, more serious now. "About what Elara said today... This isn't something you need to handle alone. It's gonna get harder, Aria. I hate it, but it will. I hoped—hell, I wanted—this mermaid stuff to stay easy. But it's not."

I nodded, feeling the weight of Elara's warning press against me. "When I was ten, it was just about avoiding water, not messing up. And my parents... they didn't even notice. I never told them. Then I thought high school would be simple—just blend in, get through it like everyone else." I sighed, twisting the moon ring on my finger. "But it's not. Everything's happening all at once. A mermaid hunter, another mermaid... and somehow, the guy I've admired from afar is right in the middle of it."

Jack tilted my face toward him, his thumb brushing over my cheek. "Then we ride the waves together." His lips pressed to my temple. "Like I said—tough luck. Looks like the world threw me into the mix with the cutest mermaid out there."

The moon ring on my finger pulsed faintly, a quiet hum syncing with Jack's charm bracelet. It was a reminder that life never stopped moving, just like the tides. I glanced down at both—the moon ring grounding me in who I was becoming, the bracelet anchoring me to the person standing beside me. Even then he can be the pain in the ass sometimes, though. Meh, I guess he is all right. 

The cool night air kissed my skin as I lingered on the porch, the hum of distant waves whispering against the shore. Inside, the chatter and clatter from Jack's family buzzed through the cracked window, warmth radiating outward. Jack had gone inside to help his mom, leaving me with a moment to sort through the thoughts crashing around in my head—Elara's cryptic warnings, the dream, the new mermaid, and the one thing I hadn't told Jack yet: the mermaid hunter.

The fear sat heavy in my chest, gnawing at me. What if I got caught? What if I couldn't keep hiding forever? And worse—what if Jack ended up tangled in all of it because of me?

The screen door creaked open, and Jack stepped out, his steps familiar and steady. He leaned against the porch railing, his hoodie pulled tight around him, hands stuffed into the pockets. His gaze flicked to the moon ring on my finger, glowing faintly, and then back to me.

"You're thinking way too fucking much again," he muttered, his voice low and knowing.

A tired laugh escaped me, though it didn't carry much weight. "How do you always know?"

Jack gave a half-smirk. "Because you've got that face. The one that says, 'I'm spiraling, but don't mind me.'"

I rolled my eyes, but his teasing made the knot in my chest ease a little. "Okay, fine. It's just... the mermaid hunter," I admitted, my voice quieter than I intended. "It scares the shit out of me, Jack. I keep thinking, what if I can't hide? What if..." I trailed off, my hand twisting the moon ring anxiously.

Jack's expression shifted, the easy grin fading into something more serious. He sat down beside me, close enough for his knee to press against mine, grounding me in the moment. "Yeah... I've been thinking about that too," he admitted, his tone quieter now, edged with frustration. "I hate this shit. I really do. I hate that you've got all this weight on your shoulders, and I can't just fucking fix it."

The honesty in his voice took me by surprise. Jack wasn't one to openly admit when things scared him, but there it was—raw and unguarded.

His hand found mine, threading our fingers together. "I know I make jokes and shit, but this stuff? I take it seriously, Aria. You know that, right?"

"I know," I whispered. "It's just... I don't want to drag you into all of this."

Jack gave me a look—half annoyed, half affectionate. "Babe, I'm already in it. Deep. Whether you like it or not."

I let out a small breath, the weight pressing on my chest loosening, bit by bit. "Thanks, Jack."

He leaned in, pressing a kiss to my temple, lingering just enough to make my heart flutter. "I mean it. We ride these waves together. And yeah, it fucking sucks, but there's no bailing now."

A soft laugh slipped from me. "Tough luck, huh?"

Jack grinned, his lips curling into that familiar, mischievous smile. "Yeah, well, the world had the genius idea to make me fall for a cute-ass mermaid. Now I'm stuck."

Despite everything—the fear, the uncertainty—I found myself smiling, a real smile that chased away the heaviness, even if only for a moment.

He gave my hand one last squeeze before standing, offering me a hand up. "Come on, let's go inside. If we stay out here any longer, my mom's gonna think I abandoned you."

I took his hand, letting him pull me to my feet. As the screen door clicked shut behind us, I glanced back at the moon, hanging high above the horizon, casting silver ripples across the 

Inside, the cozy warmth of the living room welcomed me, the buttery scent of popcorn drifting in the air. Jack's parents were nestled on the couch, talking quietly, while Chloe and Noah sprawled on the floor, battling over who got the remote. Their playful chaos wasn't overwhelming—it was comforting, like slipping into the rhythm of a family I hadn't realized I missed.

Jack's fingers intertwined with mine, tugging me toward the couch with a grin. "Come on, pumpkin girl. You're sitting with me."

Before I could protest, Jack plopped onto the couch and pulled me onto his lap, locking his arms around me like a trap.

"Jack," I hissed, half-laughing as I squirmed, though the warmth of his breath against my neck made it impossible to move. "Your family is right there."

He grinned, completely unapologetic. "Exactly where I want them to see you." His lips brushed my cheek, amusement dancing in his eyes.

I tried to keep a straight face, but the corners of my mouth betrayed me. I could've stayed there forever—until Chloe whipped around, popcorn in hand.

"Eww! Jack, stop!" she cried, wrinkling her nose in disgust. "You're being gross!"

"Yeah! Bleh!" Noah chimed in, launching a popcorn kernel at Jack's head. "She's gonna catch your kiss germs!"

Jack snatched the popcorn mid-air, popping it into his mouth with a smug grin. "You wish. I'm allowed to kiss my girlfriend whenever I want."

"No, you're not!" Chloe shot back, crossing her arms with an exaggerated scowl. "She's our friend now!"

"Yeah! You gotta share!" Noah nodded so hard his hair flopped into his eyes.

Jack hugged me tighter, like a human seatbelt. "Nice try, squirt. But she's staying right here."

Chloe huffed dramatically, tossing popcorn onto the floor. "Fine. But no more kissing! It's gross!"

"Deal," Jack said, flicking another popcorn piece at Noah, who giggled as he ducked.

I leaned back against Jack, letting his arms settle around me. "See? They already love me more than you."

He chuckled, resting his chin on my shoulder. "Yeah, well, you're lucky I love you more than them."

The movie flickered to life, casting soft light across the room. Chloe peeked back at us one last time, eyes narrowed in mock suspicion. "No more kissing!" she warned, her stern expression slipping into a grin.

I giggled, sinking deeper into Jack's embrace, the steady hum of his breath at my ear grounding me. Whatever storms lay ahead—whether mermaid hunters or strange new powers—right now, I was exactly where I belonged.

<>

A/N: Meh, I don't know if I like this or not. I might re-edit this later, but yeah. Hopefully, you guys like it. Please comment, vote, and criticism are greatly welcomed. Bonus scenes at the end of the chapter just makes things deeper and foreshadowing. Hehe! 

Bonus Scene: Jack's POV

The drive to Aria's house was quiet, but not uncomfortable. She sat next to me, head resting against the window, the glow of passing streetlights tracing soft patterns across her tired face. Today had been a lot—too fucking much, honestly. Between the dream, Elara's cryptic riddles, and the whole mermaid hunter thing, it was no surprise she'd checked out.

I pulled into her driveway and killed the engine, letting the hum of the car settle into silence. I rested my hand on hers, squeezing gently. "Hey, pumpkin girl," I said quietly. "We'll get through this. One step at a time, okay?"

Aria stirred, blinking slowly as if surfacing from deep thoughts. "I know." She gave me a small, tired smile. "Thanks, Jack... For everything."

I leaned in, brushing a kiss against her lips—gentle, but enough to make my chest feel a little lighter. "Love you, babe."

"Love you too," she whispered, slipping out of the car. I watched until her front door clicked shut, then ran a hand down my face with a sigh.

One problem solved. Now onto the next.

Brent had texted me earlier—same shit as usual. His mom was working the night shift, and his old man had already gotten plastered. He didn't even have to ask. I knew what to do.

A few minutes later, I pulled up to Brent's house, where the porch light flickered like it couldn't be bothered to stay on. The place looked as worn down as it felt—like the walls were tired from holding up all that bullshit.

Brent sat on the porch steps, hoodie pulled over his head, the strap of his bag looped tightly around his hand. He looked up when I honked, shoving himself to his feet with a heavy sigh.

"Thanks, man," he muttered as he climbed into the car, slamming the door shut. "Couldn't fucking stay there tonight. Dad's already hammered, and I'm not in the mood to play peacekeeper."

I nodded, pulling away from the curb. "You know you don't even have to ask. My mom's got the guest room ready like always."

He gave a half-snort, half-laugh—bitter, but grateful. "Your mom's a fucking saint. Feels more like family than my own half the time."

I smirked, glancing at him. "Yeah, well, Chloe and Noah like you better than me, so you're basically part of the squad."

Brent let out a short laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little. "Yeah, your siblings are a handful, but... they keep it real."

After a beat of silence, I shot him a look. "So... when are you gonna tell Aria about all this?"

Brent's hand fidgeted with the strap of his bag, his jaw tightening. "Soon," he muttered. "I know I gotta say something. Just... not exactly easy, you know? I don't like dumping my shit on people."

I kept my eyes on the road but tightened my grip on the wheel. "Look, man, I get it. But Aria cares about you. You've gotta let her in, or she's gonna start asking questions—and overthinking shit. Trust me, I don't need her spiraling."

Brent blew out a slow breath, shaking his head. "Yeah, I know. I just... I don't want her to think less of me, you know? I can handle a lot, but people judging—especially people like her—it's fucking hard."

"She's not like that," I said, glancing over at him. "Aria means well. She's already got her hands full, yeah, but she'd never judge you. And you've got me—and her, now. That's what matters. We're in this together."

Brent gave a small, reluctant smile. "Yeah. You're right... again."

"Damn straight," I said, smirking as I tapped the wheel. "And if she can handle me, she can sure as hell handle your grumpy ass."

By the time we pulled into my driveway, the silence between us had shifted—lighter, more comfortable. The warm glow from the windows spilled across the lawn, the house standing like a little beacon of normal in the middle of all the chaos we couldn't control.

I clapped Brent on the shoulder, killing the engine. "Come on, man. Let's get inside before Chloe and Noah think I ditched them for you."

Brent cracked a grin, unbuckling his seatbelt. "Pretty sure they'd pick me over you anyway."

"You fucking wish." I shot him a playful shove as we headed up the steps and into the house, leaving the cold night behind us.