“But here’s the interesting part.” She stopped at the edge of the sand, watching the waves roll in. “Everyone saw what you are: a dragon, powerful and dangerous. But they also saw why. They heard what he said about Marina’s pelt. They understand you were defending her.”
“I destroyed a hotel lobby.”
“Yes. And you’ll pay for the repairs. And you’ll apologize to everyone affected.” She turned to face him. “But this town knows the difference between a monster and a man who lost control because someone he loves was threatened. They’ve seen Malachar’s true nature now. They know what he is.”
“Small comfort.”
“Perhaps. Or perhaps it’s the beginning of something larger.” Her ancient eyes gleamed. “You’re not the only one he’s hurt over the centuries. You’re not the only one who wants him stopped. And now that his mask has slipped, others might be willing to help.”
“We need a plan,” he said. “A real one. Not just rage.”
“Now you’re learning.” Estelle smiled. “Go clean yourself up. Eat something. And then come find me. We have work to do.” She paused, studying him with those ancient eyes. “And Alessandro? When you see Marina (and you will see her) don’t try to fix things with words. Show her with actions. That’s what she needs. That’s what she’s always needed.”
She walked away, leaving him alone with the sea.
Through the bond, Marina was distant, guarded, but still there.
He stood there until the salt dried on his skin and his hands stopped shaking. Then he went to find Estelle.
Chapter Nineteen
Marina went to the ocean.
Not to swim; she couldn’t swim, not without her pelt. But the sea had always called to her blood, and now, with everything falling apart, she needed the sound of the waves more than she needed air.
The beach was empty in the early morning light. Grey clouds hung low over the water, and the wind carried the sharp tang of coming rain. Marina walked to the edge of the surf, letting the cold water lap over her feet, and tried to remember what it felt like to be whole.
Her pelt was gone. Even now, standing in the surf, she could almost feel the phantom weight of it across her shoulders. Her grandmother had told her once that a selkie’s pelt was like an extension of their soul—and now someone else held hers in his hands.
The waves rolled in, steady and eternal, and Marina let them soak through her jeans. The cold didn’t bother her; selkie blood ran warm, even when the rest of her felt numb.
It takes work, her grandmother had said once.Every day. From both sides. Love is the beginning, Marina, not the destination.
Her grandmother had loved her grandfather with fierce, unwavering devotion. But they’d also argued. Disagreed. Hurt each other and healed. Their marriage hadn’t been perfect—it had been real.
Maybe she’d been so afraid of imperfection she’d forgotten what real love actually looked like.
Bea found her there an hour later, still standing in the surf with the tide rising around her calves.
“You’re going to get hypothermia,” Bea said, tromping across the sand in her ridiculous purple boots. “And before you say selkies don’t get hypothermia, I know, but you’re also not exactly operating at full selkie capacity right now.”
Marina didn’t turn. “Did he send you?”
“He doesn’t know where you are. The bond tells him you’re nearby, but I asked Estelle to put up a minor confusion ward.” Bea came to stand beside her, just out of reach of the waves. “He’s at the beach too, actually. Different end of the cove. Estelle says he’s been there since dawn, staring at the water.”
“Probably planning how to destroy more property.”
“Probably thinking about you.”
Marina finally looked at her friend. Bea’s purple hair was windswept, her face unusually serious. The chaos witch who never took anything seriously was studying Marina with unsettling focus.
“I felt it when he shifted,” Marina said. “When he destroyed the hotel. And the moment when his certainty broke.” Her voice cracked. “He asked for help, Bea. Estelle said he actually took her hand and asked for help.”
“That’s new for him.”
“That’s everything for him.” Marina wrapped her arms around herself. “And I’m so scared it’s too late.”
Bea was quiet.
