Page 127 of Storm and Sea

The color of those eyes remained the same, the golden flecks ever present in the beam of the artificial light.

He’d warned Nyel of this. He’d told Nyel this could happen. But months of living so comfortably weakened his guard. Atreus had been too complacent. Too carefree. And had enjoyed Nyel’s company far too much. And now, he was paying the price.

For a second, Atreus was tempted to point along with Marina and cry out in alarm—anything to save his place, anything to save the life he’d built.

It’s not too late. I can fix this.

But the words died in his throat. He couldn’t do it. Couldn’t betray this sireno. Couldn’t turn his back on someone he’d only met a few months ago—someone who became a pillar in his life without Atreus even realizing it.

He stepped toward Nyel, prepared to stand by him, defend him, and, if needed, go down with him.

But those honey-brown eyes locked with his, stopping him midstep. They widened slightly, and with the faintest shake of his head, Nyel sent a clear message.

Don’t.

Atreus snapped to action, pulling Marina to him in a protective stance.

“Get out of here!” he shouted at the monster, at his friend. “Go back to the sea where you belong!”

He hoped the pleading in his eyes was enough to tell Nyel that he didn’t mean a word of it. Nyel dashed into the trees, his tail dragging in the undergrowth as he disappeared in the dark. With any luck, he wouldn’t run into any more humans until he dried. Atreus gripped Marina, who had gone weak at the knees.

“Get up. We have to get home. Don’t say a word,” he breathed, guiding her to her feet. He didn’t have to say it, though. Marina was in shock, and during the entire walk home she only managed to look more pale. The cool blue of early sunrise brought no relief as they marched down the hill in terrified silence.

Once they were in the pescheria, Atreus was glad to find the house empty, with Giovanni and Horace likely on the first floor opening the shop. He ushered Marina to his room, closing the door behind him.

He set her on the edge of the bed, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Can I bring you some water?”

She said nothing, which was even more terrifying coming from her.

“Marina, talk to me.”

Her hazel eyes were wide, and she wasn’t blinking enough. He shook her.

“Hey. Stay with me. You’re okay. We’re home.”

“What was that, Atty?”

“It…” Atreus couldn’t finish. The lie he’d so easily committed to for almost a decade stuck like tar in his mouth. He didn’t want to live like this anymore—in the dark, completely on guard.

And now… without Nyel.

Because unless the truth came out, the life he and Nyel had shared this summer was gone.

“Let me get you that water,” Atreus said, needing a moment to compose himself.

What would he say to her? Would he ask her to keep it a secret? Would he lie outright? Would he gaslight her into believing it was all in her head? The options played before him as he filled a glass from the tap and returned to her.

“Here, drink.”

She took it but didn’t bring it to her lips. He sighed and pulled up a chair to sit across from her. He knew what he had to do, and his heart already hurt from the loss.

He’d miss this.

Atreus took the glass from her hands and set it on the nightstand, scooting forward until their knees almost touched. He took both her hands in his, squeezing them and placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

“Marina, you know I care about you, right?”