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I nod, grateful for the space he’s offering. “Okay,” I say softly. “I’ll think about it.”

He scoops me into his arms, carrying me back to the water with an ease that makes me feel weightless, even though I must weigh a ton with all the jewels and the freaking sword. I cling to him as we slip beneath the surface, the motion smooth and effortless. I let him pull me deeper, reveling in its freedom and the strange comfort of being with him.

When we near the shore, he pauses, pulling me close and cupping my face with his hand. “Until the next time,” he murmurs, and his lips find mine with a sweetness that makes my head spin. The kiss is careful and lingering, simultaneously a promise and a request. It leaves me breathless, wanting more.

He releases me gently into the shallow water, waiting until I’m standing on solid ground before letting go completely.

For a moment, I just stand there, the water lapping at my ankles, the memory of his touch still tingling on my skin.

Then I hear it.

A howl pierces the air, echoing through the night. Caspian’s expression darkens.

A moment later, Kaelen’s wolf-like form bursts through the forest, fury evident in every line of his body.

“You took her,” he snarls at Caspian, reaching the shore’s edge.

“She came willingly,” Caspian retorts, tentacles rising defensively around me. “Unlike some, I don’t need to stalk my prey.”

“She is not prey,” Kaelen growls, his massive form moving more into the water, soaking his fur. In the night light, he looks like a creature from ancient mythology—half-man, half-wolf, all predator. “She is mine.”

“I’m getting really tired of that possessive pronoun,” I interject. “Still not property. Still making my own decisions.”

“Decisions?” Kaelen huffs, “The water-dweller enchanted you. He lured you. I know all about his moves.”

“I invited her,” Caspian corrects, one tentacle possessively wrapping around my ankle. “And she accepted.”

“Because I wanted to,” I add.

Kaelen’s nostrils flare, catching something in my scent. His eyes narrow. “You like his touch.”

The accusation sounds almost wounded, which catches me off guard. I expected anger and territoriality, but not hurt.

“I…” Words fail me because, well, he’s not wrong.

The forest trees rustle again, and a third figure emerges.

Oren.

“All here now,” he rumbles, “All want Lily.”

“Great,” I mutter. “Monster intervention. Just what this night needed.”

But as I look at the three of them—Caspian sleek and dangerous in the water, tentacles glowing slightly. Kaelen, powerful and primal on the edge, amber eyes burning. Oren, massive and steadfast, flowers still clinging to his moss-covered shoulders—I realize something terrifying.

I feel a pull toward them. It’s more than curiosity and lust, although the attraction is undeniable.

Oren’s gentle strength and ancient wisdom. Caspian’s elegant danger and hidden depths. Kaelen’s primal passion and protective instinct.

They all offer something different. Something that I never knew was missing in my life.

“You’re all ridiculous,” I say, trying to maintain some semblance of sanity in this insane situation. “I’m not some prize to be won.”

“No,” Oren agrees, surprisingly. “Not prize. Blessing.”

“Partner,” Caspian adds, his tentacle tightening slightly around my waist.

“Mate,” Kaelen growls, the word sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.