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Where have you been?

“Spring break,” I whisper.

I sensed you on campus.

“I didn’t sense you.”

You wouldn’t.

I ignore the jab and march over near Earwyn, who’s giggling with Cove and Vanya.

That wasn’t a jab. Just a fact.

“Were you really Queen Sirena’s trident?”

Why would I lie about that?

“Can you tell me more about her? I’ve been researching ancient books and can’t find much.”

We should focus on your arch nemesis.

“But you probably have all the answers to my questions.”

Prove yourself.

Before I can respond, Earwyn turns to me and narrows her eyes. “You’re not allowed at any of my parties ever again.”

She must be especially upset—she didn’t even bother to call me a first-year.

I shrug. “Okay.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

“What do you want? An apology?”

Her nostrils flare. “You should! You knocked half my guests unconscious.”

“I wasn’t trying to,” I snap. “It was the tristle.”

Or the fact that you’re a siren.

I nearly drop my trident but manage to keep my hold.

Earwyn’s brows furrow. “You brought tristle to my house?”

“No. Someone there gave it to me.”

“Who?” She inches closer.

“Some guy.”

“That’s convenient. Some guy.”

“It wasn’t me,” I insist. “I’d never even heard of the stuff before then.”

She rolls her eyes. “Liar. Everyone knows what it is.”

“Not me. I grew up on land.”