The waves crashed softly against the shore, their rhythm a stark contrast to the chaotic chatter and music of the beach party behind you. Everyone was laughing, splashing, diving into the waves like it was nothing.

You stood at the edge of the sand. The water shimmered, and for a moment, you thought you saw it again—the shadowy figure that had dragged you under all those years ago. Your throat tightened, and the world around you blurred.

"Not going in?"

You didn’t need to turn to know it was Aven.

"Leave me alone, Aven,"

"Afraid of a little water?" he asked, his tone light but his gaze sharp.

Your jaw tightened. "You know why."

His smirk faltered, just for a second. But Aven being Aven, he recovered quickly, shoving his hands into his pockets and looking out at the water. "That was a long time ago."

You didn’t respond. The memory of being dragged under the cold, unrelenting waves, the weight of water filling your lungs, was still too raw. You crossed your arms over your chest and took a step back, putting more distance between you and the shoreline.

"Everyone else is out there having fun," he said, tilting his head toward the others.

“Go back to your Court friends and leave me alone."

You felt his hand wrap around your wrist. Not tight, but firm enough to stop you.

"I’m not dragging you in," he said, his tone softer than you’d ever heard it. "Trust me."

But he didn’t let go. Slowly, he took another step, and then another, pulling you along with him. He stopped when he noticed your breathing quicken, his thumb brushing absentmindedly against your wrist.

"I’m not going to let you drown,"