{IRIS}
I knew about the monster in the lake. I'd read about it in the academy handbook—Sirene, the Water Wraith, a creature known to drag the foolish and the unwary beneath the waters.
But in my defense… She never attacked unless someone entered the lake.
And besides, there were so many students around. I thought—rather foolishly—that I was safe.
Too bad.
I really liked that peaceful spot beneath the willow tree…
Was there not a single place in this academy that wasn't infested with monsters?
"My… my spot by the lake…" I croaked miserably.
"That's what you're worrying about?"
My eyes snapped open.
The first face I saw was Zephyros—angry, exhausted, and very much done with my existence.
"You," he said, voice tight with barely restrained fury. "I told you—told you—to always wear that necklace, did I not?"
I blinked at him, my mind still foggy. "I… what happened?"
