Stone Circle From Bali to Cali, far beneath the Coral Sea

“Yes, Merry is my boyfriend.”

He had no right to the jealousy that burned in his stomach at this revelation. His head ducked as his shame grew alongside it, making Atreus unable to meet Ink’s eye for a moment. He should’ve been happy for her, he knew. She’d moved on, found someone who could be there and make her happy. Maybe he was still immature in that way because mostly he just wanted to gut this faceless Merry man.

Belatedly, he registered what she said about him. Despite himself, Atreus raised his head, gaze finding hers. He was confused. He had done the opposite of helping her. He had completely bailed on Ink during her time of need. His expression contorted. He deserved these terrible feelings, didn’t he?

Good, he unwittingly echoed her, his voice quiet and more than a little hollow before Atreus caught himself and cleared his throat, forcing out, Good for you, Ink.