Phoebe nods, as if saying that sounds like something Griffin would do, and I turn to stare out over the water. My eyes are skimming across the ripples in the surface when Griffin says, “She’s here.”

Phoebe gasps.

Troy makes a kind of choking, sucking sound.

Even I’m a little speechless.

Rising out of the water, about fifty feet out from shore, is the most breathtakingly beautiful creature I have ever seen. She has long, flowing hair the exact color of a shiny copper coin. As she steps out of the water, her hair hangs in wet curls almost to her ankles. Her skin is porcelain perfect, and she has bright green eyes, dark lashes, and rosy pink lips.

She’s wearing what looks like a seaweed bikini. A practically nonexistent seaweed bikini.

“Griffin,” the nymph says, her entire body smiling his name. “I have been waiting for your call.”

“It’s good to see you again.”

I notice Phoebe edge closer to her boyfriend. When he grabs her hand, the sea nymph’s eyes widen.

“Ah,” she says. “You have called for the favor, then.”

“Yes,” Griffin replies.

The nymph gives him a longing once-over, like it practically hurts that he isn’t looking for something more. I’ll admit, Griffin is pretty much the whole package, if that’s what you’re looking for. Personally, I like a little less of the catalog-perfect image. Besides, Griffin is practically my brother and he’s my best friend’s boyfriend.

When the nymph returns her gaze to his face, she sighs. “I made a promise.”

“We need to get to Poseidon’s palace,” Griffin explains.

I step forward. “I need to get there.”

Griffin flicks me a dark look, but I ignore him.

“Is this your wish?” the nymph asks Griffin.

He nods.

She turns her attention to me. “Few seek the sea god’s home successfully.”

It takes all my self-control not to say, That’s why we called you.

She studies me for several long seconds, like she’s evaluating me. I clench my fists and straighten under the scrutiny. No way some sea tramp is going to stand in my way. All she’ll see when she studies me is strength and determination.

Finally, she says, “Very well.”

As she walks up to me, I stand frozen to the spot. Her green eyes are unreadable. I’m not sure what she’s going to do—autoport me, throw me in the water, or drown me for fun. You never know with a sea nymph.

I refuse to flinch as she stops in front of me and reaches for my face. She wraps her palms around the back of my head before leaning in close. I scowl. What is she going to do, kiss me?

The urge to pull away is overwhelming.

She stops an inch from my face, whispers some indecipherable words, and then exhales slowly.