“But I can’t ignore this other feeling, Chase. Doing that will only end us. And I can’t bear that thought.”

My mind is a riptide. Everything feels upside down. Could I even do an open relationship? The thought of Logan being with someone else makes me feel physically ill. I’ve never felt like I needed anyone else that way, but could I find a way to do this for Logan? I don’t know… it feels impossible to decide how I feel about any of this when I’m so overwhelmed, when I feel like I have so little time. Did Logan really wait this long to save me suffering? Or was this all some way to try to force my hand?

I don’t have the chance to answer, because Seidon walks back into the office. Seidon, with his irresistible dimples and flawless everything. Will Logan call him the second I get on a plane, their muscled bodies inevitably joining together right here, on the sprawling rugs…

“I’ve got the—” Seidon starts, then stops. “—Oh, sorry. Am I interrupting something?”

“No,” I answer immediately. “We’re ready.”

The sooner we find what we came for, the sooner we can get off this island. This godforsaken place where everything has changed. Here lie Chase and Logan, ghosts haunting each other forevermore.

I turn my head away to compose myself and my eye catches on a single tarot card laid on the desk, from the Rider-Waite deck: the Wheel of Fortune. I nearly laugh out loud. This card represents a reversal, reminding you to examine who is responsible when a turn for the worse arrives. Seeing its spokes and creatures, it feels like a cruel joke.

Turning back to Seidon, I see that he looks unsure, but he keeps walking anyway. He leads the way to a palatial closet where the safe must be kept. Following him, I have an unfathomable urge to hit him.

“Why are you helping us?” I suddenly ask, my tone pointed.

Seidon pauses and turns to face us.

“The great Lady Azure would probably say it’s because I’m the Prince of Cups, well-intentioned and supportive, but prone to the unexpected,” Seidon says. “Just like my dad is the King of Cups, guardian of secrets and mental strength.”

“But what would you say?” I press.

“I’d say I led you here because my mom asked me to, but I know her. She’s only appearing to help you so she can get what she really wants. Which is why I’m going to make sure you leave with everything you came for, despite her wishes.”

“Why would you do that?” I ask.