*Maddy*

I curl my toes in the hot sand and shiver with warmth. The sun beats down on my bare shoulders, and a cool ocean breeze touches my cheeks. My lips taste like saltwater, and I squint up into the sun, shielding my eyes with my hand.

I’ve never been anywhere more beautiful in my life, and I’m not sure I ever want to leave.

“Two boys,” Maddox says, followed by the sound of him clapping Isaac hard on the shoulder as they walk ahead of me along the beach. “It’s a true blessing of the Goddess, Isaac.”

“I know,” Isaac replies, his voice fading as he continues, “but I’m...