Page 155 of In Violent Waves

Lyra sighed through her nose and followed with quick footsteps. She had better enjoy her time here now before it was all gone and she was back under the sea.

Besides, tonight would ruin her for Drystan, and she would no longer have to suffer the thought of their brief marriage.

As they wound their way through the halls, it was as silent as a tomb. But flickering lanterns outside the castle windows revealed the revelers making their way into the city for the festivities.

“I’m sure there will be some food in town we can snack on,” Maelys murmured. Lyra still gripped her empty stomach. The sheer fabric was barely felt between her fingers and her bare flesh.

“Where are we going?”

“The Venus,” Maelys replied.

Lyra’s palms sweat, and she had nothing to wipe the dampness on.

“Are there any rules? Or things I should know about?” Lyra asked.

“They’ll give you a tonic at the door. Take it. It will prohibit pregnancy. You don’t want to conceive an offspring tonight,” Maelys chuckled. It was ironic, given that this holiday was about new life.

“Anything else?” Lyra asked.

“Try to find someone who sparks a fire in you. Leave all your inhibitions at the door. Tonight is about exploring yourself and what you like.”

Lyra nodded but worried her bottom lip. “I don’t know what I like,” she whispered.

Maelys slammed their quick pace to a halt and grabbed Lyra’s arm. “Are you a virgin?”

Lyra nodded and averted her eyes.

Maelys squeezed her arm. “Then don’t think you have to do anything at all. ‘No’ is a full sentence. If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. And if someone has a problem with that, they will become my problem.”

Lyra’s shoulders drooped. “But what if you’re indisposed?”

Storm clouds gathered in Maelys’ eyes. “I will make the time.”

“Thank you,” Lyra whispered.

Maelys smiled, but it was subdued. “Why didn’t you tell me before? This might be a bit much for you.”

“Because it was embarrassing. The elves are so free with their sexuality, and it’s fascinating. I feel inadequate.”

Maelys snorted, and they began walking again. “If you want to explore tonight—go for it. No one will judge you.”

Lyra squirmed, and her face pinched with confusion. “Why? Doesn’t that mean I lack skill?”

Maelys rolled her eyes. “Males like to be the first to conquer new territory. It’s a character flaw in their gender.”

Lyra laughed, and her nerves vanished. She wouldn’t be viewed as an oddity, but as a treasure. Which was relieving after her rejection by Wilder.

The walk through the city streets was a sight to behold. Flowers and streamers hung everywhere. Broadleaf ivy that tangled its way up the building had fresh-cut flowers placed between its vines.

The lanterns flickered and danced in line with the drums that beat through the pathways. People danced, laughed, and kissed as they basked beneath the moon’s glow. Lyra’s blood warmed, watching such life and passion swell and surge around her.

Maelys swiped cinnamon bread off a cart and threw the vendor a wink.

“Send the bill to the prince,” Maelys called to the male, who smiled.

“Of course, Briarlace.”

Lyra took a bite of the bread and moaned. “This is incredible.” She took another bite.