Page 156 of In Violent Waves

“It’s laced with arousal herbs, too.” Maelys waggled her eyebrows, and Lyra laughed.

They continued walking through the throng of elves. A male with midnight skin and eyes the color of the sea pressed two glasses of wine into their hands.

“Happy Ostara,” he whispered, and the seduction in his voice sent a shiver down Lyra’s spine.

The glass was painted in vibrant colors, and the shape reminded Lyra of a large egg. The lanterns glowed brighter as they crossed from the Upper District to the Lower District. Most of the city seemed to congregate here.

Females dressed in similar sheer dresses, all in pastel colors. Lavender, yellows, greens, blues, and soft pinks. It was like wading through a spring painting.

The males were all bare-chested, their skin glittering with a shimmer that reminded Lyra of the night sky.

The music grew louder as they neared the center of the Lower District. A makeshift stage had been erected in front of a large, bubbling fountain. The doors to all the homes and buildings were thrown wide open as people came and went freely.

“That’s the Venus,” Maelys shouted over the drums and nodded to a dim building covered in garlands of spring flowers.

It wasn’t as bright on the outside as some of the other buildings, but through the sheer curtains on the many round windows, Lyra could see the golden glow of candlelight.

“Let’s go,” Maelys said, tugging Lyra across the cobblestone street and to the arched front door.

Eyes watched them as they went, and a few males followed them through the threshold. A female with flowers woven into the long braids of her hair and a lazy grin on her angelic face handed them each a vial as they crossed the threshold.

Maelys threw it back without hesitation. Lyra stared at it a moment longer before pressing it to her lips. It tasted delicious. Honey and something floral.

The female took the vial back and gestured with her chin. “The common rooms are all available, but some of the specific rooms are at capacity.”

Maelys grinned. “We’ll find our way. Thank you.”

She tugged Lyra behind her and into the main room. A soaring ceiling and many leather couches and chairs were spread haphazardly in the cavernous space.

People congregated at a large bar, sipping various wines and ales. While others chatted on couches before heading up the sweeping staircases on either side of the room. From the outside, Lyra had not pictured such a grandiose space.

“Let’s get a drink and see if anyone sparks your desire,” Maelys whispered in her ear. Several males stood behind them, waiting to see where they went.

Maelys sauntered up to the bar and was greeted by the towering barman behind the carved wooden counter. Tiny tealights flickered on the wooden top, flanked by bowls of water that had floating petals inside.

Everything seemed so meticulously decorated for the holiday.

“Spring wine, please, Carmine.”

Carmine nodded and placed two lavender crystal glasses in front of them. “Enjoy,” he murmured with a smile.

An elvish male approached Lyra, and she stiffened as he slid in beside her.

“You’re new,” he purred. Something in his voice reminded her of Drystan.

“No,” she replied flatly.

His brows hit his golden hairline, but he didn’t argue or rebuke her answer. He nodded and removed himself from her vicinity. Lyra sighed with relief, and Maelys smiled.

“Good, follow your instincts.”

Lyra turned around on the stool to watch a couple lock hands and walk up the stairs together.

“I gather the rooms are up there?” she asked Maelys.

“Yes,” Maelys replied, taking a sip of her wine. “There are communal rooms for the more adventurous partners who are keen to share. Single rooms for those who aren’t. And then there are desire-specific rooms.”

“Desire specific?” Lyra asked, a frown tugging her brows together.