Page 191 of In Violent Waves

“I am not yours!” Lyra’s chest heaved with her scream. “And I refuse to return to the sea.”

Wilder tightened his grip, and she took a step back, bumping against his chest, and her breathing slowed.

“What did my father get out of this bargain?”

The superiority on Drystan’s face made Lyra’s chest hurt. “Lyra would have been a common enemy. He assumed her presence would remind you of your duty. You’ve been a bit wayward again, and the wulvers were beneficial last time. That, and of course, he would want to be in my good graces.”

A breath slipped through her lips. It appeared he had no idea about the bargain she had struck with Oberon.

Drystan threw the trident from one hand to another, keeping his eyes on them.

“But aren’t you curious as to why I have this?”

She was. Despite herself, she was curious about how he had acquired her father’s trident. Was it given willingly? Or stolen?

“No.”

Drystan tutted, pointing it at her. “Such an accomplished liar.”

Lyra’s spine stiffened, and Wilder leaned forward. “Easy,” he whispered.

“I am the ruler of the seven seas.”

The ocean waves ceased, and the constant blowing of the wind halted.

“What did you do?”

“That’s why I needed you out of the way, my bride. It’d be hard to conquer a kingdom with you standing in the way with that power of yours.”

“I have no power,” she hissed.

Drystan snorted and shook his head. “Did you forget who I am? Where I am from? The sea witch told me as soon as she glimpsed the power within you. Why do you think I agreed to the wedding arrangements in the first place?”

Lyra ground her teeth together. “The sea witch lied. I have no magic.”

“I have ways of making you cooperate, Lyra. Don’t push me.” Drystan now pointed the trident at Wilder.

“Whatever happens,” he whispered. “You save yourself, Legs.”

“No,” she ground out, clinging to his hand in hers.

“You will come with me now, Lyra. Or I will kill everything you have come to love. And I know you have enjoyed your time here on land.” Drystan’s eyes slid from her to Wilder.

“When I say run,” Wilder whispered so that only she could hear. “You run, and you do not look back.”

“No,” she whimpered. “I can’t leave you.”

“I don’t think she will be going with you,” Wilder said to Drystan.

Drystan’s jaw flexed, and he aimed the trident at Wilder’s chest. The trident held no magic, but the threat was clear.

Lyra felt the magic within her flare once more. He was threatening what was hers. And she would not have it.

“Don’t,” Wilder ground out to her. As if he could feel her magic coiling to strike.

“You will come with me now.”

Lyra shook her head, and Drystan nodded to the guards, who crept towards them.