Page 31 of In Violent Waves

It didn’t do the trick. If anything, it had made her look foolish. Maelys snorted and then returned her attention to Wilder.

“What caused the delay?” She spoke clearly, but something about her phrasing led Lyra to believe that wasn’t what she was asking.

“Lyra encountered ruffians,” Otto answered for them. “And some issues with her new legs.”

He took a bite of the stew and then raised his spoon, insinuating Lyra should do the same. Ridge set her spoon back down beside her bowl, and she flinched. He leveled her with alook that doubled as a warning: lash out again, and I’m keeping it.

“Exhaustion and hunger will make everything worse for you,” Otto said. “Your new legs will require you to eat and rest.”

Otto seemed older than the rest of them. She wasn’t sure if it was because he was or if his gifts led him to be perceived that way. He was a seer, but she didn’t know about the other two.

Lyra scooped some of the broth and meat chunks onto the spoon before taking a bite. It was some kind of game, by the taste of it. But she was surprised that it tasted so good. Meat, carrots, and corn with a melding of spices. Interesting. She didn’t think she would like human food.

It was quiet at their table, quiet enough that Lyra could hear the disgruntled murmurings of the surrounding mortals. In particular, a man with a large bushy beard seemed very upset that there were elves in his presence.

“Elves in our dining hall. It’s a travesty!” His voice rose loud enough for Lyra to hear him. She glanced over her shoulder in time to see the man beside the disgruntled one grab him by the collar.

“Pipe down,” he hissed, shooting a terrified expression their way. “That is Wilder Vale. The prince.”

The bearded man ducked his head and averted his gaze. “The swordsman?” His question was met with furious nods.

It appeared Wilder’s name held weight here.

“Are we leaving first thing in the morning?” Maelys asked, loud enough for all to hear.

Wilder grunted in response.

So he wasn’t only quiet with her—he was like this with everyone.

Lyra took a few more bites of the stew, opting to eat around the corn. It was quiet for some time while she shoveled in bites as quickly as she could swallow.

The heat of the stew seeped into her bones, warming her from the inside out. When she took to slurping the broth out of the chipped bowl, they began speaking again.

“There’s been an issue acquiring rooms,” Ridge said.

“How so?” Wilder bit out, looking at Lyra in disgust as she slurped even louder.

“They only had two available,” Otto answered, taking another bite of the stew. “I see you will not allow anyone but yourself to guard Lyra.” The gray of his irises became darker in the candlelight, and if Lyra wasn’t mistaken, they appeared to be swirling.

Wilder ground his teeth, the muscle in his jaw quivering at the sharp angle. Something beyond the room situation was irking him.

“Last room on the left,” Otto said.

“We leave at first light—get some rest,” Wilder said before tugging her along.

The humans watched them as they tromped up the stairs. Wilder didn’t speak to anyone at all as he led her down the hall on the second floor and to the last door on the left.

He flung open the door and shoved her inside. The space was much larger on the inside than she thought it would be. But not large enough to hold more than one bed.

Wilder glared at the single iron bed like it had insulted him before gritting his teeth. It was dark beyond the open curtains, and warm candles glowed around the space, making it appear cozy.

“You take the bed.” He stomped over to the window and drew the curtains closed.

Lyra stood at the threshold a beat longer, feeling an array of emotions. She tried to cycle through them, but as soon as she identified one, three more sprang to mind.

It was awkward with this tension between them. She felt lost, confused, and even annoyed.He kidnapped her.She didn’t want to be a hindrance. He was making her one.

Wilder peeked through the small gap he made in the curtains, monitoring the street before shutting it back up. He breathed sharply through his nose and looked at her once more.