Page 299 of Vasmora

“I have missed you so much, Sister,” she whispered in my ear, before pulling away and staring down at my dress. “You are a vision of beauty.”

“You look incredible.” The last time I saw her, she’d been pale and gaunt, but her face held the tone of summers in the sun, bright and healthy.

“Thank you.” She stepped aside, gesturing toward the warrior at her back. “And this is my mate. Sorvayn.”

He took my hand, lowering to one knee, and pressed his forehead to my palm. “I am honored to meet you.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, as well,” I said, and he gave a curt nod as he rose to his feet again.

Rykaia sauntered up carrying a tray of drinks, passing one of them to me and snatching away my half-consumed glass. “So, this must be the mortal sister.”

“Aleysia, this is Zevander’s sister, Rykaia,” I said, gesturing to her.

Rykaia lifted one of the full glasses of wine for herself and tipped back a sip. “And now I’m Maevyth’s sister, as well.”

“I suppose that makes us sisters, too.” Aleysia added.

Rykaia’s lips stretched to what I surmised as a feigned smile.

“This is Allura,” I said, before whatever snarky comment swirling in her mind could break free. “Rykaia’s partner.”

Aleysia bowed her head. “It’s very nice to meet you, Allura.”

“You trill the L in her name.” Rykaia’s brows tightened. “Your accent is strange.”

“It’s Lyverian,” I clarified. “Sort of a cousin to Nyxterosi.”

Rykaia hmphed, turning her attention back on Aleysia. “Our language is our pride and identity. Given the ease that your sister mastered it, I suppose I just expected the same of you. My mistake.”

Crossing her arms, Aleysia looked her up and down. “How strange. Given your brother’s appearance, I expected you to be taller. With dark hair.”

“How strange you don’t have the warts and claws that I imagined.”

“Rykaia!” Both Allura and I said in unison.

Allura yanked on her arm, splashing some of her drink over the rim. “Be kind.”

Brows furrowed, Rykaia huffed and chewed on her lip. “Apologies. Would you like a drink?”

Aleysia rested her palm against her stomach. “No. But thank you.”

My gaze flicked from her belly to her face, where a smile gradually pulled at her lips. “Aleysia are you … with child?”

A smile bloomed across her face and she nodded. “I am!” she squealed, glancing back at her mate.

I handed my drink to Rykaia and launched myself at her again, wrapping my arms around her neck. “Oh, gods, I’m sorry.” Quickly unraveling myself, I placed my hand over hers. “You traveled so far to get here.”

“By carriage. I was comfortable. The priestess told me I could travel.”

“How far along are you?”

“Only a few moon cycles.” When I frowned, she smiled. “Four months.”

I held her arms out to the side. “Well, you’re absolutely glowing.”

Rykaia nudged my arm, handing me my drink, and turned away, leaving Allura behind as she headed back toward Corwin.

“Where are you going?” Allura called after her.