Page 300 of Vasmora

She raised her drink and feigned another smile. “I have an aversion to creatures in the womb,” she said, sauntering off.

Allura sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Excuse her. And me. I will catch up with you later, Maevyth.”

Nodding, I stared after Rykaia, making a mental note to chat with her afterward.

Aleysia turned back to me and rolled her eyes. “Well, she’s an interesting character.”

“Rykaia is actually wonderful, once she warms up to you.”

“I’m sure.” While I loved seeing my sister again, it was clear to me how much had changed in the months we’d been apart. She’d somehow grown more serious than the Aleysia I knew, a subtlety I detected in her voice.

“How’s father?”

“He’s doing well. He would’ve joined us, but he has a hard time traveling with his leg.”

“Of course.” Even our conversation had changed. There were so many things we could’ve talked about, but part of me felt like she’d find them trivial. “Thoughts on Aethyria so far?”

“It’s interesting. It reminds me of the older parts of Grimsvale. Remember those ancient little villages grandfather would tell us about?”

I smiled at the memory, relieved that she remembered it, too. “Yes. I think that’s what I love most about it.”

She took my hand, her eyes softening. “I’m glad there’s no longer a wall separating us. Perhaps you might visit once the baby is born.”

“I’d love to. Things are peaceful in Mortasia now?”

“For now, yes. Father feared the Vonkovyan army would seize what was left of Lyveria in the aftermath.” She smiled back at her mate, sliding her hand in his. “When the plague died out, our warriors prepared for attack from the Sacred Men, but it seems their ambitions to seize the land have settled a bit.” Her brows pulled tight. “Though, there are rumblings of a new religious sect taking hold in the southern continent. They call themselves the Pentacrux. It seems they’ve amassed quite a following in the wake of this plague.”

“Hopefully, they won’t become the next threat.”

At a tinkling sound, I turned to see Rykaia clinking a fork against her glass.

“Can I have everyone’s attention! We’ve come to one of the most important parts of our Bonding celebration.”

Hushed voices mingled with the low melodious drone of the quartet.

“Excuse me, Aleysia,” I whispered, and I made my way to Zevander’s side.

“Now, for those of you who were hoping to witness the consummation …”

My jaw nearly unhinged itself, and I turned toward Zevander. “I thought you said there wasn’t a consummation ceremony,” I whispered.

Rykaia chuckled and winked at me. “Kidding. It used to be the first dance. But seeing as circumstances have changed since the world went to shit …”

“Language, Rykaia!” Allura’s voice carried over the crowd, and I spotted her shaking her head.

“Apologies,” Rykaia said, raising her glass. “I thought we could switch things up a bit. Instead of the first dance, it’ll be the first official flight as Lord and Lady Rydainn!”

The crowd cheered, and I twisted to see all of them raising their glasses.

Rykaia’s gaze swept over them before landing on me. “Maevyth, if you could be so kind as to call upon your bird.”

“Corvugon,” I corrected.

She waved her hand. “Whatever.”

I tipped my head toward the sky and whistled for Raivox.

A hum of murmurs rolled through the crowd, and I stared up past the treetops, waiting for him to appear.