Page 173 of In Violent Waves

This would not be the end.

When the clearing was empty except for the seven of them, Wilder whirled on her.

“What the fuck were you thinking?”

“He was going to take me.”

“And I was here to prevent that from happening!” He beat a fist to his chest.

Otto snickered beside him, and he whipped his head towards him.

“It’s as it should be.” Otto patted his shoulder and walked past him. “They won’t be back tonight. Rest easy.”

Wilder jutted his chin down and then turned back to Lyra. “Why?” His voice went hoarse.

“Because he deserved it. He caused nothing but pain and suffering.”

Wilder’s brow rose as he stared down. “Even if it was mine?”

Lyra looked at her hands, dropping her chin. “Especially yours.”

Lyra squeezed her hands together and twisted her fingers until her knuckles whitened. She had killed that wulver. She had brushed against her magic and now its euphoria surged through her.

It was the same pleasure Wilder had brought her in the carriage. She was relieved no one had realized what she had done.

As Maelys retrieved her blade and stomped across the clearing, she smiled at Lyra.

“Looks like you learned something after all.”

Lyra cracked a smile in return and shrugged, trying to hide the trembling of her hands.

“You never displayed that level of skill in training,” Maelys said, stopping beside her.

Lyra’s stomach clenched. If Maelys figured out she was capable of using her magic, then she would be forced to use it time and time again.

“I never had someone in front of me that Iwantedto kill,” Lyra replied.

Maelys chuckled. “I should have you aim for Wilder at the next training.”

Ridge appeared beside Maelys. “I don’t think that would work anymore.”

His voice wasn’t louder than a whisper, but it still felt as if he had shouted it.

“That’s not true,” Lyra argued.

She tasted the lie as soon as she spoke it.

Ridge crossed his massive arms over his chest and leveled Lyra with a look.

“Don’t play dumb with us. Even I can sense what’s brewing between you two.”

Lyra slid her eyes over to Wilder, who was directing Dust and Oak on where to set up their tents. His black hair gleamed as if it were kissed by the night sky. He was beautiful, she had always thought that, but seeing him stand so rigidly in front of Igneous highlighted the pain he had hidden below his curated surface.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Her eyes never left Wilder, and as if he sensed her stare, he turned and looked at her.

“Sure ya don’t,” Maelys whispered in her ear as she passed with a still chuckling Ridge.

“Lyra! We’re setting you up right here,” Otto called, waving a pillow above his head to get her attention.