Page 192 of In Violent Waves

Closer and closer, they closed in.

When the points of their weapons were in striking range, Wilder’s hand slipped from her wrist and gripped her shoulder.

“One,” he breathed. “Two.” The points of their weapons gleamed in the sunlight. “Run!”

Wilder shoved her towards the castle and let loose his magic.

A wall of wind surged from around them, throwing the guards to the sand and clearing a path for Lyra to race to the castle.

Sand kicked up behind her as she darted out of reach of several guards.

She had to get to Maelys, Ridge, and Otto. She had to get help.

Guards clambered to their feet, half splitting to catch her and the other half circling Wilder.

They wouldn’t make it.

Wilder fought them off with his bare hands and well-placed kicks. Surges of his wind pushed them backwards, but there were too many for him to hold off alone.

Grunts of pain and shouts of anger rang out behind her.

He would die before she could make it back with help.

Lyra threw herself to a stop and felt several bodies collide against her.

Manacles were shackled to her wrists as she was hauled to her feet and carried back to Drystan.

He stood leaning against his trident, looking on as Wilder was forced to his knees by a guard with a broadsword.

“Well, that was quick,” he sighed. “I expected more from the great Wilder Vale.”

“Give me a sword and even the odds, then.”

Drystan snorted and rolled his eyes. “I’m not stupid.”

“Could have fooled me,” Lyra sang as she was dragged to his feet.

“Lyra,” Wilder shushed her.

But his eyes were pleading. He had failed her, and she could see it plain as day in his eyes. She winked at him, and he frowned.

“I will go with you,” Lyra said to Drystan. “On one condition.”

Drystan arched a brow.

“Let him go.”

Drystan shook his head. “He touched you. His life is penance.”

Lyra smirked. “I touched him—and liked it.”

Drystan's face turned a ruddy shade of red as his fury grew.

“Lyra,” Wilder snapped.

A sword pressed against his throat, silencing him.

All her swagger evaporated. She couldn’t imagine a world without him in it.