Page 246 of The Sins of Silas

The morning came, and we were all instructed to dress and head to the dining hall for breakfast. I lifted the white shirt and swim shorts that were left for me, Erabella sliding into her matching shell bra and skirt, showcasing her toned midsection. The skirt was to be pulled away later when we went to the ocean to swim.

She looked beautiful in it, but the weariness in her eyes was unnerving me, as was this headache of hers that was bothering her more and more. I'd sent a request for a healing elixir of sorts, and when she took it, nothing improved.

I held out my elbow, and she lined hers with mine, us heading downstairs. We were the first to arrive in the broad, open space. The windows were all open, the sea breeze pleasant as it blew through, and the sounds of seagulls crying from outside caught my attention.

It was stunning here—the bright blue ocean just steps from our eating area. Otacia wasn't too far from the sea, but it wasn't as tropical of an experience as it was here.

Valter was dressed in a deep green suit, grin broad as he came to greet us. After exchanging pleasantries, he showed us to our seats at the large table. A spread of exotic fruits, breads, and jamswas placed elegantly on the table, along with parfaits and coconut meat. The scent of it all had my mouth watering.

Lucretia and her consort, Kismet, had not arrived yet.

Dani sauntered in next, wearing a navy ensemble that complimented his complexion. Roland was at his side, wearing light grey, though all I could focus on was his hazel eyes that stared at me knowingly.

When Merrick entered a moment later, Torrin and Viola were beside him, and his eyes automatically went over to my wife. When I glanced over at her, she was staring down at her lap. The Empath's jaw set, and he sat as far from her as he could.

“Vi, you look amazing,” Dani complimented, admiring the sand-colored shell top and skirt. It seemed our outfits were all nearly identical, save for the color differences.

Elowen, Edmund, and Hendry were in next, the healer's aqua-blue outfit matching her eyes.

Two robed figures walked in, and behind them, joining us at last, was Lena.

I did my best to school my expression. Her ensemble was the most elegant of all. Her shell bra was a combination of green hues with glittering gems molded to it. Her skirt was fuller than the others. And across her collarbones, she wore my mother's necklace like always.

It seemed she'd been dolled up. Her orange hair was tied in two fishtail braids, similar to how Kismet's was the day prior. They fell past her full breasts, the tips lying just beside her belly button.

Her cheeks were tinted pink. I knew she wasn't used to presenting in such a way.

“Good morning, Lena,” Valter greeted, eyes skating over her. “You look beautiful.”

Roland and Torrin's jaws were hanging open while they gazed at her, and even my other male friends were eyeing her a little longer than normal.

She smiled at him. “You don't look so bad yourself,” she responded confidently, sitting across from me at the table. When her eyes slid over to mine, they flitted up and down, taking me in as quickly as she could.

Lucretia and Kismet waltzed in a few moments later, arm in arm, Kismet's attire black and Lucretia's white. After a quick greeting, we all began eating.

Breakfast went by relatively quickly. Lena had attempted to talk more about the crisis on the mainland, but Lucretia kept changing the topic of conversation. Whether or not they were willing to help, we at least had this Chamber of Time to give us some answers.

I tried not to overeat, but trying all the different foods was too hard to pass up. From starfruit to durian to kumquats—the latter’s name Roland childishly laughed about—I enjoyed it all…except for papaya. I didn't much care for that.

After, everyone excitedly ventured off to the sparkling sea. I told Era I would be a moment, heading back to our room to collect myself.

I wished I could join in, strip off my top, and submerge myself in the water. I wished I was normal.

A soft knock sounded at my door, and when I opened it, Lenawalked inside.

“Are you going to swim?” she asked me gently as I shut the door. She now knew exactly why my back was kept covered.

I wanted to swim. I wanted to take my shirt off and feel the warm sun on my body. I didn’t want to be held back by my past and ruled by those who abused me.

I began to unbutton my shirt.

“They will ask,” I mumbled, my fingers shaking. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Then just say that.” Her hand cradled my cheek. “I doubt anyone will pressure you.” She gave me a playful smile, grasping her breasts. “I could whip my shell top off. That’ll take the attention away.”

I snorted. “You do that, and I’ll put you over my knee and spank your ass ‘til your skin’s red.”

She bit back a smile. “Don’t encourage me,” she teased, running her hand down my bare chest.

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