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“Wow,” I said, taking in the ambiance of the bar. “He sounds great.”
I didn’t recognize the song he was singing, but it didn’t matter. I let the music into my body, taking in every bit of it possible.
“He sounds better than great,” Salem pushed. “Come on. Let’s dance.”
“Dance?” I questioned. Natalie knew I wasn’t a big dancer. That first night at Night Raven had been the only time.
But we had never heard live music before.
“Come on, Lyra! Look out there…” I looked to the dance floor where she pointed and saw dozens of girls just like us dancing.
They looked so happy. Sofree.
“Okay,” I agreed. “I guess a few dances won’t hurt.”
Natalie squealed in excitement, and we met Salem on the dance floor.
For once, I didn’t care about who was looking at me. I didn’t care about how I looked or how bad my dancing was.
The three of us moved to the middle of the crowd, dancing with the beat of the music.
The singer had a similar style to Salem, with piercings and black ripped clothing. The type of clothing my mother would die over. The type of songs my mother would kill me for listening to.
I relaxed further, surrendering to the music. Between my two friends, I had never felt safer.
My body knew what to do. I didn’t have to think about the music or what movements looked normal. I found myself swaying slowly to one song, then jumping and screaming with Natalie and Salem at the next.
Time escaped me. The only sign of how long we had been dancing was the sweat that now dripped down my neck.
“Hey,” I whispered to my friend. “I’m going to take a break. I’ll be right back.”
They both whined, but Salem ultimately said, “Your loss, Lyra. Don’t be long!”
I shoved my way from the crowd and headed to the bar.Water. I need water.
“Never thought I would see you here of your own free will,” Alek’s voice approached behind me. I spun around to find him leaned against the back wall, arms crossed and eyes dark.
“How long have you been here?” I asked. My voice came out in a rushed breath. I became very aware of the sweat that was beginning to soak through my shirt.
I must have looked like a maniac to him.
“Long enough.”
“Salem invited me,” I said. Why did I even feel the need to explain myself? “And we’re having a good time.”
“Good,” he barked. “I’m so happy that you’re having a great time dancing yourself around this bar.”
“Excuse me?” I pushed, stepping closer to him. “Are you angry with me?”
“Yes, Lyra!” he hissed as soon as I was close enough. “You’re supposed to bemine. You’re not asinglegirl in this bar, remember?”
My eyes rolled back. “How could I possibly forget?”
“I’m being serious. This is my bar. My legion members come here. What if someone saw—”
“Saw what? Me dancing with my friends? Listening to music?” His jaw tightened. “I mean, you tell me you’re going to liberate me. You tell me that by being with you, I’ll get a chance to live. What about this? I’ve never heard live music before.Never.Did you know that?” I couldn’t think straight. Emotion, adrenaline, and alcohol blocked my ability to act rationally. “If I wanted to be a prisoner,” I spat, “I would go find my mother.”
I stormed away, leaving him at the wall and heading straight to the bar. “Ice water, please.”
