Page 78 of Lana Pecherczyk

“You might want these for more rigorous exercise,” Lark cut in, holding up what looked like fat ribbons. “Nothing worse than a badly timed bounce during acrobatic maneuvers.”

“Lark!” But Sera was grinning. “She’s not wrong, though. We have different bindings and windways for different activities. Combat, dance, courtship … the trick is quick-release knots.”

“Easy access is essential for those urgent moments,” Ravi nodded sagely, adjusting a framed sketch on the wall—a painting of River with his arms around Cloud and Ash, steins in their hands, puffy drunken eyes almost slits from grinning. “A perfect example is how just the other day, Talo and I?—”

“Ma!” Both females blocked their ears.

“What?” Ravi pouted. “The itch must be scratched when it presents itself. These human habits of restriction…” She clicked her tongue. “No wonder their world had so many problems.”

After years of criticism about Blake’s “unladylike” behaviors, the Umbrias’ frank discussion was both mortifying and refreshing.

“Speaking of energy…” Lark’s eyes gleamed. “Wait until you try the courtship windways. They’re designed for maximum impact with minimum hindrance.”

“And believe me,” Sera added, “our brother definitely knows.” She pointed to a small crystal trophy. “First place in the Aerial Courtship Display when he was only seventeen. The older females were tripping over themselves.”

“Pour your new sister a glass of moonshine, girls.” Ravi waved at a crystal decanter filled with shimmering liquid before returning to her paints and pots with satisfaction. “Mm, yes. These patterns will glow beautifully.”

“Medicinalmoonshine,” Sera corrected, catching Blake’s questioning look. “Made from forest fruits that only bloom under UV light.”

A knowing smile curved Ravi’s lips. “Nothing like a little liquid courage before painting. Which reminds me of that summer River spent with the aerial dance troupe…”

“Mother,” Sera warned, but she was already pouring drinks while Lark moved the eucalyptus to a shelf.

“I’m proud of my son’s cultural education. Three months studying their most intimate traditions. The leader said she’d never seen such natural talent for their more vigorous movements.”

Blake nearly choked on her first sip. The moonshine tasted sweet yet spicy with a hint of tropical fruit.

“Don’t worry, dear,” Ravi said. “River inherited his father’s gift for physical expression.” Her eyes narrowed on the air around Blake. “Your sexual aura feels very undernourished. Has he given you a proper wingmate welcome yet?”

“Pardon?”

“You know … sent you soaring through the clouds?”

“I think you’re scaring her, Ma.” But Sera was already giggling, her glass half empty.

“A healthy orgasm is essential for—” Ravi caught Blake’s expression. “Oh, sweet ancestors, he hasn’t, has he? I’ll need to have a word.”

“No, it’s not…” Blake took another fortifying sip. “I mean, we haven’t even…”

“She had a husband,” Sera supplied helpfully. “A wingmate in her world.”

Blake’s gaze snapped to her. How did she know?

“Yes,” Blake replied. “His name was Jeff. Jeffrey.”

“Was he this tall?” Sera dropped her hand to hip level, exaggerating River’s gesture from the forest.

Blake smiled into her cup.

“Surely thisJiggeryperson didn’t fail to…” Ravi studied Blake with concerned eyes. “Please tell me you’ve experienced the wild, passionate, break-every-piece-of-furniture-in-the-nest kind of pleasure that’s every female’s right?”

The moonshine loosened Blake’s tongue. “Jeff was more … efficient.”

Silence. Crickets.

“Efficient?” Lark whispered, horrified as she refilled Blake’s cup.

“Mate,” Blake laughed, “he was a two pumps and a grunt sort of man.” Her hand clapped over her mouth. “I didn’t mean to say that.”