Conall
Dolly’s obsession is making me mad. Earlier today, I'd confronted her and asked her not to leave out the blood tonight. She scolded me and told me I wouldn’t like it if I were hungry.
She insists her little pet isn’t dangerous so long as he’s fed.
I watch him come and go, making sure I stay between him and Everlane Cottage.
My hound snaps to the surface, sensing Ivy’s proximity. The sharp tug sets my teeth on edge. The bastard won’t let me be more than a block away from her without protesting. I don’t understand why. I don’t need to be on top of her to protect her.
The phrase on top of her rattling through my head gives me ideas I shouldn’t be having and don’t want. I need this protection spell broken so I can be free.
I’ve been watching her all day, as I'm spelled to do. I see her walking through her shop, learning from Amy. She interacts with but dismisses the clear magical items on the shelves.
She goes into the Alexandria. This should be it, the moment she breaks and runs away screaming.
Layla insisted the interior couldn't be modified by any means without risking precious material. Which means what’s inside is scientifically impossible.
But the screams never come. Instead, I watch with growing confusion as Ivy steps out of the bookshop carrying an armful of books, smiling and waving goodbye to Layla.
Then walking side-by-side with Dolly as if they’re all good friends. As if she belongs here.
Ivy Smith has become my personal enigma. A puzzle to solve. A chain to break before I lose my freedom.