Chapter 37 Ivy
thirty-seven
Ivy
The influx of information to Ivy’s already crowded mind meant there was only one way to sort through it all: running.
She ventured into her bedroom to change, and she shuddered when her eyes fell upon the teal ball gown that was hanging from her armoire.
It wasn’t accompanied by a note—she already knew where she’d be wearing it.
The cool night air was a balm as Ivy began a warm-up lap of the property. She looked into the sky and found two Erath following her path—she easily identified Ozias by his nebula-like plumage and knew that Phaedra was likely also following on Leseldh’s instructions, in case she tried to flee.
She used the solitude to clear her mind, and by the third lap, she noticed Finare sitting on the front porch. He stood as she approached, and she slowed to a walk so he could fall into step with her.
“How are you holding up?” Finare nudged her shoulder gently.
“Not great,” Ivy panted. She untied her hair to run her fingers through her sweaty locks. “What do I do, Fin, do I run?”
“You just did a bunch of that,” Finare quipped, offering Ivy a playful smile. She merely rolled her eyes in response.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen tonight.” Her voice was shaky, and she sucked in deep, steadying breaths. Finare’s expression softened, and he reached over to clasp her hand.
“I think if you start running, you’ll never be free of him. He’s a detective. He won’t stop until he tracks you down.”
Ivy grimaced as the truth of Finare’s words hit her. You are mine, and no one else will have you.
“So, I have to go through with the Ceremony.” The thought made her stomach churn.
“I guess so. But I think we both know that you aren’t Leseldh’s Resonant.” Ivy’s eyes snapped to his as he voiced her suspicions. “The only unknown is what happens when you taste his blood.”
“Worst case scenario, I become his Resonant anyway.” The words felt like a hammer blow.
“And…” A look of uncertainty drifted across Finare’s features.
“What?” Ivy stopped, turning to face her Broodmate.
“There’s the chance it erases whatever it is you feel for Killian.” Ivy’s hand squeezed Finare’s in response to his suggestion. Her mind was taken to his revelation of his Rend and its erasure. The possibility of suffering a similar fate filled her with dread.
“Best case scenario?”
Finare shrugged. “It proves him wrong.”
“I still don’t see him letting me go, even if he is proven wrong.”
“No, but it buys you time to plan your next move.”
Ivy was grateful for Finare’s optimism. At least the choice of who I love would remain in my hands. It was more than she dared hope for.
Ivy sighed, “I wish I had more time to explore what was going on between us.”
Ivy knew a well of feeling for Killian had formed within her, but she didn’t know how deep that well went.
She regretted leaving his apartment, but when it came to the Resonance with Leseldh, she was already living on borrowed time.
She hoped that what she felt for Killian outweighed the fate Leseldh thought was in store for her.
Ivy and Finare had almost completed a lap of the grounds, and they started up the private drive, still holding hands.
“Are you going to tell Killian this is happening?”
Ivy shook her head. “No. I don’t want him near this.”
If Finare had an opinion on her decision, he didn’t voice it.
“Whatever happens, I’m here with you.” Finare squeezed Ivy’s hand as they approached Veldmoor’s front door. She smiled at him as she opened the door and stepped through it.
Ivy glared at the teal dress hanging from the armoire.
It was both gorgeous and sickening. The voluminous, ruffled skirt was gaudy and at odds with Ivy’s style.
The asymmetrical neckline would conceal her scar from Killian but display her Creation scar.
A strange energy emanated from the dress and filled Ivy with discomfort.
It was reminiscent of the pink dress she wore to the theatre.
She wanted to toss it across the room, but knew it wasn’t worth enduring Leseldh’s wrath.
Ivy gritted her teeth as she donned the gown.
A pair of low, silver heels completed the outfit, although they weren’t visible under the skirt that kissed the ground. Ivy stared at herself in the full-length mirror and a wave of nausea had her running to the bathroom.
A sharp knock on the door was followed by Leseldh striding into her room. She emerged from the bathroom, and his eyes shimmered with gold when he cast his gaze over her. He grasped her by the elbows before leaning in and dropping a kiss on her lips.
“You look breathtaking, Malia.”
Ivy shuddered at the utterance of Malia’s name. This was a new habit, and she wasn’t sure if he was using the name due to madness, or just to spite her.
“My name is Ivy.”
Leseldh ignored her correction. Instead, he gripped her hand tightly and dragged her from the bedroom. “It’s time to seal our Resonance.” Leseldh spoke in a cold voice that promised a dark and terrifying forever.