17. Ivy
IVY
Asharp rap at my bedroom door echoes just as I finish sliding on my shoes. Hurrying toward the sound, I shove my device into my bag before they can knock again, swinging it open to find my escort for the day. I’m only marginally surprised to see it’s Baron.
“Hey,” I breathe, desperate not to falter under his heavy gaze as he stands tall, forcing me to tip my head back even more to meet his stare.
It takes everything in me to keep my focus on his eyes rather than letting myself appreciate how devastating he looks in his uniform. It’s as if the material molds to him like a second skin. I could spend hours devouring every inch of him.
He clears his throat and I jolt, acutely aware that I’ve failed as I snap my attention back to his pools of green.
“Firefly.”
“Baron.”
I’m certain the corner of his mouth twitches, but the moment vanishes too quickly to be sure.
Our silent standoff lingers for a few seconds before he takes a step back, severing the connection. My gut winces at the loss, but I keep my expression neutral as I pull the door closed behind me.
I barely manage three steps before I collide with a solid frame, stumbling with a humiliating lack of grace.
My back hits the wall, stealing my breath, but my mind goes completely blank as Baron crowds my personal space.
I blink up at him, wide-eyed and disoriented, but the feeling only intensifies as he captures my chin and crushes his lips against mine.
Intoxicated by his proximity, I melt into his touch, my fingers white-knuckled as I cling to the lapels of his blazer. He claims my mouth so intensely that I’m floating by the time he pulls back. Not far, just enough to brace his forehead against mine.
“Firefly,” he breathes, and I gulp.
“Baron,” I repeat, our names holding more gravity than they did moments ago. This time, there’s no missing the curl at the corner of his lips as he drags a thumb over the spot I just tasted. “Unfortunately, we’re going to be late,” he mumbles, and I exhale sharply.
“Right.”
Imagine if I hadn’t insisted on eating breakfast alone just to grab a bit more sleep. I’d gladly trade rest to explore… this.
Baron exits my space, but his hand finds mine, tugging me along. I follow willingly, feeling weightless as we head downstairs and out onto campus.
“Did you sleep okay?” he asks as we pass the wildflowers, and I nod, though a part of me hates the fact. “Well, while you were resting, I was doing some digging.”
“Again?” I blurt out, and he sighs.
“Unfortunately, but I think it was worth the effort.”
“Did you find something?”
He shrugs. “It’s not much, but…”
“Anything is better than nothing, Baron,” I insist, and he clears his throat.
“Well, I’ve been researching more about Kingdom Champions. I’m beginning to see why the other leaders are so desperate for it.”
My gut twists at his words, but despite the nausea, I push on. “Why?”
The way he drags a hand down his face doesn’t inspire confidence.
“When the original leaders fought The Fates, they made a pact. Each could choose a Kingdom Champion and whoever won secured control of their kingdom. It’s an agreement that’s endured for centuries across all lands.
Though it didn’t seem to work out for The Fates, since their champion never actually won. ”
I grind to a halt, my heart lurching as I gape at him. “If Viola and the others want me to do their bidding, it doesn’t bode well,” I rasp, a sense of impending doom weighing on me heavier than ever.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he vows, but I shake my head.
“The risk of me dying again is high, whether we want to admit it or not.”
His face contorts with distaste. “Maybe that’s what makes you so desirable to them,” he grumbles, and my blood turns to ice.
“Because there’s no way to kill me for good.”
The look in his eyes confirms we’re thinking the same thing, which offers no comfort.
Disappointment swallows me as silence falls over us. The only sound is our shoes hitting the path as we cover the distance to the main academy building.
I’m completely lost in my own head as we climb the stairs.
No matter how much my mind spins, the fact remains: extreme measures are coming, yet Viola hasn’t made her next move.
At the classroom door, Baron stops me, his brow furrowed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about how that would sound. I should have stayed quiet until I knew how it might affect you,” he states, but I shake my head.
“No, you were right to tell me. I’d rather know and process it, even if it hurts; I’m in control of that much, at least.”
He nods, his lips tight with guilt as he gestures for me to enter.
I head to the back where Archer and Sax are already seated. I frown as I get closer, noticing Sax is in Teddy’s usual spot.
“Hey, Sunshine. Why the long face?”
“I’m just confused. Is Teddy not coming?” I ask, cringing at the note of disappointment in my voice, but he doesn't seem to mind as he shakes his head.
“He claimed he had some ‘vital’ business to attend to.”
“Business that includes skipping class?” I clarify, and he shrugs.
“With that guy, who knows?” he mumbles, and I can't help but grin.
“Fair point.”
“Besides, that just means more time for us,” he adds with a wink, and I roll my eyes before taking the seat beside him.
“Fireball.”
I glance left to find Silas watching me. He looks defeated, as if an invisible weight is crushing him. I want to ask what’s wrong, but I remind myself how much I’m already carrying. I don’t have a single bit of room left for anyone else’s problems.
Guilt pricks at me as I offer a tight smile. “Silas,” I greet, and he nods before turning back to face the front of the class.
Sax’s hand lands on my thigh. I can’t tell if it’s in comfort or a warning, but I focus my attention on the professor instead.
“Good morning. Let’s not waste time; settle in,” the professor commands, smoothing her dusty brown blazer and sliding her glasses up her nose.
We only see her once a week for general knowledge about the Fifth Kingdom. I can't even remember the true class title, but it hardly matters when I know I’m failing regardless.
“With the next Mating Ball approaching, and after the recent… disappointments, I need to ensure you all represent this academy and yourselves properly,” she says, and I pinch my brow in confusion.
“Mating Ball?” I whisper to Sax, his fingers flexing against my skin. “Doesn’t she mean the Ceremony? Isn’t that still a ways off?”
“The ball is the follow-up,” he breathes, my eyes tracking his lips as he speaks. “It’s a celebration to foster the bond and show The Fates how their choices are working out,” he adds, and I blink at him.
How did I not know this was a thing?
How did I miss that any of these balls existed?
Maybe because I wasn’t a student before, but it’s still surprising. They were happy enough to televise the charity sleepover, after all.
“We’ll spend the next few weeks planning every detail, from menus to the schedule. Perhaps then we won't have to deal with power outages or uncontrollable fire.”
Her gaze locks on mine, and there’s no doubt who she’s blaming.
I gulp.
“Maybe she just shouldn't come at all,” Bonnie chimes in, and I feel irritation flare up my spine as she snickers. “It’d be a favor to us and The Fates. They might see the error of their ways.” Her scowl is fixed on me, but I ignore her, even though she’s right in front of me.
“That’s not how we do things here, Bonnie. I thought you’d know that by now.” I frown at the professor’s words, but she dismisses the thorn in my side before I can hope for more.
“I’m splitting you into groups of six for specific tasks. This isn't just about what you want; it’s a campus assignment based on everyone’s input.”
A spark of excitement makes me sit up. I actually enjoy planning. Events were the only joy in my old life. This might be a welcome distraction.
A quick scan confirms she’s creating four groups.
“Do we pick our own?” Bonnie asks, annoying me just by existing.
“No. That’s already settled. We’re focusing on the theme, music, decor, and menu. Categories overlap, so you’ll have to collaborate. I think it’ll benefit the campus. Now—”
“Which class is handling security?” Archer interrupts, drawing my attention.
“Obviously not this one, Mr. Bowen,” the professor snaps, and Archer’s knuckles turn white as he grips the table, baring his teeth.
“I get that, but since you’ve had plenty to say about security failures already, I’d prefer it wasn’t left to some random group who won't take it seriously.”
If I dropped a pin now, it would sound like a bomb going off.
“It isn’t a student responsibility to plan security, so it isn't a category,” the professor grumbles, sniffing as she adjusts her glasses.
“So we’re just doing the fluff?” he fires back, and she waves him off.
“Groups will be as follows,” she continues, ignoring him as she checks her device and starts calling names. “Bonnie, Archer—”
“Nope,” he cuts in, earning a pout from Bonnie as she looks back at him.
Jealousy ignites my magic as Sax grips my thigh harder, his fingertips sinking into my skin.
“You don’t have a say, Mr. Bowen. Interrupt me again and you can leave.”
My pulse thrums in my ears as her threat hangs there, followed by the sharp scrape of a chair.
“Then I’ll save us both the trouble and get the fuck out now,” Archer declares. The professor stumbles back as she hurries toward us.
“Sit down, Mr. Bowen.”
“I won’t,” he says with a sigh, completely unfazed as she stops in front of him, chest heaving and fingers twitching at her sleeve.
“If you don’t sit, I’ll report you.”
“I’ll do it for you,” he offers, snatching her device. I’m certain her eyes will pop out of their sockets with how hard she’s gaping.
“Mr. Bowen, I insist!”
He holds the device out of reach, glowering down at her. “And I insist you rethink your groups.”
She shakes her head, exasperated. “Mr. Bowen,” she repeats, but he just cocks a brow. I’m shocked at the size of this man’s ego.
I have no desire to intervene; I don’t want any of them paired with my enemies either.
“This academy doesn't revolve around you, your mate, or her other pairings,” she snaps, hands on her hips. “Now give me my device and—”
“You’re really testing me today, Delores,” he interrupts. I wince as he exhales, calm and controlled. “The castle has enough to deal with. Let’s not add this to the list.” His voice is softer now, but she’s not budging.
“If I’m giving you such a menial task, there’s no reason why you can’t just get on with it,” she fires back.
“Delores, I thought we were getting somewhere. Let me talk to Viola, and—”
“Fine! Fine!” she screeches. Archer lowers the device just enough for her to snatch it. She takes a step back, trying to compose herself. “Sax, Theodore, Baron, Archer, Ivy, and Silas are a team,” she declares, and Archer grimaces.
“Not Silas,” he says, but she shakes her head.
“Pick your battles, Mr. Bowen.”
Archer sighs, but I see him give in.
“I’ll take Silas if you give us security.”
“I said it isn’t an option.”
“Then make it one. Merge decor and theme—they’re the same anyway—and give us security. I’ll even say please. Just say yes.”
She tips her nose up, sighing heavily. “Fine. Now sit down and be quiet.”
She turns to walk away when Bonnie gasps and stands. “Professor, I must insist—”
“Be. Quiet!” the woman rages, her fingers curling into her hair a second before she shifts. I’m enraptured when a lean panther suddenly fills the space.
A ball of fire erupts in Bonnie’s hand as she glowers at the beast. Her mate whispers her name, hand on her shoulder, but she shoves him away, vibrating with fury.
She’s truly insane.
“You think I’m afraid of you?” she snarls. The panther’s eyes narrow, but Bonnie just snickers. The flame in her hand burns brighter, but then her mate whispers to her again.
She freezes.
The fire dies to nothing.
“Everybody out,” Baron snaps, and nobody argues as the room descends into chaos.
Chairs scrape and footsteps charge for the door. I stand, Sax lacing our fingers together as he pulls me to his side.
“Archer and Baron have this,” he breathes, but uncertainty gnaws at me. I look at Bonnie’s mate.
He’s defeated, face in his hands, but Archer walks over and rests a hand on his shoulder in comfort.
“It’s okay. You did the right thing. Want help getting her back or—”
“I’ve got it. Sorry for… all of this,” he mumbles, nodding to the panther before whispering to Bonnie once more.
She follows him, and I realize he must be a siren, like Teddy.
Part of me wants to feel bad, but this is gentler than it could have been.
Baron sighs. “Go while we handle this,” he says, nodding at the panther stalking the desks.
“Will you be okay?” I ask, and he offers a tight ghost of a smile.
“Better when we know you’re safe from the chaos,” he mumbles.
I nod and follow Sax out.
The halls are quieter than I expected, but outside, a crowd has gathered, pausing us in our step.
“Why the sudden stop?” I blurt. Sax shrugs, looking through the students. “Well, at least I didn’t spend the morning feeling worse about being behind,” I mutter. “But another event feels ridiculous.” My interest in planning is gone now that it’s for security and not something pretty.
“Are you ready for my help?”
“Huh?” I blink, distracted by whether security needs themed uniforms.
“I’m ready to help, Sunshine. Will you let me?”
My heart flutters as I clear my throat.
I want to say yes, but it feels like admitting failure.
Sax cups my cheek, making me look at him. “You’ve been at a disadvantage since you got here, Ivy. Your struggles aren’t a reflection of you; they’re a reflection of your surroundings and our mistakes. We vowed to make it right, and that includes this.”
I put my palm to his chest. His heartbeat calms me.
I swallow my pride and nod. “I’d appreciate it,” I croak.
Relief wraps around us.
“That’s my Sunshine,” he mumbles, kissing my forehead. “But seriously, what is the holdup?” The guy in front, wearing a matching green tie, looks back.
“We should ask you,” he mutters, glancing at me. “It’s another of her mates.”