Chapter 19 Ivy
nineteen
Ivy
Ivy was grateful to wake up alone the following morning.
The resulting headache from the previous night’s drinks was persistent and needed immediate attention.
To make matters worse, she had a fitful sleep, filled with dreams of Killian while her Resonant slept beside her.
Shame and guilt washed over her as she remembered the events of last night—not just with Killian at Lunarian, but with Leseldh as well.
She threw on whatever scraps of clothing she could find on the floor before scurrying back to her room to change. When she shut the bedroom door behind her, she noticed that the dress Leseldh had purchased in Oaris was hanging on the outside of her Armoire with a note pinned to it.
Join me at the theatre tonight.
Ivy was both nervous and excited about the prospect of a date at the theatre. It was one of her favourite places to go with Leseldh, but at the same time, her enjoyment was forever tarnished by Killian’s words. You perform in the theatre, just like he wants you to.
She needed a buffer to ward off any improper behaviour, so she decided to convince her Broodmates to join her. Voresta would be easy to sway—she could manipulate his need to protect her. Finare, however, would be a different story.
Finare and Ivy were letting the remedial effects of a feed take hold in a darkened booth of The Succubus when she made her proposition.
The Succubus’s ‘anything goes’ policy meant a lack of private rooms but also meant cheaper feeds.
It felt like a seedy exchange for Ivy, but the wait at Sabor Sanguine was longer than usual and her throbbing headache left her feeling impatient.
Although Voresta had escorted them, he was content to wait in the car while they saw to their needs.
This afforded a more candid conversation.
“I can’t stand the theatre. It’s so dry and boring. I’d rather stay here for the night than be forced to peacock around the Enthique.” Finare’s features twisted into a grimace as he leaned back in his seat.
“Come on, it’s not that bad. You can reinforce your superiority over everyone else from the private box. Besides, you owe me for that Amazing Surge. That thing was a killer.” Ivy threw Finare a playful smile.
“It was kind of devilish, wasn’t it?”
“Will you please come along?” Ivy reached over to place a hand on his wrist and stared at him with pleading eyes.
“Alright,” Finare sighed in defeat, before quirking a brow at her. “But, why the need for an extra companion?”
Ivy squirmed under the scrutiny. “I… I’m just not sure I’m up for the intensity of a date tonight.”
Ivy didn’t want to give too much away, but judging by the knowing smile that spread across Finare’s lips, she’d said more than enough.
“Fine, I’ll assault my senses for your sake, just this once. But don’t think I won’t come calling for a favour from you in return.” He winked at her, and she couldn’t help but wonder what she could possibly do for him in return.