Chapter 9 Ivy
IVY
The afternoon brought steady rain that drummed against the bookstore windows and sent most of the festival-goers indoors. Ivy pushed through the Book Nook's front door just after two o'clock, shaking droplets from her jacket and breathing in the comforting scent of old paper and leather bindings.
"Back already?" Moira looked up from behind the counter, her mahogany curls slightly frizzy from the humidity. "How did lunch prep go?"
"Fine. Diana's very organized." Ivy approached the counter, noting the small stack of books Moira had set aside earlier. "You mentioned those texts on ward songs?"
"I did indeed. But first, I’ve got a proposition for you."
Ivy tensed. "What kind of proposition?"
"The practical kind. I need help with some shelving, and I noticed you admiring that guitar in the window display of the music shop. The owner mentioned he'd trade strings and basic maintenance for a few hours of work."
The offer was tempting. Ivy's guitar strings were showing wear from her recent performances, and she'd been rationing her remaining cash carefully.
"What kind of work?"
"Returns mostly. Books get returned to the wrong sections, special orders need filing, that sort of thing." Moira gestured toward several boxes near the rear of the store. "Nothing complicated, but it requires someone who can read the classification system."
"I can read."
"Excellent. Shall we start with these?"
Moira led her to the first box, explaining the bookstore's organization system as they worked. Fiction was straightforward enough, but the magical texts required more careful attention to subcategories and cross-references.
"This one's interesting," Ivy said, pulling out a slim volume bound in midnight blue leather. "Binding Magics and Their Dissolution."
"Ah yes, that's one of our more popular research texts." Moira's voice was carefully neutral. "It covers various types of magical contracts and their legal implications."
"Legal implications?"
"Magical binding isn't just about power, it's about consent and jurisdiction. The Council takes a dim view of coercive magic, especially when it crosses territorial boundaries."
Ivy set the book aside with perhaps more care than necessary. "The Council?"
"Our local governing body. Five members who handle supernatural law enforcement and dispute resolution." Moira continued sorting books as she spoke. "They're fair but firm when it comes to magical abuse."
"What constitutes magical abuse?"
"Oh, the usual. Binding someone without clear consent, using magic to coerce behavior, creating dependencies that can't be safely broken." Moira glanced at Ivy meaningfully. "Predatory contracts, for instance."
The words hit Ivy like cold water. "Predatory contracts?"
"Magical agreements designed to trap rather than benefit both parties. They often include clauses that make them nearly impossible to break, or consequences that are disproportionate to the original agreement."
Ivy's hands stilled on the books she'd been shelving. "Have you seen many of those?"
"More than I'd like. Some warlocks specialize in that type of magic, unfortunately. They target people with valuable abilities and create contracts that essentially amount to magical slavery."
"And the Council can void those?"
"Under certain circumstances, yes. If the contract was signed under duress, if it violates consent laws, or if it causes demonstrable harm to the bound party." Moira's voice grew gentler. "It requires proof, of course, and the process can be complicated."
Ivy resumed her shelving with mechanical precision, her mind racing. "What kind of proof?"
"Documentation of the original contract terms, evidence of coercion or fraud, testimony from the affected party." Moira pulled another book from the box. "Witnesses help, if there are any. The Council's quite thorough in their investigations."
"How long does the process take?"
"Depends on the complexity of the binding. Simple cases might be resolved in days, more complicated ones could take weeks or months." Moira studied Ivy's face carefully. "Are you asking for academic reasons, or is this more personal?"
The direct question made Ivy feel like a deer about to flee. She'd become so accustomed to hiding Sebastian's hold over her that discussing it openly felt dangerous.
"Hypothetically speaking."
"Of course. Hypothetically." Moira's tone suggested she understood exactly what kind of hypothetical they were discussing. "In hypothetical cases, the most important factor is usually the willingness of the bound party to testify about their experience."
"What if the bound party was afraid of retaliation?"
"The Council provides protection during investigations. Sanctuary, if necessary." Moira set down the book she'd been holding. "Ivy, if someone you know is trapped in a predatory contract, there are resources available."
"I'm just curious about the legal framework."
"I see." Moira walked to one of the nearby shelves and pulled down a thick volume. "This might interest you then. It's a comprehensive guide to magical contract law, including case studies and precedent rulings."
Ivy accepted the book, noting its considerable weight. "Thank you."
"There's a section on emergency dissolution procedures starting on page two hundred. Fascinating reading, if you're interested in legal theory."
They worked in companionable silence for the next hour, the rain providing a steady soundtrack as they sorted through returns and special orders. Ivy found herself relaxing despite the heavy topic of their earlier conversation.
"You're quite efficient at this," Moira observed as they finished the last box. "Sure you haven't worked in a bookstore before?"
"I've spent a lot of time in libraries. Research for song arrangements, mostly."
"Ah, a fellow researcher. I should have known." Moira glanced toward the front windows where the rain continued to streak the glass. "Looks like the weather's keeping most people indoors today."
"Good thing I brought my guitar. Indoor venue might be preferable anyway."
"Will you take the twilight slot Dorian offered?"
“Oh, eh, I’m not sure yet.” Ivy felt herself blush and instantly cursed herself for it.
"Well, based on last night, I think you should in my own opinion. Though I know the town probably has already heard that you will. Word travels fast, especially when it involves Dorian Vale making offers to pretty musicians."
"It's just a performance slot."
"Of course it is." Moira's smile was knowing but not unkind. "Though I should warn you, Dorian's not exactly known for his restraint when he's interested in someone."
"Good thing I'm not planning to stick around long enough for it to matter."
"Plans change sometimes."
"Not mine."
Moira studied her for a moment, then nodded toward the book Ivy still held. "Well, if your hypothetical friend ever needs advice about contract law, I'm here most days. And if she decides she wants help with more than just research, the Council meets Tuesday evenings in the Glade."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"See that you do." Moira walked to the music shop window display and retrieved a set of guitar strings. "Your payment for the afternoon's work. The shop owner said to tell you they're designed to handle magical resonance better than standard strings."
Ivy accepted the strings with genuine gratitude. "Thank you. For everything."
"My pleasure. Knowledge should be shared, especially when it might help someone break free."
As Ivy gathered her things and prepared to leave, Moira called after her.
"Oh, and Ivy? The Council's protection extends to anyone within Hollow Oak's boundaries. Just in case your hypothetical friend ever finds herself in actual danger."
Outside, the rain had softened to a gentle mist that made the festival preparations look like a watercolor painting. Ivy walked back toward the inn with the contract law book tucked under her jacket and a strange sense of possibility blooming in her chest.
She’d finally found people who understood what predatory magic looked like.
People who might actually be able to help her break free.