Ivy’s POV
It wasn’t for long.
Just when I thought I’d been completely swallowed up by the heat of the moment, Father’s voice cut through like a thunderclap, sharp and commanding.
“Ivy!” he bellowed.
The spell shattered.
I inhaled sharply, sucking in air like I’d been drowning, and instinctively leaned into him for a brief second—searching for grounding in the chaos still roaring in my chest.
Then reality slammed into me like cold water.
I jumped out of his arms, stumbling back so fast I nearly fell. My hand pressed against my chest as if that could somehow calm the erratic beat of my heart.
My lips were swollen. My breath uneven. My soul shaken.
And he was still staring at me.
Still glowing with that impossible, undeniable connection.
Father’s boots hit the ground hard as he app
