As if right on cue, they heard stomping.
It felt like something invisible stepped inside, the air in the cottage turned thick with tension. Ivy’s breath hitched, her body instinctively shifting closer to Axel. Grandma, however, didn’t so much as flinch…her wrinkled hands still wrapped around her teacup as if these were nothing more than unexpected guests arriving for supper… like she was used to that nuisance.
Axel’s forearm suddenly burned.
A searing pain, sharp and sudden, like hot claws raking across his skin. He kept his expression neutral, but his muscles locked. He didn’t dare look down immediately. He had an idea what it might be. He didn't want to scare Ivy any more than she already was.
Ivy’s fingers curled into fists. "What the hell is happening this time? Someone trying
