Axel was pacing in his own room when he was caught off guard. The first sound Axel heard was the whimper.
Soft. Broken.
Like a wounded animal caught in a trap.
He was moving before he could think, his bare feet silent against the cold marble floors as he crossed the hallway toward Ivy’s room. The door was slightly ajar, and the scent of her fear, hit him like a blade to the gut.
He stepped inside, locking the door behind him with a quiet click.
The room was bathed in moonlight, the sheer curtains fluttering like ghosts in the breeze. And there, tangled in the sheets, Ivy thrashed, her face contorted in silent agony.
"Ivy."
Her name was like a prayer on his lips as he knelt beside the bed. He reached for her, his fingers brushing her damp forehead…
…and she jerked, her body arching
