Ivy’s POV
This morning felt different.
I stood in front of the mirror, brushing my hair slowly, my heart beating faster than usual. Something about today made my chest tight. I wasn’t sure if it was nerves or instinct.
Behind me, Leon stood near the bedroom closet, slipping into his dark jacket. He looked strong, calm, in control… but I saw the way his jaw clenched. The way his eyes moved to the windows every few seconds. He was on edge too.
We were heading to another council meeting. But after everything—the anonymous letter, the attack—this wasn’t just a normal meeting anymore. It felt like walking into a trap we hadn’t fully seen yet.
“Ivy,” he said, coming over to me. “You don’t have to go if you’re not ready.”
I looked at him in the mirror. “I want to go.”
He nodded. “Stay clo
