Ivy’s POV
"Ivy, open your eyes," Lucien commanded, his voice smooth yet icy as it echoed in the cold stone chamber. I blinked against the harsh glare of torchlight, struggling to recall where I was. My head throbbed with pain, and I could barely move as I sat restrained on a narrow bench in the heart of the cult’s lair.
I shifted uncomfortably, every muscle protesting the confinement. "Where... where am I?" I managed, my voice raw and hoarse.
Lucien circled slowly in front of me, his dark eyes studying my face like a predator assessing its prey. "You are safe—safely captive, if you will," he replied with a sardonic smile. "Here, in the sanctum of truth, we will learn what you know about the medallion and the Eclipse Ritual."
My heart pounded as I gripped the cold metal of my restraints
