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“There’s no trouble, just … some concern.”
Ivy’s brows curled down. “Shane is probably on edge because you’re dying.”
My eyes rounded. “Exactly.”
“He doesn’t know what you did, does he?”
I shook my head. “Paimon created a distraction back at our pack lands so Shane would be away.” I wouldn’t have any qualms about sneaking off on him. Though I would have tried to convince him to help me first.
“Typical,” Ivy muttered.
I looked at her again. She had known Paimon her entire life, and lived with him for a couple of years now, and he could be manipulative. When with him, you believed whatever he wanted you to believe. It was incredible and sickening at the same time.
If Ivy was deeply ensnared in his web, it wasn’t entirely her fault.
It was past two in the afternoon when I turned the car onto the castle’s private road. Ivy glanced around, taking in the extensive lawn, the beautiful gardens, the village on the far side, the moon-shaped lake, and then the castle.
“The famous DuMoir Castle,” she whispered. “And its reception.”
I didn’t even bother turning into the underground garage because, as expected, a crowd came to receive us in front of the castle. I slowed down the car and stopped right beside the stairs leading to the massive front door.
I grabbed Ivy’s wrist. “They won’t be nice to you, at least not yet. But don’t worry. They won’t hurt you unless provoked.”
She nodded.
We exited the car and the crowd surrounded us.
Drake, Thea, Almae, Lavinia, Elisa, and Zadkiel were right beside the car, their eyes trained on Ivy.
“Welcome to DuMoir Castle, Ivy,” Drake said, his voice tight. “Unfortunately, I can’t offer you a tour or anything of the sort, but I can offer you comfortable accommodations while we sort this out.” Drake gestured to the door behind them.
Ivy glanced at me. I gave her one short nod. With a sigh, she stepped forward.
“Just a small warning,” Thea said as Ivy walked by her. “Try anything and we’ll respond in measure.”
Ivy held her head high. “I’m not here to fight.”
Thea nodded. “Good.”
“Please, follow me,” Elisa said, taking the lead.
We were a procession walking through the castle’s corridors. First, Elisa and Zadkiel, with two vampire guards on their sides. Next was Ivy, with four guards flanking her. Then the rest of us.
As we crossed intersections and other hallways, I saw guards stationed at every turn and corner, something I had not seen before in the castle.
Elisa guided us to the guest wing on the second floor. She stopped in front of the last door in the long hallway. She opened it and stepped back, gesturing for Ivy to go in.
Ivy hesitate for a brief second, then marched inside the room. I followed her in, along with Thea and Drake. She turned around in a circle, taking in the room. It looked like most guest bedrooms in the castle: expensive rugs, heavy curtains over the large windows, a queen bed to one side, and a loveseat, two armchairs, and coffee table to the other. A door opened to a short walk-in closet and bathroom.
“This doesn’t look like a prison,” Ivy said.
“The windows and the door are enchanted,” Thea said. “Unless one of my witches breaks the spell, you won’t be able to leave this room.”
Ivy nodded.
I knew this was coming, but I still hated to know she would be locked in this room. “It’s temporary,” I said. “Only until they know we can trust you.”
Drake tilted his head. “Can we trust you?”
