“Don't make me do this, Princess.” His voice breaks, and it's like a bludgeon to the chest.
“I’m not, Teddy.” Instinctively, I reach for him, but recall how far he jumped away from me in her presence and I quickly drop my hands to my sides. “I don't know what the hell is going on, and if you don't want me to face her, then it’s our only choice. We either ignore her, or?—”
“She's already seen me. I can't. I don't know. Fuck. What do I do?”
Silas moves to put his arm around me, but his attempt falls flat when another figure appears, brushing his arm away before his hand can touch my shoulder.
“Don't tell me you're causing trouble again, Ivy,” Dorian states, cocking a brow as he shoves Silas away, not bothering to offer him another sideways glance as he glances at Teddy.
Silas grunts under his breath before stalking off, and a shred of relief washes over me, but it’s quickly fractured by the uncertainty that wars inside of my Water Protector, who is still torn as resignation narrows his eyes.
“Take her home, keep her safe until one of us gets there.” His eyes linger on mine, cutting through to my soul before he charges toward the woman in question.
I watch after him, but only for a moment before Dorian guides me toward our dorm. There's no hesitation in his movement as he escorts me away from Teddy and out of sight of his mother. Silas is a forgotten memory as Dorian somehow manages to block the view of Teddy from my vision, refusing to let me see what's going on.
Panic flickers through my veins as the fire remains extinguished at the entryway to our building, causing a twist in my chest as we race up the stairs, only stopping when we reach my door. As I wrap my hand around the handle, Dorian places his hand on the door, pausing me.
“Are you okay with me staying with you?” he asks, and I nod.
“Please, if only for the sake of not having to deal with the wrath of my hated mates later down the line,” I add, a huff of a smile parting my lips, but it doesn’t land.
“Do you want me to check the room first?” he offers, and I frown.
“Why?”
My stomach drops as he shrugs.
“Archer mentioned?—”
I don't let him finish as I shake my head. “I’m fine,” I insist, silently cursing my hated mate in question as I twist the door handle and let the wood swing open.
The second I step over the threshold, the energy shifts around me, turning my veins to ice as my gaze immediately lands on the foreign item on my bed. Bile burns up my throat as nerves and panic take hold, despite the fear that threatens to consume me.
I move closer, glaring down at the sprig of ivy and the envelope with my name written across it.
“Ivy?” Dorian breathes before clearing his throat, but I don't turn away from the offensive items. “I’m going to assume they weren't there when you left,” he clarifies, and I shake my head. “Are you telling me that danger is coming from all angles?” he mutters, and I scoff, reaching for the envelope, despite my better judgment.
The second my thumb presses against the parchment paper, goosebumps prickle across my skin.
I already know it's from Leonardo.
Just like last time.
My dearest Ivy,
it pains me to know you have felt the resurrection surge twice.
I promise that when the time comes, you will not face such dangers again.
I will ensure, with my utmost abilities, to treasure you as you should be treated.
All of your wishes, wants, and desires will be met, along with my own.
Thinking of you,
Wanting of you,
Needing of you,
