He had been waiting at her bedside, barely sleeping, nearly losing his sanity each hour she remained unresponsive.
If she hadn't woken on the sixth day, he would have broken rules, found forbidden healers, and done anything to drag her soul back into her body.
Ivy sensed all of that emotion pouring from him. She felt the panic beneath his calm tone, the desperation in the way he held her tighter.
As she relaxed in his arms, she opened her eyes slowly. Her voice quivered. "What… happened?"
Ember stepped forward, eyes glossy with tears. "We were terrified. You suddenly collapsed. What happened? Why did you lose consciousness?"
Ivy swallowed hard. "I was… in my office. Talking with Bella. About some things. And then…"
The moment those words left her lips, Ember stiffened.
"Bella was the last one to see you?" Ember asked sharply. "We already placed her under house arrest."
Ivy couldn't help but frown the moment Ember's trembling words reached her ears.
