IVY'S POV
Morning light filtered weakly through the heavy curtains as I slipped out of the room, careful not to wake Seraphina. She was still asleep, her breathing steady but her brow faintly furrowed even in rest, as though whatever haunted her refused to loosen its grip. I paused for half a second at the door, watching her, something tight and restless settling in my chest before I forced myself to leave. I closed the door quietly behind me, my heartbeat already unsteady.
I walked forward with only one purpose anchoring me: I would take Nicholas's mother's offer.
