**IVY POV**
After what felt like an eternity under the blazing water of the shower, I diligently scrubbed my skin, desperately trying to wash away the lingering sensations from that nightmarish dream. Even though I knew it was just a figment of my imagination, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being tainted. Once dressed in loose, comfortable clothing that offered a sense of ease, I descended the staircase, my stomach gnawing at me for something quick to munch on from the fridge.
As I entered the kitchen, I found Elijah sitting at the table, a frosty beer in hand, his weary eyes suggesting a night spent wide awake.
"Long night?" I ventured, breaking the heavy silence.
He looked up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I was just about to ask you the same thing. Your mother filled me in
