Ivy stirred beside me, the faint morning light filtering through the window of the safe house where we had taken refuge. The old stone walls were cold, the room silent except for the rhythmic sound of her breathing. A day had passed since the chaos in the tavern, and her body had been wracked with agony from the cheating pains.
I watched her carefully, my heart heavy with worry. I had barely slept, too focused on ensuring she survived the night. As her eyes fluttered open, the moment of truth was upon us.
“Esmeralda…” she whispered, her voice hoarse but clear. She shifted, trying to sit up, but I could tell she was still weak.
“Ivy, take it easy,” I said gently, moving to help her. “You’ve been through a lot.”
She looked at me with a sharpness that startled me. “What happened yesterday
