Ivy's POV
The cold stone floor beneath me felt like ice against my skin as I sat in the corner of this dark, windowless room. My whole body ached from the struggle, and I could feel bruises forming on my arms where Silas had grabbed me. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the fear and anger burning in my chest.
I pressed my back against the rough stone wall and tried to steady my breathing. Every part of me hurt, but I was alive. I was still fighting. That had to count for something.
My fingers traced over the scratches on my arms, and I winced. Some of them were deeper than I'd thought. If I could use my healing powers on myself, they'd be gone in minutes, but something was wrong. Every time I tried to summon that familiar golden warmth, nothing happened. It was like there was a wall blocking my abilities.
"What did they do to me?" I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible in the silence.
I tried again, focusing all my energy on healing even the smallest cut on my hand. Nothing. The power that had always been as natural as breathing was completely gone.
Panic started to rise in my throat. My healing abilities weren't just a gift – they were part of who I was. Without them, I felt lost, incomplete.
"Stay calm, Ivy," I told myself firmly. "Panic won't help anyone."
I closed my eyes and forced myself to think clearly. There had to be a reason my powers weren't working. Maybe it was something in the air, or some kind of spell they'd cast on this room. Or maybe it was just the stress and fear blocking my abilities.
Whatever it was, I couldn't rely on my healing powers to get out of this situation. I'd have to find another way.
I thought about Kade, and immediately felt a warmth spread through my chest that had nothing to do with magic. By now, he would have discovered I was missing. I could picture him pacing around the castle, demanding answers from everyone, probably driving his guards crazy with search parties.
"He'll come for me," I whispered into the darkness. "I know he will."
The thought gave me strength. Kade had never let me down before. Even when his own father doubted me, even when the entire court looked at me like I was just a slave from an enemy pack, Kade had always believed in me. He'd protected me, trusted me, cared for me when no one else would.
I remembered the way he looked at me after his transformations, so grateful and relieved that I was there to help him through the pain. The way he'd defended me when people questioned my loyalty. The way his eyes softened whenever he said my name.
"He'll find a way," I said with more conviction. "He always does."
But even as I tried to stay hopeful, reality crept in. Kade might want to rescue me, but would his father let him? The King had made it clear that he saw me as expendable, just a former slave who'd outlived her usefulness. He might not risk a war to save me.
I shook my head, pushing away those dark thoughts. I couldn't give up hope. Not now.
Instead, I focused on the good memories. The quiet conversations Kade and I had shared in his chambers after particularly bad transformation nights. The way he'd insisted on teaching me to defend myself, even though I was terrible with a sword. The gentle way he'd always made sure I was comfortable in the castle, never making me feel like an outsider.
"I won't let them break me," I said aloud, my voice stronger now. "I won't give them the satisfaction."
I thought about Pamela too, I hadn't seen her since he held me captive. Was she somewhere in this same building? Was she hurt? Scared? The thought of my sweet, innocent friend suffering because of me made my heart ache.
Pamela had always been so kind to me, treating me like a real princess instead of a former slave. She'd braided my hair, helped me pick out dresses, listened to my worries without judgment. She didn't deserve to be caught up in this nightmare.
"I'll get us both out of here," I promised quietly. "Somehow."
I tried to explore my prison more thoroughly, feeling along the walls for any weakness, any crack or loose stone that might help me escape. But the room was solid, built to hold prisoners. The door was thick wood reinforced with iron, and there were no windows, just a small slot near the top of the door that let in a tiny bit of light from the hallway.
Still, I didn't give up. I tested every stone, pushed against every surface, looking for anything that might give me an advantage. As I worked, I let my mind wander to better times, drawing strength from the memories.
I remembered the first time I'd successfully calmed Kade during a transformation, how amazed and grateful he'd been. The way he'd looked at me like I was some kind of miracle. It had been the first time in my life that I'd felt truly useful, truly valued for who I was rather than what I could do for someone else's benefit.
And I remembered the night he'd told me about his curse, the pain and shame in his voice as he described what it was like to lose control of himself. How he'd trusted me with his deepest, darkest secret, and how that trust had meant everything to me.
"I won't abandon you, Kade," I whispered. "Just like you never abandoned me."
The sound of footsteps in the hallway outside made me freeze. Heavy boots, getting closer. I quickly moved away from the door and back to my corner, not wanting whoever it was to know I'd been trying to find a way out.
The footsteps stopped right outside my door. I heard the scrape of a key in the lock, and then the door swung open.
Darius stepped into the room, a cruel smile playing on his lips. The torchlight from the hallway cast long shadows across his face, making him look even more menacing than usual.
"Well, well," he said, his voice dripping with false concern. "How are you feeling, my dear princess?"
I didn't answer, just glared at him with all the hatred I could muster.
He laughed, a cold, heartless sound that echoed off the stone walls. "Not talking? That's unfortunate. I was hoping we could have a civilized conversation."
"I have nothing to say to you," I finally spoke, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me.
"Oh, but I think you do." He stepped further into the room, and I pressed myself harder against the wall. "You see, I've been thinking about our earlier conversation. About my generous offer."
"Your offer was disgusting."
"My offer was practical," he corrected. "And it still stands. Become my Luna, and all of this unpleasantness ends."
"Never."
He sighed dramatically. "Such stubbornness. It's really quite admirable, in a foolish sort of way."
I remained silent, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response.
"You know," he continued, circling the small room like a predator, "your friend is in the room right next door. Sweet little Pamela. She's been asking about you constantly."
My heart clenched. "Is she hurt?"
"Not yet," he said with a smile that made my blood run cold. "But her continued wellbeing depends entirely on your cooperation."
"You're a monster."
"I'm a realist," he replied. "And the reality is this: you can continue to resist me, continue to fight and struggle and make this difficult for everyone. But if you do, your precious friend will pay the price."
He leaned closer, and I could smell the malice on him like a disease.
"Or," he continued, "you can accept the inevitable. Agree to be my Luna, and I'll not only spare your friend's life, but I'll treat her well. She can even serve as your personal maid in our new home."
"You're insane if you think I'll ever agree to that."
Darius straightened up, his expression hardening. "Then I suppose dear Pamela will have to suffer for your stubbornness. What a shame. She seems like such a sweet girl."