Ivy
They’d been walking for what seemed like an eternity and the sun was about to set on another day. The journey would’ve been much easier in wolf form, but Emerson slowed them down. Neither of the men were willing to carry Emerson and Alex argued that if their wolves were fatigued from lugging him on their backs then they couldn’t fight if it was necessary. Alex had a point, but the group were fatigued from walking for hours. The forest canopy shaded them as they continued along the river, but they knew it was dusk from the change in temperature. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzirUbeXKh
Although they’d been shaded for majority of the day, Ivy’s skin burnt red and hot. She put it down to her fair complexion and had been soaking herself in the cool water when the others stopped for a toilet break. The men hadn’t noticed yet, but they were too engrossed and alert to noises and movement that surrounded them. Ivy tried sending another mind-link to Rowan with no luck. She knew there was no point in trying but hoped that the one time she did it would connect. Ivy didn’t want to be the reason they walked past a nearby camp that confined her mate. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RFpgpomK3
“I think we should stop for the night,” announced Alex.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsaHffryBo
The others mumbled in agreement as Emerson trudged behind. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWQUQB1pJ6
“Why are we stopping?” he yelled through small pants. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao1uz3iZoI
“We are staying here tonight. It’s almost dark and this place is more secluded from any of the travelling paths through here,” Ivy responded. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPsEZE0HN5
She turned around to see how far Emerson was behind her, but he’d managed to catch up quickly. She saw the horrified expression on his face. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCVa1VHHEo
“What has happened to you?” he stuttered. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYDGgj9jW7
“What do you mean?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40x8l2lgyB
“YOUR SKIN! It’s so RED!” he hissed as he tried to keep quiet. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpTOCWjzwn
Emerson grabbed Ivy’s arm and pulled it closer to his face. Ivy growled back at him in pain.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDySj5EBU47
“We need to soothe this,” stated Emerson.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf9SUXnqRo
“I have. I’ve been in the water all day,” she said and yanked her arm back. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqCnqIvvzt
“There is nothing out here like that Emerson.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWvGXT4iqD
His facial expressions as he studied her limbs and his wide eyes worried Ivy.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqivSf9Zes
“This is not burning from the sun Ivy.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOAPfkBFKF
Emerson’s face changed from horrified to concerned. He found some energy in his step as he quickly headed to where the other’s made camp.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf2nMa9fjF
“We can’t stay here,” Emerson said.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRly33zwuz4
Ivy heard Angus groan at Emerson’s announcement, as she followed him cautiously. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uq2gaoPNU
“There is nowhere else to stay Emerson, what has gotten into you?” argued Alex. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mJTjxswFP
Emerson’s arms flapped in Ivy’s direction as she stood next to him. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1Z7wcxFGQ
“This is what has gotten into me, wolfsbane! It will affect all of you and then we are toast!”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc2LTjlVFJ
Angus, James, and Alex looked over and gazed at Ivy’s blistered and red body.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUROCADT2F
“Guys honestly, it’s not even that bad. I haven’t even sensed the plant.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICvAkM2Cou
“Well, I’m going to go search for it, James you can come with me,” stated Angus, clapping his thighs. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAkJHp4Hml
“Why would you want to go search for it?” asked Emerson.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6jR6CsacM
“It doesn’t make sense,” interrupted Alex.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXw0neWm8h
The group turned their focus on him.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF42UQqGORn
“If Ivy’s been in contact with wolfsbane, we have moved on since she’s touched it. The effects are not that long lasting unless you’re constantly exposed to it. Ivy is burning by the second. What we need to find is the antidote…and fast before it burns your insides,” he added.
Internally Ivy’s body felt fine, and it wasn’t having an effect. On the outside her skin was turning to second degree burns and she wanted to scream out in pain. The only way she dealt with the pain throughout the day was to stay silent. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfshvjngGKb
“Keep her away from the water Emerson, we will go find a sapling from the Bo-ing tree. Hopefully it hasn’t closed it's saplings in the warmth,” Alex stated.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T42mjOlIa
Ivy kept quiet and watched the others gather their weapons and disappear in between the trees. She turned to Emerson who stared at her arms and legs, in disbelief. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWKnpYUqDE
“Oh, it hurts so bad,” she managed to wince once the others were out of ear shot. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z4rWtuh87
“I know Ivy, won’t be long. Just stay away from the water.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAT4XdDU2e
“I swear I haven’t touched any though, and what a stupid weakness to have as the Saviour,” she said through gritted teeth.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn04RSvONk3
The moment her words left her mouth, Emerson’s dropped wide open. Ivy almost had to scoop it off the floor. Before she could question him, the others returned quickly with sap from the tree and Alex started to prepare salve for the burns. Emerson removed himself from them and muttered something to himself as he walked away. Ivy didn’t pay attention to what Alex or Angus said but fixated herself on watching Emerson. He pulled out his scribes, scrolls and pencils from his sack and started to scribble, using older scrolls for reference. Ivy’s attention was snapped back to Alex as he squeezed the sap from the veins in the leaves and mixed it with other sap that dripped from the bark. He gently used another leaf from the ground to scoop it and smeared it over her arms and legs. Ivy felt the tingling sensation and numbness straight away. She thanked him for his quick thinking. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnDsxfTOF7
“Definitely wolfsbane if you’ve felt it that quick. Leave this one and stay still while it works its magic. We’ll leave in the direction of the tree and take some more in case there aren’t any more trees on the way. Now, we will build camp around you,” Alex smiled. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8PjuRQ9KC
The three of them wasted no time building a fire and hunting for their dinner. They settled enough fresh grass to lie in comfort around the fire for each person. Emerson was still engrossed in his reading, and Ivy thought he saw his forehead glimmer slightly.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXD4aZXt4D
“Emerson?” she called.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUD0x62lI0
He barely lifted his eyes from his scrolls.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk8VNOzELy
“In a minute, this is important.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukZTcVVWQV
Ivy was taken aback from his blunt reply. James sat down with his meal and looked at her with soft eyes. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kHSRXhAtw
“I’m sorry for doubting you. I haven’t even thanked you for giving me my freedom.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5gmqtvQ1L
“It’s okay Ivy, I understand your judgement. I’d be wary too. Just so we are clear, I am here for you, to serve you. You are my friend.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZS0zkZARD
James’ response warmed her heart and she looked at Angus who she’d only met weeks ago. The people that surrounded her, she now considered family. Alex who was only there to make sure that his Alpha, his best friend, is unharmed and to return him home. That, and the fact that Rowan would kill Alex if he didn’t follow his Luna. Her eyes shifted to Emerson, her Companion, someone that would be with her no matter what. Ivy knew that he was a quirky little thing but had her best interest at heart. Angus approached Ivy and handed over some roast duck. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH5XpmYswd
“Wanted to cook tonight?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IGMskLHmM
“I miss cooking at home and Sunday night is Fi’s roast duck,” he said proudly. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8taBsUQTO
“How is she?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISn0L5e9CT
“Getting there; we mainly speak in letter. I told her that I was chosen as a weapon-smith for the Royals and that I can sneak back sometimes,” he giggled. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUYHXpYI4l
“So, if we save Rowan’s ass he better pay up because I need to show my wife that I’ve been working,” Angus added. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGtOEA6RIh
Ivy managed a small laugh through her pain. Of course, Angus convinced his wife that he took the job for coin. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9qRxeDlYm
“Emerson, come and eat,” Ivy said.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CgNDRbsue
“In a minute,” he mumbled.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWozx3UzA3q
“What are you doing anyway?” asked Angus.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxISHQUAF8G
“Linking,” he replied.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLywXQymnOb
“What in heaven’s, come and eat. We cooked this time, and you were whinging not long ago that you were hungry,” Angus demanded.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLpqIQAiKe
Grudgingly, Emerson put his pencil down and came over by the fire. He took a seat and Angus handed him his food. Emerson devoured it like a wolf. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxYFTnHyFm
“I think I have an answer,” he stated with his mouth full.
Dusk had turned to night and Emerson’s face was lit through the flames of the fire. The group continued to watch him and waited for him to continue. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqAthL86eQ
“Ivy, you’ve mentioned before that a ‘crappy’ weakness to have as a Saviour would be wolfsbane like a normal wolf. I think I figured out your weakness and you do have one… it’s just not wolfsbane.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KxBg9XKPp
“Go on. I really want to stop this pain,” Ivy said. She whimpered as she moved her legs to bring back some blood supply. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsnU8uTAy7
“Nowhere in the prophecies of the Saviour, or what was recorded, has there been mention of a mate.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LD9WhRRgt
“Okay, what does a mate got do with anything? He isn’t here,” Ivy questioned. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPujaA4Fo5D
Emerson cleared his throat and Alex shuffled awkwardly with a sigh. It seemed that he’d connected the dots before Ivy and held his head in his hands. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65km0mU1qv
“Precisely Ivy, he isn’t here. You are both connected in ways that isn’t ‘normal’ wolf mate ship. Your bond is strong but also unique. You experience things that others don’t.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPgvREXlSa
“Hold up!” Angus interrupted. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP9AAZSCVu
“Emerson, are you trying to tell us what I think you are?” he asked cautiously. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1nZ0a8IV0
“If the question is that Rowan is Ivy’s weakness, then yes, Saviour’s aren’t meant to have mates for this reason,” Emerson pointed at Ivy’s body. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mIUEGlOL3
“You mean he’s the one being tortured with wolfsbane and I’m copping it?” Ivy asked.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i2NkTRWCQ
Emerson solemnly nodded his head and she looked puzzled.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrjrNKaHmQ
“Rowan is being tortured with wolfsbane and you’re feeling the effects too. Maybe not to the same extent but the burns are significant,” Emerson confirmed.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPdDSLEyxZ
Ivy’s head spun. There were too many twists and turns to keep up with her duty, her family, and this prophecy. She wanted to go home and longed to feel Rowan’s arms around her. She wanted to kiss him one more time. Ivy inhaled deeply to allow her fear to escape her and sat up straighter than before. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl6jgtBxs3
“That’s why Olcan couldn’t shift and get him out of there. I may be in for a world of hurt. If that happens, we at least know what they are doing to him.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukQu1bqeDL
“It would also explain the wounds on your back, if they’ve lashed him,” said Angus. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQRrZ4uJdk
Ivy hadn’t thought of that and almost forgot about it because of the pain from the burns. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWzO5AG6SG
“Why isn’t he healing?” Ivy asked. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pmfqGwmvs
“He can’t heal if he is weakened by wolfsbane, or the wounds are too deep like yours. He must be in a room full of it,” James answered. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0hKPBLgZr
“I think we should try and get some sleep and leave first thing in the morning. Hopefully they give the poison a break and Ivy can function,” suggested Alex.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMxiSZKIL5
“There is another way if the pain too unbearable,” said James. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dOnY40q0T
“Don’t even mention it, James,” warned Angus. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl3M7TvoKY
Ivy raised her eyebrows at James to get him to continue. At that point she wanted to hear all suggestions. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqT5ipD1fp
“You could reject him. You would be free from pain to find him,” he shrugged.
Ivy thought it over and knew it would be the last resort. When she rejected Harold, the ground felt like it shook around her and pain pounded in her head. If she were to reject Rowan, the ground might shake apart and swallow her whole with pain and grief. She just hoped that they find him, or he was cunning enough to escape before she had to think about it again.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlZ2EVlsJw
“Thank-you for the suggestion, James. It’s good to have a backup plan.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv3os9F9JB
“I know he’s alive,” confirmed Ivy.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyaoQzs9X9
“Good and you let us know if that changes,” said Alex.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QDvCuZ3jd
“Oh, you will know,” replied Emerson, yawning.
The group followed suit and turned to get comfortable on their grass beds. Ivy chose to sleep upright so that she didn’t rub the balm off on the grass. She watched them drift off to sleep but her mind was too wired from thought. If Rowan can’t heal himself, then can I heal him? If Ivy were to try, it would take a few days to recover but she hoped it would be enough for Olcan to shift so he could get out of wherever he was. Ivy made a mental note to ask Emerson the next day. She started to think about it more strategically before her eyes closed from heaviness and made a pact to herself that this Luna, will become a Warrior Luna, the first one ever. The courage that built inside her eased her mind and heart enough to close her eyes and allowed sleep.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc177pbD8J
There are mountains all around me and the breeze is ice cold. The cold hits my face before I’m instantly warmed from the sun as it peeps around the top of a mountain. The mountains create a trench-like crossing and above it, on the mountain, are golden arches spread over the trench, placed like a bridge. They are a beacon of light as the sunlight bounces off them.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC5DkEqb39
“You really did say they were beautiful,” I look over to Emerson. He is so excited to be home that he cannot wipe the smile off his face. I am glad for him, but I am also so sad that the home I knew, the home I was supposed to lead to victory is now destroyed. This is my last hope to get revenge. The revenge that I have been craving. Rowan is a distant memory, Angus, Alex, and James also. He took everything from me other than my Companion that I so selfishly chose to protect.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruCum7WygO
“Why didn’t we come here sooner?” I ask Emerson.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY0BoUqIs2
“You weren’t ready and then we didn’t have time,” he replied.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRtfYQ4V40
I chose to stay and continue with a pointless search, rather than come here and seek help. My heart before my head. I have made so many sacrifices now that I can’t keep up. When will my destiny be filled? I haven’t had the option to die for someone as they all chose to die for me.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTSFzgS62P
“Ivy are you okay?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBu1YdSRfT
“Hmm? Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1m3D5TqLB
Ivy recognised Alex’s voice immediately. She didn’t have to open her eyes.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TXxTul3IN
“Time for your balm, it’s sunrise.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGRT2S8wsc
She held out her arms so that Alex could lather more salve over her arms and legs. It hurt less than before, and Ivy breathed easier when Alex applied it. She opened her eyes to survey the damage from the night and apart from a few blisters, it didn’t look too red.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJFckbLcfr
“It’s coming up good,” he announced, proud of himself. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6jM86inhT
Angus walked over and nodded to Alex. He put the leaf down and together they stretched out their hands. Ivy accepted the offer and the men used their strength to pull her to her feet. Ivy instantly lost balance, but Angus caught her. He allowed Ivy to rest her weight against his strong arms until the feeling came back in her legs. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK3j8uJpMJ
“Where is Emerson?” Ivy asked frantically, looking around the camp.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8CoHCqnwT
“In the field ahead, trying to link the Ancestors to get some clarity,” they joked. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOvaA8nPTW
“Hey! Don’t mock what you don’t know,” Ivy growled.
Once Ivy could walk again and not resemble a baby deer, she gained speed to go and find Emerson.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItIYLouh1k
“Ivy, where are you going?” called Alex.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6urnhkksm
“To tell Emerson we’re going!” she shouted back. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2TSjlQo8U
Alex was satisfied with the answer and turned to start packing their camp and put out their smouldering fire. Emerson looked so majestic in the field. Sitting there with his eyes closed, soaking in the morning sun. Ivy quietly approached him so that she didn’t disturb him, but his eyes opened instantly. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Iqk6gQMDQ
“What are you doing Ivy?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpt7jsFhfbS
“I’m just here to let you know that we’re leaving.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOw8uK6wRN
Emerson grumbled under his breath and began to rise. Ivy hoped that they find something in Alan’s territory that could lead to Rowan. If not, she had no idea where to turn to next. If they gave her mate another torture session, she hated to think of the repercussions. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX8htsIsSl
James, Angus, and Alex were packed and ready to move on. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL2yDI3srq
“Right, the border is just over the hill. We should make it in no time,” said Alex, bouncing around. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBSCasChwF
“Don’t get your hopes up Alex,” Ivy warned. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9YZueUed3
Alex poked his tongue out at her and giggled, ushering them all forward. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7z7U7jSOq
“Let’s move!”
Stumbling into Alan’s territory, Ivy’s old home, was heart breaking. There were broken homes and smashed shopfronts everywhere. Everything she’d grown up with was just gone, along with the people. Ivy didn’t recognise the place at all and seeing the destruction took her breath away. The poor people that she’d grown up with and the ones that taught her and waited on her. The group respected the silence and Ivy’s reaction, now more than ever if one of them spoke, she would rip them apart. The anger bubbled away in the pit of Ivy’s stomach until it was unbearable, and she vomited to release it, at Emerson’s feet.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwic8wgNVrm
“Sorry,” Ivy whispered. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrOaHAVCw8
“Better out than in, this would be hard,” he assured. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH8LJvGtCF
It was the first time that Ivy set foot in the place she called home since she’d been with Rowan. She heard the others speak of the horrors, but she didn’t expect was she saw. Ivy started to walk through what was known as the ‘Main Quarter’. Books from the bookstore were strewn across the road and the store had a huge, burnt-out hole in the roof, and the windows were smashed. The Farmer’s Market tent was collapsed, and the corpses of chickens and cattle were spiked through the broken tent pegs. The whole street reeked of death and the skeletons of those who stayed behind to save their homes, laid along the gutters. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcCfXLzb68
Tears welled in Ivy’s eyes, and she was determined to keep them at bay. The General Goods store’s inventory was thrown everywhere and the inside of the store house black furniture and ash. The nauseous feeling didn’t ease as Ivy’s eyes wandered over the rest of the Quarter. Emerson gently placed his hand on her back, and she leant into him for support.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdaYz1H3B6
“Do you want to go look?” he asked, like he read her mind. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMZr0c8YnO
Ivy shook her head. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtPrdfpNel
“No. My home would look like this, and I can’t right now. I just want to find my mate.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKGrgU7rw6
James returned to them with a stern look on his face. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUgBUaUVen
“I found something by the Herbalist store. The one shop that isn’t burnt to the ground and all the wolfsbane is gone.” 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpaqgRN8ns
Ivy hadn’t realised that the others left them alone.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWWuKnOf0v
“That’s odd. So, they must’ve at least come through here?” Emerson answered. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIcwYwGQD4
“For sure,” Alex called, and emerged from a building of rubble. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIauQCgYSlJ
“There is soot from a fire that was lit not that long ago, near the back entrance,” he gleamed. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkyK0CvTSU
“Could be Rogues,” Ivy pointed out. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBr11BKxEw
“I don’t believe in coincidences,” stated Angus.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQuf6lE9MV
“Search the rubble and report back to me in an hour. Check the buildings and check by the river,” Ivy ordered.
Angus, James, and Alex scattered through the buildings, more than happy to oblige. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQQWw9T8I9
“We are getting close, I can feel it,” said Emerson. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwT986Bn3h
“I can’t get my hopes up, especially after my vision last night.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcmGjfvWk8
“You had one too?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmaCZY6eIt
“Yeah, and I hope that it’s wrong. If they come back with nothing, then we need to talk.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NtoP80kxU
The duo stood in silence and Emerson knew the wait made Ivy uneasy. She was lost in thought and prayed the men left no rock unturned otherwise she’d return with an army. The strongest army that she could gather, and she’d kill Harold with her bare hands. Ivy was angered to the point that if her sacrifice meant she’d take her life with his, then she’d do it. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAte5stQzY
“How long will it take to gather an army?” she asked Emerson suddenly. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF797W7Vm85
The question surprised him, and she saw it on his face.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJV0yNjc13
“There is one option we haven’t discussed yet,” he murmured. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExcmfQX2yd
“To fill your duty?” Ivy asked.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ6FmagmIS
Emerson looked uncomfortable at the assumption she made. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dvOjTsKPS
“I will be with you until yours is fulfilled you know?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CWCkRHJ9x
“I know, but you haven’t answered my question. I want the North and whoever else will join, to take the South and bring back my mate.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKQsAocfOL
“Ivy, you are talking about a war. It takes time and if I know where you’re going with the suggestion, it is something that hasn’t been done in centuries.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK533nz2Hcm
“I will not lose friends, family or the ones that I love to this cretin anymore.”
Emerson nodded his head but stopped conversing. He knew by the tone in Ivy’s voice that she’s serious now. She was in pain, her body, her head, and her heart. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwqwRDRXCC
Ivy was the Saviour and held innate ability to obliterate her enemies for how she saw fit, to save them all. If she felt that Rowan was still alive, she’ll strive to find him. If he dies and their bond broken, she’d walk that land until she found the one who killed him. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFMQfHTc9r
“Ivy I can feel your growl in the earth,” whispered Emerson. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxe6Rn9efK
“I’m not growling, it wasn’t me.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKziemB4j0t
The hour was up and there was no sign of Angus, James, and Alex. Ivy fidgeted her feet around in the dirt waiting for them to walk back through the rubble. She felt Emerson’s heartbeat through her body as it quickened with every passing second. The fear flowed through him, and he tried to shake it off. Come on Ivy pleaded silently. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAVJn7gXwj
“Ivy,” Emerson pressed. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XZ68lKqDB
“Don’t you dare say it,” Ivy ordered. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8JgSHKtFp
A shadow emerged on the outskirts of the end of the street and Ivy immediately clasped onto to Emerson’s arm tightly. There was only one. The silhouette approached and continued to walk with a limp as they patiently waited. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4GsaQ0Cjt
“There is only one,” stated Emerson.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sfuEGuXb0
“Who is it? Can you tell?” Ivy begged.
Emerson craned his neck from side to side. The shadow walked into the sunlight and Ivy breathed in sharply. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9a7cZTgb8
“It’s Angus,” cried Emerson. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXWCA319Tm
Ivy’s feet started to move forward, into a fast walk and then a jog. Angus was dirty and she saw beads of sweat that ran down his forehead, with track marks down his face. When they faced each other, centimetres a part, Ivy realised that his sweat mixed with tears. She grabbed his upper arm for comfort, and he knelt before her in the dirt, clutching her legs. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqz02KTVS0
“Angus, what happened?” Ivy asked softly. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYrHlDw83J
“Where are the others?”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJZ0Zh2uWG
He whimpered at her questions and held tighter. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSprXcqvnI
“This town… surrounded by traps,” he said softly. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOJ6wy49Fr
“Where are they Angus?” Ivy commanded. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49ZcSvHlhC
He shook his head against her knees. Emerson emerged next to them and tried to lift the heavy man to his feet. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWA2BfAnrX
“I am going to kill whoever did this,” he eventually said. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf7Ain8qSj
“Who rules like this? I’m sorry Ivy for behaving like this. I should be strong,” he said between sobs. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡploNT2Xwql
“You are strong Angus, and we will get our revenge,” Ivy said confidently. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxHQfn0UTq
“Can we get them for a burial?” she asked.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QpgqR5ToS
Angus shook his head slowly and refused to talk about it anymore. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mXwyig8qY
“Emerson, it is time.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI96DS5EiP
The return of only Angus cemented something inside Ivy of what was required of her. If she continued the way that she was, she’d lose everyone until it was just Emerson and her to walk the golden arch trench. She knew now that her vision was a warning.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcEozqwxDV
“Are you sure? This is something that you weren’t ready for?” 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMrmW0vLGk
Emerson stepped around her and sat next to Angus, in front of her. Ivy wiped the pooling tears from her eyes. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgJjY7CAG9
“I need my mate. I need their help to get him.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9yqCGtmt0
She reached across and touched each of them.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqffYTxLt9K
“I need my family and I will not lose you both as well, as a result of being stubborn.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex7CoEHyCg
Ivy’s attention turned to Angus. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut2uB8jwQG
“This is your chance; I’m giving you a choice with no explanation required. Leave now and go home to Fi or come with us and get the revenge that’ll be served cold. As your Luna and as your friend, this will be the first and last opportunity.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k47Sl2wl1
Angus returned her stare for some time. He searched for something in Ivy’s eyes, as if he investigated her soul. Angus fought against his head and his heart, much like Ivy had been. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14ldKX6SnY
“I will go with you,” Angus stated and bowed his head.
Ivy turned to Emerson and asked the same question even though she knew he was bound to her. He replied the same and bowed his head. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjky1WGAad
“Emerson and Angus pack our things.”78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHgWkDr6KY
“Ivy if I may, where are we going to go from here other than back? There are traps everywhere to where Rowan must be held,” Angus asked politely. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DzIFLHEUU
“Fear not Angus, we’re getting help,” she replied. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrF3d8KBfs
He immediately relaxed at her words and Emerson suddenly became a bouncing bunny that Ivy couldn’t contain. His actions confused Angus, given the circumstances, and he pushed Emerson over. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3gmu2JIRd
“We are going to the West,” Ivy said, trying to make more sense of her plan. The traps that were set surrounded them; she knew that they held Rowan close by. It was a vast area and wildly protected. Ivy felt more confident in her decision as her plans formed in her mind. What she was requesting wouldn’t come easy as Emerson had previously warned but Rowan was still alive, and she had to try. From her vision, she had one extra person with her that was still with them, and it gave her more confidence. Ivy learnt to listen to her visions moving forward as they were warnings, so very clear as of the result from the events that occurred.
Angus still tried to work out where they were headed, and Emerson waited in anticipation for him to finally figure it out. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwJupvju8a
“Lycan’s…” he whispered. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe2qWwu8R4
Once their belongings were packed and they’d split the sacks between them, Ivy started to climb up some rubble, so she was off the floor. She wanted to cover as much of the area as possible without being blocked from the fallen buildings. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oyHSsGI6w
“Ivy, what are you doing?” asked Emerson. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SMKotk14O
She raised her finger to Emerson to silence him. Once she stood on top, she inhaled as deeply as possible. She made sure that she balanced her emotions and slowed her heartrate. On her exhale, Ivy sent out the strongest mind-link to cover as much ground as possible before she left, even if her better judgement told her it’ll fail. She sent out love, hope and healing and let the slight breeze lift and take out her scent to the love of her life. She waited, and waited without saying a word, but silently prayed in her head. Her mind turned foggy and cold quickly…she made a connection!
Ivy’s surprise almost knocked her off her feet and almost broke the link that barely hung on. 78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb0BicueTL
“I’m coming for you Rowan. Please stay with me. I love you.”
