The Rise of Nyxara

Ivy’s POV

I turned.

No one.

Just the empty hallway.

So I just shook it off. Probably a servant.

Back to the screen. Minutes passed.

Then—

Another sound. A softer rustling.

From the kitchen hallway. As though someone was tiptoeing towards me.

My heart picked up, but I forced a breath.

No need to panic. It’s probably just a servant, trying to stay quiet so they don’t disturb me.

I took another bite, washing it down with cocoa.

And then the dizziness began.

Slow.

Heavy.

My limbs started to sag.

I stood, intending to head back to bed—

But my legs wouldn’t obey. Too heavy. Too slow.

So I curled back into the couch, eyes drooping.

The tray sat untouched now.

And then—

Two shadows walked in and were standing in front of me.

One leaned in.

A voice—whisper-soft, male—breathed against my face.

“Is she out now?”

I wanted to move. To at least fight back.

But my body wouldn’t obey.

Footsteps circled me—light, efficient. I felt something cold against my wrist.

Metal. A snap. A click.

Handcuff