The atmosphere in the council chamber was very tense.Jayden stood at the front of the curved table with his arms straight at his sides and his jaw tight. His eyes which used to be bright and full of hope now looked tired and filled with disappointment. Ivy’s revelation had caused a deep emotional struggle within him.The fact that Aelin was his daughter should have made him happy. Instead, it revealed feelings of anger, sadness, and a troubling vulnerability that caused the whole pack to look at their leader with caution.Elias sat quietly to the right of Jayden with his fingers interlocked and a neutral expression on his face. The other council members looked at each other anxiously and quiet whispers spread among them like strong winds. Jayden’s roar had already quieted them once but they were not ready for the trouble that was about to come.“The doors slowly opened with a creaking sound.”“The herald declared ‘Prince Caelum of House Vale.’”Jayden squinted his eyes. “What is he d
The council attempts to use Ivy’s trickery to take away Jayden’s rights. Morganna supports a new successor.The large council chamber was filled with soft voices and whispers bounced off the marble walls while the golden crest of Silver More was carved above the throne. Jayden sat at the end of the long black table, his jaw clenched and his eyes filled with anger. Ivy stood behind him feeling tense with every nerve in her body tight like a stretched bowstring.They had just started to deal with the truth about Aelin and the court was already filled with plans and plots.Chancellor Elias stood up, his voice smooth as always. “Your Majesty, we respect your strength and your ability to lead.” “Recent discoveries have raised questions about the legitimacy of the royal family.”Jayden squinted his eyes. “Please get to the point, Elias.”Elias bowed, pretending to be humble as he did so. “The future of Silver More depends on honesty.” “If Luna kept her child away from the throne and had a d
The morning sun shone through the large windows of Silver More’s palace, creating long shadows on the chilly stone floors. The air inside was heavy with unshared feelings, and Ivy stood in the center of the throne room, her heart beating fast. She looked at the floor, but she could feel Jayden beside her, always reminding her of how much had changed.The truth was revealed clearly and harshly in the rooms the night before. Aelin’s family background, the prediction, and the betrayal were all revealed and clear now. As Ivy stood beside Jayden, a pressure in her chest reminded her that the real struggle was only starting.Jayden's quietness was overwhelming. He had hardly said anything since their argument because his feelings were too strong to talk about in front of the court. His eyes would sometimes glance at her, but they never stayed there or looked gentle like they used to.A lot of pain separated them, and Ivy understood that she couldn’t just hope it would disappear. She had to
Chapter 20: She Belongs to YouThe storm raged outside Silver More’s gates. The wind howled and crashed against the stone walls while inside the palace, silence filled the air. The tension felt thick and uncomfortable. Ivy stood before the council feeling nervous and anxious. She held her hands tightly by her sides. The air felt electric, as if something big was about to happen, but she was unsure what it could be.Jayden looked at her, and his eyes showed surprise and anger. She couldn't understand the other emotion in his gaze. They had been separated for days, and each moment felt like forever. Ivy didn't dare to explain everything to him. She remembered how strong their feelings had been in the courtyard and how the truth had hit her hard like a crashing wave.“But now it was time to speak up.” She had to deal with the results of her actions.“You’ve been keeping it a secret from me, Ivy.” Jayden’s voice broke the quiet like a knife. His words were tight and controlled, but you co
Ivy walked back and forth in the small, dark room where Cassian had kept them hidden. The walls felt like they were closing in on her, making it hard to breathe because of the heavy choices she had to face. She was no longer focused on just surviving because she had managed to do that for many years. Now it was about something much bigger.“The prophecy speaks about Aelin and Jayden...” Everything was coming together, and Ivy felt the weight of it all pushing down on her chest.Cassian stood by the window with his arms crossed, looking out at the faraway horizon. His usual calm attitude was replaced by a level of intensity that Ivy had never witnessed before. She realized he was usually serious and concentrated, but tonight he seemed more intense with a hidden anger bubbling just below the surface.“Why did they come looking for you, Ivy?” He asked in a quiet but firm voice. “You were meant to be safe here.” And now... He stopped speaking and shook his head. “This might bring everythi
The palace was in chaos. Ivy stood at the center of the tension, feeling the cold stares of the court directed at her. The big halls, normally filled with laughter and chatter, now felt silent and empty like a grave. Soft murmurs filled the air, buzzing with fear and doubt like a swarm of angry wasps.She stood in front of the throne, her heart pounding hard in her chest. Next to her Cassian stood like a strong and steady wall. His protective position showed the strong connection they had but even that support couldn’t calm the turmoil growing inside her. She understood what had occurred.“The killer had attacked.” He couldn't kill her, but the blood that was shed wasn't only hers—it was a statement.“Ivy,” Cassian said softly, almost in a comforting way. He looked at her with worry, but his eyes were focused, searching through the crowd of people watching. “We have to go now.” Now.She didn’t have to hear him say it. The attack on her was carefully organized. As soon as they found he
The night sky spread out infinitely above the forest, filled with twinkling stars and a shining crescent moon. Ivy quickly walked through the dense woods on the edge of Silver More, holding Aelin close to her as he softly cried against her shoulder. The child's skin still felt warm from the fever she had yesterday.Jayden’s touch made her feel cold.Ivy couldn’t forget the chilling reality—his blood and his presence had protected their daughter.Now she required answers.The cabin stood before us. It was surrounded by drooping willow trees and rustling oak trees. Smoke curled from the bent chimney, and a warm light glowed from the candles inside. Ivy knocked on the door with purpose. The door opened quickly before she could lift her hand again.Seraphine was there, her eyes shining with bright silvery-blue magic. Her long, dark hair flowed behind her as if a breeze was pulling it, even though there was none. Her bare feet hovered just above the wooden floor."You've arrived," she sai
As the first light of dawn softly lit up the stone walls of the Moon Palace, Ivy woke up to the quiet whimpering next to her.“Aelin?” She quietly said, looking at her daughter.The little girl’s cheeks were red, and her forehead was sweaty. She threw the blankets around while mumbling to herself.Ivy felt a sudden sense of disappointment. She placed her hand on Aelin’s skin which was very hot.Ivy quickly got out of bed, saying “No, no, no...” as she rushed to get a wet cloth. She softly patted her daughter’s forehead, trying to calm her down.Aelin started to breathe faster. “Ivy quietly said to herself, ‘I’ll call Seraphine’ as she put on her robe.” However, deep down, she felt that this fever was different from any other.As she got to the door, Cassian rushed in, out of breath. “I felt that something was off—” He looked at Aelin. “Wow… I can really smell her.” “It’s blinking.”“What does that mean?” Ivy insisted.Cassian walked over to the child and squinted his eyes. “Her wolf
The full moon lit up the night sky. It shone brightly and low, casting a soft silver light over the palace gardens. Insects buzzed quietly under the roses, and the sweet smell of lavender filled the warm air. Ivy wanted to feel peaceful, but her heart raced with worry.She walked slowly along the garden paths and lightly touched the blooming lilies. This place reminded her of the past, where Jayden had kissed her under the stars. He made promises that he never kept, and now the garden felt eerie. It was a spot filled with memories and secrets waiting to be uncovered.She halted when she heard footsteps behind her. She kept facing forward.“I figured I might see you here,” Jayden said. “It felt softer than she recalled.”She turned around and saw him not in his royal outfit but wearing plain clothes—without a crown or a cape. Only Jayden. A person. Her partner. The child’s father still didn’t know that he was the dad.“I needed some fresh air,” she said softly.He moved closer. “I was l