Chapter 2

The sun went down behind the tall pine trees on the northern ridge. The golden rays lit up a weathered cottage by Silver More, and the scene looked beautiful. Ivy Ravenshade stood at the edge of her herb garden. Her hands were dirty, and she stared at the trees. She seemed to hope they would answer her back.

For the past five years, she focused on creating a quiet life in the background. She raised her daughter, stayed out of the spotlight, and pushed down the hurt from what she lost.

“However, things were changing.”

It began a week ago. The ravens that normally flew around in winter came back early, squawking at her window. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. “Not only with the arrival of autumn but also something deeper.” “More advanced in age.” The breeze didn’t feel like a breeze anymore. It seemed like a sign of danger.

Ivy’s heart raced more with each passing hour. She glanced down while a tiny hand pulled on her cloak.

Aelin whispered, “Mama,” her shiny silver eyes full of wonder. “You’re doing it once more.”Ivy smiled softly as she knelt in front of her daughter and moved a loose strand of dark hair away from her face. “What are you doing, moonflower?”

Aelin said seriously, “It seems like you can hear things that I can’t.” “The trees seem to be talking softly.”

Ivy felt a chill run through her body. “What do you hear?”

Aelin tilted her head deep in thought. “There’s nothing.” The trees are feeling unhappy.

She said nothing more before she dashed back to the house, her laughter following her like a soft light in the air. Ivy stood still, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon. The trees weren’t the only ones feeling sad. She sensed it deep inside her. “Something was approaching.”

She turned around slowly and went back inside the house.

The cottage was cozy and small with a warm fire already burning in the stone fireplace to keep away the evening cold. Aelin sat on the floor with her legs crossed next to an old quilt, softly singing a lullaby that she couldn’t recall. Ivy walked over to the fireplace and mixed the contents of the pot that was hanging above the fire.

The room smelled good. It was full of the warm and familiar scent of rosemary and rabbit stew, and it made her feel at home. She tried to relax, but nothing could ease the tight feeling in her chest.

“Not after the dream.”

Last night, Ivy stood in a forest that was on fire with smoke wrapping around her like snakes. In her dream, she ran through the flames shouting Aelin’s name, but only ravens replied. She then spotted him—Jayden—standing in the fire, reaching out to her with empty eyes and blood-covered hands.

She woke up breathing heavily.

“It was more than just a bad dream.”

“It was a message.”

“Aelin suddenly said without looking up from her wooden toy wolf, ‘Cassian is coming to visit tomorrow.’” He mentioned that he wants to see how we are doing.

Ivy nodded, hiding the small feeling of guilt inside her. Cassian had been their guardian and their support. He was the only reason she survived in Silver More. However, she realized he wouldn’t feel good when he found out what she had been feeling.

“She was considering coming back.”

Later that evening...

Ivy stepped out onto the porch, wrapping a shawl snugly around her shoulders. The thick clouds made it hard to see the stars. The air had the scent of pine smoke and approaching rain.

She didn’t react when Cassian came out of the woods behind the house; he stood there as solid as the mountains he used to live near. Cassian was tall, strong, and tough. He carried himself like a fighter even when things were calm. He quickly spotted her green eyes.

He said softly, “You felt it as well.”

Ivy agreed with a nod.

"The ravens, the quietness, the heaviness in the air...” she softly said. “Something is drawing me back.”

Cassian tightened his jaw. “You promised you would never come back.”

“I didn’t expect that I would need to,” she answered. “There is a problem in Silver More.” “I can sense it.” “In my veins.” In Aelin.

Cassian moved in closer. “That’s the reason you can’t return.”

“I need to keep her safe.”

“Then stay out of sight, Ivy,” he said sharply, his voice quiet but filled with fear. “Jayden is unaware that she is there.” If he discovers this—

“She said firmly, ‘He won’t.’” “I will only do it when I feel it’s safe.”

Cassian stared at her for a while. “He’s changed since you last saw him.”

“I’m not either.”

A silence hung in the air between them.

Cassian spoke in a gentler tone. “I have protected you all these years.” Kept an eye on her. “I would do anything to protect both of you.”

“I understand,” Ivy said softly.

“I meant it back then,” he said, looking into her eyes. “When I mentioned that I would take both of you with me.” “I would offer you a fresh start if that’s what you wanted.”

“I understand.”

“Why are you considering going back to him?”

Ivy took her time before answering.

She didn’t have a reason that Cassian would get.

The bond continued to resonate in her chest like a heartbeat that never faded.

Aelin was beginning to show some signs: her silver eyes glowed softly in the dark, her instincts were much sharper than those of most kids her age, and she had fire dreams.

“I’m not going back for him,” she finally said. “I will return for her.”

Cassian nodded and moved back into the shadows. “I will be paying attention.” “Just let me know and I’ll come.”

“Then just like that, he disappeared.”

Ivy stood by Aelin’s bed, looking at her as she slept.

The little girl’s chest rose and fell steadily. She held a stuffed rabbit tightly in one hand.

Cassian had carved that rabbit just for her. Her silver eyes fluttered lightly under her closed eyelids as she fell asleep. Ivy softly kissed her forehead and promised, “I’ll protect you, my moonchild. ” She added, “No matter what it costs. ” Meanwhile, a raven perched on a branch hidden among the trees, watching closely.