Ivy's pov
I stood up instantly, my hands trembling slightly before I quickly hid them behind my back.
The midnight breeze brushed through my hair as I pushed the loose strands behind my ears, refusing to let him notice how shaken I truly was.
Nicholas remained seated on the rock for a moment longer, his eyes fixed on me with that same dangerous stillness.
"She's the only person who has ever truly loved me," I whispered finally, my throat tightening painfully. "Seraphina is my closest friend."
Nicholas said not nothing.
It was the kind of silence that forced people to keep speaking until they exposed everything.
"I didn't want her getting hurt," I continued softly. "That's why I lied for her. Besides…" I swallowed hard before forcing the rest out "You would've killed her."
A dark scoff escaped him.
Then slowly, very slowly..he lifted his eyes fully toward me.
"Violent?" he repeated quietly. "That's the word you chose for me?"
