Ivy stood in the witch world, the two paladins’ darkly glowing forms far too close for her comfort. A barely conscious Rose clung to her back while the man she had been talked into saving sat unmoving, his hand limply resting upon Ivy’s bracelet.

Wrapping one of her own hands around his, she yanked him free of the chair he had been bound to, but that only succeeded in dropping him to the floor. By chance alone had his hand remained in contact with Ivy’s power.

“Hey!” she shouted. “Wake up!”

She crouched down and slapped his bruised cheeks a few times. His face scrunched up, and thankfully, both eyes flitted open. But she might have just made things worse.

Once the man had a couple of seconds to see where he was, he immediately tried to scramble away. Ivy and Rose had to meet his wild movement to stop him from breaking away. His eyes were wandering erratically, his head shaking back and forth.

“Hey!” Ivy said. “Stop! I’m trying to save you, idiot!”

“W-what…where, I don’t understand! Have I died?”

“Tamren,” Rose’s voice came out so, so weak. “Ivy is our only chance of surviving this. Do as she says. Close your eyes if you must. It’s been helping me.”

For a moment the man was just frozen, staring at the battered Rose clinging to Ivy, but then he nodded, shut his eyes tight, and stopped struggling.

Ivy spared a glance toward the paladins, who were no longer stationary, once again advancing slowly on their position.

“Whatever you do, keep hold of my wrist, understand?” she said. “You’re in slightly better shape than Rose. Can you walk?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Perfect, help me with her, would you?”

The man stretched out his arms blindly, and Ivy sighed. She directed him to her side where Rose was leaning on her and draped one of Rose’s arms around the man.

“Okay,” Ivy said, “I’ve never taken anyone with me before, so…watch your step?” She eyed her “passengers” and let out another long breath. “Never mind.”

How hard could it be to direct two injured, blind people through a twisted, broken world that after years of studying, she herself could barely understand? Piece of cake.

The paladins were a pace or two away from being within striking distance, and Ivy scanned the witch world for a way out. Dozens of pathways revealed themselves to her, but she only needed one. The palace should be pretty close assuming she was in the cathedral somewhere. If she could make it back to Virian with these two, they might have a moment of safety.

The witch world understood her intent in its weird way, and the winding paths through the chaos shrunk until only a single route remained. Ivy kicked forward, and her charges stumbled ahead with her.

The world warped and bent around her as they progressed, a haze of darkness left in their wake. Ivy dared not look back now, afraid of what the demon might want of her after it had aided her so much. She could still feel its presence in her head.

It had stayed with her since first contacting her, and now that she had a moment to think on it, it was more than just an invader. There was some kind of two-way connection between them. She could feel it as much as it could feel her. The thing seemed more…curious than hostile or malicious. Still she kept her crawling pace and did not make any attempt to communicate.

Eventually, when its presence was as faint as a gentle breeze, it spoke.

Return.

The voice was barely a whisper, and then it was gone. Ivy let out a held breath, and urged Rose and the male prisoner further still. They had barely gone anywhere, but Ivy’s strength was running out. It took exponentially more power to fuel the bracelet and hold two people within the witch world.

“Faster,” Ivy said, “please. I can’t…”

“I can’t see where I’m going,” the man said.

“We won’t make it,” Ivy said. She could see Cousin Couch in Virian’s room now, but she had only moments of power left. By herself she could make the trip in seconds. She wasn’t afraid of this world, and knew it would not harm her. Traversing its alien landscape was not in the others’ wheelhouse, and who knew where they would end up if Ivy let go of her power now.

Slowly, the man opened one eye, a look of horror passed over his face, and he clamped it shut again.

“Looking wouldn’t even help me, ma’am.”

“Then just trust me. Run.”

Ivy added her free hand to where the other two were holding on to her bracelet. She gripped down tight over their fingers and took off. If she had to drag them forward, she would. All that mattered was that they kept in contact with the dark metal. Somehow, neither of them tripped, and Ivy suspected the witch world was altering their footing to adapt to the clumsy travelers. The pathway dropped into a wide, curving pit before a steep incline where Ivy used all of her meager might to pull Rose and the man up. When the last of her strength failed her, she fell to her knees, right beside Cousin Couch.

Her power faded all by itself, completely exhausted. Rose hit the wooden floor of Virian’s room with her, and somewhere behind them, Ivy heard another thump. For a moment they all lay there, panting. They did not get more than just a few seconds to rest however, before the door to his chambers flew open, revealing several guardsmen with weapons drawn.

“Who…my god,” a man wearing a sergeant’s insignia said.

Ivy drew her dagger and pointed at the man, still collapsed on the ground.

“Get…get, back,” she said between heavy breaths. “I’ll…kill…you all.”

She tried to stand, but her knees broke and she fell back to the hard wood.

The sergeant took one hesitant step forward, sheathing his weapon. He extended both hands forward, palms out. The other men kept their swords at the ready behind him.

“Are you…the witch?” he asked.

“Back!” Ivy screamed, and he retreated the single step he had taken.

“Is that,” the guardsman paused, “are those two with you, corporal Tamren and sergeant Rose?”

“What’s it to you?” Ivy asked. “Who are you? Where’s Virian?”

“My name is sergeant Feron,” he said, “I assure you I mean you no harm. I only wish to care for the two beside you.”

Ivy allowed herself a glance away from the soldiers to take a peek at Rose, who was now fully unconscious. The other—this corporal Tamren—didn’t look much better, but was kneeling over her, unsure of what to do with himself.

“Ma’am,” Tamren said, “it’s okay. The sergeant, he—”

“I’ll decide what’s okay,” she said, “bring Virian. Now.”

Sergeant Feron waved a hand to his soldiers, and they hesitated.

“Do as she says,” he said in a barking voice that gave no room for questions.

Once his men left, he slammed the door shut and regarded Ivy once again.

“Ma’am, he tried to help you as well,” Tamren said.

“What?” Ivy asked.

“The corporal speaks the truth. His highness Prince Virian tasked me and Tamren with a secret mission to rescue the witch captured by the church. However much it goes against what I feel, I will not attempt to apprehend you now.”

Oh. For some reason out of everything he had said, the part that lowered her spirits the most was that Virian hadn’t been the one to come save her.

“Sergeant,” Tamren said, “with all due respect, I would ask you to not be rude to miss Ivy.”

The sergeant scowled down at his subordinate.

“Excuse me?”

“She could have left me there in the hands of the church’s torturers. It would have been easier for her. But she saved me all the same. Sergeant Rose too.”

Huh. The tiniest smile touched the corners of Ivy’s mouth. Perhaps the entire world was not destined to hate her because of what she was. She just needed to save someone’s life before they warmed up to the idea of a witch. The sergeant shook his head and returned his attention to Ivy.

“Like I said,” he paused and took a breath, “I’m not here for you. But I do have to ask, why do you want his highness here? What is he to you? I have to admit I was surprised when he insisted on coming with us on the mission.”

Her little grin turned into a full on smile, but she still did not drop her dagger. Anyone could turn on her at any moment. Being captured at the Bloody Flag proved that. She would have to pay another visit there soon.

“That’s…not for you to know,” she said.

The sergeant sighed, dropping his hands to his side.

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“Fine. But if nothing else, will you allow me to treat the wounded?”

Ivy scoffed.

“You think I trust you with Rose?”

“Is it better to watch her slowly die? I went to help you because his highness assured me you would save her. She is my priority.”

“Ma’am,” Tamren broke in, “the sergeant is not lying, please just—”

“Shut! Up!” Ivy managed to stand up on two feet. “Tamren, you’re sweet, but I don’t know you at all either, and quite frankly I’d rather kill you both right now than have even the slightest chance of going back to the church. You know who I am and—”

The door burst open, and in flew Virian with his stupid, pretty face. He froze a single step past the door frame, his eyes locking with Ivy’s.

“Ivy!” he said.

“Virian.” She didn’t want to admit it even to herself, but the single utterance of his name held so much behind it that everyone in room probably felt it.

He kicked the door closed behind him and slowed his pace as he neared sergeant Feron.

“Ivy it’s okay,” he said beside Feron, “we’re all friends here.”

“Are we?” she asked.

“Well, maybe not. But you can lower your weapon. I promise you are safe.”

Her hand wavered. Partly from just being exhausted, partly due to his words. She knew he was the only one that could calm her down right now.

“For how long?” she asked.

“As long as I am breathing. I promise.”

Her body heated up just a little bit.

“O-okay.”

Finally, she dropped her hand, and her dagger fell from her fingers, clattering to the floor.

Sergeant Feron immediately rushed over to Tamren and Rose, and it took all of Ivy’s willpower not to try and stop him. She watched as both men hoisted Rose into their arms and began moving for the door. That was when Ivy could no longer hold back. She stepped towards them, but Virian was already there, and he placed a gentle hand on her forearm.

“Ivy, it’s okay,” he said, “they’re going to help her.” He looked deep into her eyes. “Trust me.”

No power in the world could keep her away from Rose’s side if she wished it, but what could Ivy do for her now? Still, she wanted to be with her as Rose had done for her when she was injured. It was the right thing to do. Yet…it also wasn’t. The more Ivy made herself known, the more problems would arrive at their doorstep. For Rose, herself, and Virian. Staying hidden might be her only option.

“I…alright.”

She stood transfixed for a moment, and then tore her gaze away from him, watching as the soldiers carried her sister away and through the door. They closed it on the way out, and suddenly it was just the two of them left.

The atmosphere grew heavier for some reason, and Ivy could not bear to look up at Virian. He was so close to her. How hadn’t she noticed it before. Too…close. His fingers still lingered around her forearm, and he caressed the inside of her wrist with his thumb. The action sent a shiver down her spine despite his comforting warmth.

Ivy pulled her hand away and turned her head, looking even further away. Her whole body felt like it was going to burst into flames.

“Virian,” she said, “I…”

“What is it?” he asked, taking a step even closer to her, and she backpedaled. Virian frowned, “Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?” He smacked himself. “How stupid of me. I was so happy to see you safely returned I forgot to ask.”

Ivy couldn’t stop her heart from skipping a beat at his words, but it wasn’t right. His affections were wasted on her.

“No,” she said, “it’s not that. It’s just…Rose is going to be okay, right? No. I mean, of course she isn’t.” Liquid began to pool in her eyes. “They…they mutilated her. And it’s my fault!”

“It’s not—”

“It is! How could it not be? God, I’ve ruined everything! I deserve what was coming to me!”

Her tears were flowing freely now.

“Ivy…”

Once again Virian tried to approach her and she shoved him back with both hands, still not gathering the courage to look at him. Her gaze was planted firmly at the floor.

“Don’t,” she said, “just don’t. Don’t you dare try to comfort someone like me. I’m…I only bring hurt to everyone around me.”

“Ivy please—”

Finally she managed to raise her head. The embarrassment had morphed into shame, but somehow that was easier. When their eyes, met however, all of her resistance evaporated into those gorgeous deep, brown irises.

“Why?” she asked, more to herself than him.

“Why?”

“It was you, right?”

Virian cocked an eyebrow.

“What are you asking?”

“You somehow arranged for the church to dose me with a fake poison.”

He scratched his head.

“Ah, well…it was mostly luck, to be honest. There were tons of vials, and—”

“You…You saved me. Your men told me you even went yourself. You risked everything. Your position, your power, your life. For me. Why?”

This time when he stepped closer, Ivy did not retreat.

“I couldn’t let them hurt you, Ivy.”

Her bottom lip trembled, and she offered up one last pitiful rebuke to send him away.

“But, I’m a witch.”

“That only makes me want to protect you even more.”

Virian closed what little distance between them that remained and wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. Her resistance melted away as she sunk into his chest and returned the gesture. Holding him like this…it reminded her of the first time that they met. Just like all those years ago, her sobs began to stain his tunic. There was only one difference from back then. Virian felt so much more…solid than he had back then.

But it wasn’t only his broad shoulders nor the chiseled hardness of his arms that had her head spinning in the clouds. Something else had changed tonight. Something that she thought would be impossible for someone like her. Virian had proved to her that she could trust him. Rely on him. He made her feel almost…safe in a world where she was anything but.

Still, a tiny bit of her fought against the truth, almost unsure if she could believe what was too good to be true. She tried to distract herself by blabbering on.

“I-I don’t need your protection.”

“Of course not,” he said, stroking the top of her head.

“Rose will be okay, right?”

“Yes. I promise. The best healers are seeing her now.”

Ivy pulled back from his chest and craned her neck up to look at him. It was a little bit unfair how attractive he was. Although most everyone else thought the same thing about her.

“Virian,” she said.

“Yes, Ivy?”

She giggled at hearing her name on his lips. What use was their left in trying to fight what she felt?

“I want wine.”

“O-oh.”

Ivy grinned.

“Were you expecting something else?”

Nearly every inch of their bodies were touching, and while she was enjoying the feel of him, this was even more satisfying. A slight tinge of red colored his cheeks, and Ivy had finally spread some of her embarrassment over to him.

He smiled wide, however, and turned it back on her.

“Well yes, I was, actually. Nothing else to say?”

Ivy shifted her eyes to one side.

“Nope.”

“Well I do have something to say. I am hopelessly attracted to you. I don’t believe I’ve ever been in love, so I can’t say for sure what this is. But I think about you all the time. Day and night you fill my thoughts. I haven’t known you all that long, but I don’t know what to do with myself when you’re around. All I can say is that I want you so bad, Ivy. With all of my heart, I want you to be mine.”

Ivy stiffened in his embrace. Her face felt like it was steaming.

“W-whaatt?”

She had not expected such a straightforward declaration. Not only did it send her thoughts spiraling, but it took some of the fun out of teasing him. She was already pretty confident in his affections, but to hear it out loud was another thing entirely.

“You are so beautiful,” Virian said, “especially right now.”

“Huh?” He was making no sense. She had been crying and probably had dried inquisitor blood caked onto her face.

He snaked one hand out from around her and used his thumb to wipe away a tear streak.

“I don’t like to see you cry, but the blood somehow suits you.”

Ivy squirmed against his single arm still holding her.

“W-what are you saying?”

“Did you not hear?” Virian asked. “Shall I repeat it all again?”

“N-no!” Ivy pushed against him, but he didn’t let go at first. After a few seconds, she escaped his loosened grip and she backed a few steps away.

“Go get the wine,” she said, “I’m going to need it.”

He smirked and walked off to one side of the room where an ornate cabinet sat against the wall. Ivy stumbled over to the table where they had shared a drink previously, once again realizing how weak she was after everything that had happened. Her stomach growled at her halfway there.

“You have anything to eat as well?” she asked.

“Nothing good,” he said over his shoulder while retrieving a bottle.

“Just bring anything.”

A few minutes later he returned with two bottles and a half loaf of a hard crusted bread. Ivy snatched up the bread the moment he let it touch the tabletop and tore into it with teeth and nails. It wasn’t much, but it was still food fit for a prince, and its buttery texture went down like the sweetest of meals after being starved by the church.

She went for the wine next, forgoing the glasses as he had once teased her for and drinking directly from the already uncorked bottle. The fruity nectar was even better than the bread, and she guzzled down maybe half of it before slamming it back down.

Her eyes found Virian staring at her, chuckling softly to himself.

“Well?” she asked. “Out with it then”

“Out with…”

“When you came to see me in the dungeon you told me you’d explain something to me. So?”

Virian flinched.

“Oh. That.” He paused, looking as flustered as Ivy felt. The wine was already starting to help, though. “Yeah I suppose I might as well unearth my skeletons. I’ve already bared the rest of myself to you.”

Thoughts of his hardened body up against her came to the forefront of her mind. She remembered seeing him as an adult for the first time…naked.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing you…bared.”

Ivy cringed internally the moment the words left her mouth. She was…not that good at this. More than that, the guilt of flirting with the prince while Rose was struggling for her life grated at her conscience.

Virian snorted.

“Well, this story won’t be so stimulating. With my father dead, maybe only my oldest brother knows the full truth.”

“And Rose,” Ivy said.

“Yes, well. No one can hide anything from her, can they?”

He snatched the second bottle of wine and took a long drink from it just as Ivy had.

“When I was a kid, I loved my mother’s gardens. No one could create one as beautiful or produce fruits as delicious as she could. I would spend countless days within them. But there were also times when I was forbidden from entering them.

“As a child that didn’t sit well with me. I think you can guess what happened next. I quickly discovered why I wasn’t allowed in. My mother could control plants somehow with her power. And well? Me, being a stupid kid, blabbed all about mother’s special plants to my father in front of his council.”

Ivy inhaled sharply.

“Virian…I’m sorry.”

“To this day, I still don’t know if my father knew all along. He had to have, but when push came to shove, he did nothing to protect her. They murdered her, Ivy. For doing nothing but encouraging some plants to grow. And it’s entirely because of me. So that guilt you felt earlier? I know it well.”

“Virian, you know that wasn’t your fault!”

“Then why do you also blame yourself?”

Ivy sputtered, trying to think of something.

“That’s not the same! You were a child! Me? I’ve quite literally been terrorizing the city. You can’t compare the two.”

Virian shrugged.

“I may not approve of everything you’ve done, Ivy. But I don’t blame you for what you’ve become. The world is stacked against you. I don’t know if you’d still be sitting here talking with me if you weren’t as ruthless as you are.”

Ivy sat back in her chair, taking swings from her bottle, letting his words tumble around in her head. They drank in silence for some time until both bottles were empty.

“I think I want to kiss you,” Ivy said.

Virian blinked.

“I…will allow it.”

“Oh you will? Do I get that privilege, you ass? Well good for me, then.”

Ivy stood up before she changed her mind or he said something else to ruin the mood. She took the couple of steps over to where he was seated at the table and hovered over him. His face was turned up to her and he just sat their, waiting. He was really going to make her come to him, wasn’t he?

Screw it. She leaned in close, and pressed her lips against his. The kiss was chaste, innocent, and then it was over as soon as it had started, Ivy pulling away. Nothing more than a peck. It was…okay. But—

“There’s no way I can be satisfied with that,” Ivy said, though it was probably the wine talking.

“You too?” Virian asked. “Thank god.”

All reason left her as she plopped herself down onto his lap and eyed him with a mischievous grin. This time he took the lead and dove into her without restraint. Her lips were parted without even realizing it and his tongue went exploring. She attempted to match his pace, but it was all so much, so fast. The warmth of their bodies became one, Ivy barely able to breathe in the heat of the moment.

Finally, blessedly, Virian came up for air, leaving Ivy panting. Despite it all, she also missed the feel of his lips already. The sweet fruity taste the wine left on his tongue. She wanted more. Why was he just staring at her?

She turned her head and eyed what lie behind her. After everything that had happened she just needed to feel good, even if for only a fleeting moment. A single night. She needed to feel loved. She could pretend that Virian’s promise to protect her could actually come true. Just for tonight. Tomorrow would be another day. Another day of bloodshed, where she had her own promise to fulfill.

“Have you ever taken a woman to bed who’s almost killed you?”

“Can’t say that I have.”

“Mmmm,” she got up from his lap and started to make her way over to the sheets. “I would ask for you to be gentle with me, but I think you might be the one in trouble tonight.”