Page 128 of Hero of Havoc

29

IVY

“The last thing I want to be doing is draining myself for the good of our kingdom when it’s offering us nothing in return,” Archer grunts beside me, and I grimace.

“As much as I agree with you, we don’t give to receive, and the people in our kingdom who feel unsafe right now aren’t the ones we have an issue with,” I murmur soothingly, and he grunts.

“You’re only saying that because you’ve been exempt from participating,” he replies, and I roll my eyes.

“Please, I’m participating,” I insist, and his eyes widen in surprise.

“Ivy, you were just killed.”

“I was barely dead for five minutes. I’m fine.” I wave him off, but he captures my wrist.

“You’re not this insane, are you?” he breathes, and I exhale.

“I should be able to participate in the rejuvenating ceremony if I want to,” I grumble, and he cocks a brow, amusement dancing at the corner of his mouth like he knows something I don’t.

He steps in close, cupping my cheek as he peers down at me with curiosity in his eyes. “Do you want to rejuvenate the kingdom or do you want to get all hot and bothered with me?”

My breath hitches at the idea, but I shake my head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mutter, and his grin spreads.

“Oh, I think you do. Or are you worried I’ll go in there and feel the heat of the magic all on my own… without you?” Jealousy threads through my veins at the idea of it, and my insistence grows weaker as I struggle to shake my head. “Ivy,” he breathes, pressing the tip of his finger under my chin to force my attention to his face before he speaks. “I can fuck you out here before I go in if that makes you feel better…” he offers, and I roll my eyes again.

“Oh my gosh, yes, of course that’s the exact answer I was hoping for. Why hadn’t I thought of that?” I grumble, shoving at his chest, but he captures my wrists with ease, pinning them against his chest.

He stares into my eyes, the moment extending for what feels like an eternity as my breath comes in short, sharp pants.

“Fine.”

My eyebrows furrow together in confusion, but he’s moving before I can say a word, tugging me along behind him. He maneuvers through the Fire Protectors all heading inside the cave, and I gasp when the sudden heat cascades over my skin.

It’s intense and delicious, all at once.

I’ve always loved being hotter rather than colder, but this takes it to a whole new level, and I love it.

Thankfully, Teddy’s clothes from earlier are gone, and in their place is a simple plaid skirt and a cropped white tee.

I’d say I came dressed for the occasion, but I don’t want to help Archer change his mind.

The truth is, I’m secretly addicted to these moments. Not just in here, because I’m not experienced enough to know whether I’m into fucking in public places. It’s when moments like this are charged with heat, our magic coiling through our veins.

I’m obsessed, and after the day I’ve had, I want to connect with my magic in a different way.

I’ve resurrected from the dead, flown on the back of a dragon, and paid a visit to The Fates.

The hunt for my ancestors will follow, but that’s not in the cards for today.

“Hey,” I startle at the proximity of the voice, but as I glance to my side, I smile when I see it’s Dorian. He offers a two-finger wave as he comes to a stop, fist bumping Archer as his gaze settles on mine. “I heard about today. Are you doing okay?” he asks, and I nod.

“I’m fine,” I insist, waving him off.

“Is she fit enough to do this?” he asks, cocking his attention to Archer, who huffs.

“Apparently she’s her own woman who can make her own decisions. I’m just here as moral support,” he mutters, and I slip my wrist from his grasp to lace our fingers together, appreciating the solidarity in his words.

“Well, if you need me for anything…” he states, wiggling his fingers to reference his magic. “You know where I am.”