Page 67 of Hero of Havoc

“Or what?” he retorts, narrowing his eyes at me, and I huff, shoving against his chest to no avail.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Archer. This isn’t the first time, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Let me see right now.”

“Your safety is paramount,” he mumbles, and I shake my head, frustration getting the better of me as my hands heat.

“Archer,” I breathe, but it’s a millisecond too late as my despair turns into heat at my fingertips.

I brace for disaster, my eyelids instinctively clenching shut, only to startle when Archer’s presence remains. Daring to look, I squint through one eye first, and find flames dancing between us.

Orange flames.

I sag in relief, stumbling back as the embers retreat, and my back hits the wall.

“I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” I ask, wincing as Archer gapes at me.

Silently, he drags a hand down his face, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he reaches for me. I barely have time to catch my footing before he pulls me over the threshold, a sharp kick slamming the door shut behind us.

“I’m sorry. I’m letting panic for you cloud my judgment, and that shouldn’t affect you,” he mumbles, glancing down at me, and I nod.

“It’s okay.”

“At least the flames weren’t purple, right?” he adds, attempting to ease the tension, and I gulp, smiling the best I can before my gaze falls to the items waiting at the foot of my bed. One step toward the bundled carnage, and I’m quickly tucked back into his side as his lips brush against my temple. “Together?” he breathes, and I take a deep breath.

“Together,” I repeat.

His hold on me slackens as we eliminate the short distance, my fingers twitching with nerves as we come to a stop beside the ivy.

Sinking my teeth into my bottom lip, I reach for the envelope, my name scrawled across the front in the same writing that’s becoming far too familiar.

Ivy

Archer reluctantly releases my hand so I can see inside, the folded piece of paper heavy against my palm.

Dearest Ivy,

Celebrations are meant to be embraced by all. I hope you enjoy the fun today.

Please know that I am not rooting for the Champion the Fifth Kingdom chooses, but I am indeed making it clear that you are not up for selection.

I believe your mother paid you a visit.

Please take this relic and its vision to see what she never saw.

Another one on the house.

Yours,

- L

“He’s fucking insane,” Archer grunts, rubbing at his jaw even more furiously than before. “Let’s toss that ball of gold out⁠—”

“No,” I interject, grabbing his arm as he moves toward the relic, wide eyes finding mine as he gapes in disbelief.

“Ivy,” he starts, and I shake my head.

“I have to know,” I breathe, staring at it desperately, and I hate how much it calls to me.

“Ivy, he’s using this to get to you,” Archer breathes, and I grimace.