KAI
Kai found her sitting alone by the river.
Ivy had her knees drawn up to her chest, her whole body curled into itself like she was trying to take up less space in the world. Her violet eyes were fixed on the water but she wasn't really seeing it. She was seeing something else. Something inside.
Kai recognized that look. He wore it most mornings when he woke from dreams about the facility.
He didn't announce himself. Just sat down beside her on the smooth rock, close enough that she could feel his presence but far enough that she could pull away if she needed to.
They sat in silence for a long time.
Finally Ivy spoke without looking at him. "Mora told me my mother didn't die in childbirth. Magnus killed her. Three days after I was born, he ordered her execution and made it look like a sickness."
Kai felt something twist in his chest. "How are you still standing?"
