The bathroom door clicked open, and Xander stepped out, absently running a towel through his damp hair.
He glanced at Ivy, who was already tucked beneath the covers.
"I thought you were exhausted," he remarked with a faint smile, tossing the towel aside before sliding into bed beside her.
Ivy offered an awkward smile.
"I couldn't fall asleep without you."
Without hesitation, she wrapped an arm around his waist and rested her head against his chest.
The room fell into a comfortable silence. Xander gently threaded his fingers through her hair, the rhythmic motion calming them both.
After a few minutes, Ivy tilted her head to look at him.
"About Black Veil... what are you planning to do?"
Xander's expression remained composed.
"I've already declared war," he replied evenly. "By now, their leader has probably received the message. I expect he'll come looking for me."
"What?" Ivy shot upright, staring at him in disbelief. "Are you serious?"
