seraphina's pov
She gently released her grip from mine, the warmth of her fingers lingering like a fading echo on my skin.
"Let me stay with you for now," she suggested softly, lowering herself onto the damp stone floor beside the bars. "While Elena tries to convince Nicholas."
I smiled and nodded, my heart giving a small, traitorous flutter at her words.
For a long moment, we sat in silence, the only sound the distant drip of water somewhere deeper in the cells.
Then ivy grew suddenly quiet, her fingers pinching at the hem of her dress, twisting the fabric nervously between them.
"You seem worried," I said softly, genuinely concerned. I wanted to know what was going through her mind. I had learned, during those dark days back at the coven, how to speak to her in this gentle way , the tone that made her feel safe enough to open up, even just a little.
"What are you thinking about?"
