Chapter 27. Love

Ivy’s POV

The painful tightening of my chest had me waking up with a jolt. It was the effect of yet another nightmare. I placed a hand to my thumping heart and channeled a faint strand of magic. A second later, I took a deep breath in relief. My eyes were grainy with sleep, but I knew it was time to rise before the rest of the coven did. It was all I could do to maintain a slightly peaceful existence. I never had a good day when a single coven member rose before me.

I stood up from my thin straw bed, feeling an ache in my neck that told me I had probably slept in an awkward position. I stretched to get the knots out. I couldn't afford to be stiff, not today of all days.

Cooking was my primary duty, so I made my way to the space reserved for preparing the meals. Before I got close, I could hear the sound of pots clanging. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, but I resisted the urge. I knew who I'd see once I got there, and I was happy, even though I&#