~~~~~~~~~Iv's POV~~~~~~~~~

I couldn't stop myself from boiling in anger. As soon as her eyes landing on me, she smiled brightly, something I hadn't seen for years. "Oh my gosh! Ivangelys, is that really you?!"

She ran over to me, wrapping her arms around me in a hug. I stumbled back in surprise, and immediately after she pulled away, my teeth bared as I glared daggers at her. "How did you escape?!?" 

"What do you mean, darling?" She tilted her head in confusion, placing a hand over her chest as if giving an offended gesture.

I growled. "Don't play your games with me, Ashley, how did you leave?!?"

I felt chills run down my spine as her eyes flickered to black for a split second. She then let out an innocent chuckle. "I guess my illusion spell couldn't get passed you, Ivangelys~"

She tightly grabbed my wrist, dragging me to a nearby alley. As soon as she let go, I was ready for any attack. However, she placed a hand in front with a serious expression.

"Save your energy, darling, I don't want to fight."

I didn't back down, still being ready in case she tried to use a spell. "I won't ask again: how did you escape?!?"

"I had been planning it for years now, it wasn't too difficult." A smile soon grew on her face. "And I have been trying to find you ever since."

"We have no business together."

"On the contrary," she said as she inspected her nails. "or do I need to remind you what happened six years ago?"

I tended up as she mentioned that, lowering my arms down to my sides. "... fine. What do you want then? To kill me? Is that it?"

"Oh goodness, no. That's far too vulgar, don't you think? I just want a place to stay."

"Excuse me?"

"I think it's a fair pay since it's because of you I've lost six years of freedom."

"I doubt Aiden would be happy to see you."

"He won't recognize me, not with the spell I'll be using. Or maybe I should just tell your siblings what you've done? I'm sure Aidston with be delighted to know that you-"

"No! Just-..." I let out a sigh in defeat. "If you swear not to hurt any of them, and not mention the situation whatsoever, ... then you'll stay.."

"Good." She looked up at me with an innocent smile. "I'm glad we have that cleared up. Now we should go back to the light, I'm sure your boyfriend is waiting for you."

"My love life is of no interest to you." And I do not have a boyfriend.

I took a deep breath as I walked back to the street.

What have I just gotten myself into...?

~~~~~~~~~Noah's POV~~~~~~~~~

I asked Iv to wait outside for me while I went into a store. I could tell she wasn't okay, and it bothered me to think of it.

As we passed by, I saw a heart shaped ruby necklace on the counter inside. It suited her well, and she needed the cheering.

Sure it seemed expensive, but I'm a Cipher, money's not a problem for me.

I inspected it as I held it in my hands. Yeah, this was perfect for Iv!

I smiled to myself, walking over to the counter. After paying for it, I walked back outside, seeing Iv talking to an unfamiliar girl. As soon as she saw me, she made her way over, the other girl following.

"Sorry about that, I just wanted to check something out." I said with a bit of an awkward smile.

She smiled, though I could easily tell it was forced. My eyes shifted over to the girl. "Um... who's this..?"

"O-oh, uh..."

"Ashley, I go by Ash for short though, Iv and I were in high school together." She said as she placed on Iv's shoulder.

Iv tensed up a bit, her gaze soon facing down. "Yeah, she'll be staying with us for a while."

"Um, okay, I guess that's fine."

"Let's get going, it's been forever since I last saw your siblings!" Ashley said with a cheerful smile.

"I'm sure they'll be very glad to see you." Iv replied with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, but before I could question anything, they both began walking away, and I could only follow behind.

I have to be honest, I was more worried than ever now...

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

❤️❤️❤️