Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Chapter 36

Ivy's POV

"Sit."

Simon called me into his torture room as soon as he got back from the council meeting. As usual, one of the Elders escorts me to the room, waiting until I enter to turn around and leave. I knew there was a council meeting today from Owen, but I'm not sure what was discussed. The outcome of that meeting will impact how ruthless Simon decides to be. He's forgone the restraints for a while now, but he still doesn't care much for my comfort. I'm sure I'd be back to hanging from shackles on the ceiling if I attempted to reject our sessions.

I have a pit in my stomach as I sit across from him, studying his features to try and determine how the meeting went. If I'm going to be in more pain than usual, I'd at least like a warning first. But his face is giving nothing away and he leans back in his chair, completely at ease.

"The Elders say you're coming along very well in your lessons."

"Yes."

"No more outbursts?"

I shake my head, swallowing my retort as my fingers curl into fists at my side. Despite what everyone thinks here, I'm not a bomb waiting to explode. Sure, the magic felt overwhelming at first, but it's not like I set the ballroom on fire. And sure, I may have filled a classroom or two with a forest in the beginning, but no one was hurt. Since being here, the surge of power that usually fills me when I practice magic isn't as strong as before. I can't tell if my newfound control is from practice or Simon's syphoning, but whatever it is is working.

The power he takes each day leaves me drained, but throughout the night I can feel it trickle back into my veins, replenishing me. More than once I've woken up to flowers intertwined around my arms and legs, as if my magic has a mind of its own as I sleep.

"Owen seems keen to have you back."

The sound of his name makes my heart tug painfully but I push it down. How is it possible to miss someone so much when I saw him just a few hours ago?

I consider my words before replying. "He's my mate. It's difficult to be apart."

He regards me, tapping his fingers against the desk. I hold his stare for a few beats and he inclines his head towards me, an unknown emotion flickering in his eyes.

"You know," he leans forward. "We can be an asset to each other, you and I."

I furrow my brows as the pit in my stomach grows in size. He has something planned, and I hate that I don't know what it is.

"I'm sure you would like to be reunited with your mates and we both know that I have the power to do that."

He gives me a smile, reminding me of a wolf baring its teeth. I've felt like his prey from the moment I stepped foot inside this place but only now, as he sits before me do I really feel it. It's like I've been dancing on the edge and only just looked over my shoulder and noticed the drop. And I'm terrified to find out what lurks at the bottom.

"I can encourage the council to allow you to complete the mating bond."

"That's very kind of you." I wait for the other show to drop.

"Yes, well I'd like something in return, of course." He gestures at me. "We'd continue our sessions once you're back in the palace." There it is. The pit in my stomach bottoms out, stealing the breath in my lungs.

I want to go back to Leo and Owen so badly, but the idea of Simon draining my energy even after I'm returned makes me feel uneasy. What's his end result? Surely he's strong enough with however much he's taken already.

"Of course," he continues. "It would be best for the contents of our sessions to remain private, even from the princes."

"I see." My smile is tight as I straighten in my seat. There's no way I could keep something like this from them, especially in their own home. It's been difficult enough to dodge their questions about why I'm hidden away here and why I seem so tired all the time.

"Ivy, together we can make the palace unstoppable." He smiles wider now, shifting to the edge of his seat. "We'd be more powerful than anyone else in the realm, and with the princes in the palm of your hand, we could shape the realm in our image." His eyes glow, and the panic sets in full force.

"This is what your parents would have wanted for you, to have power. With me, it's in your grasp. Imagine being Queen of Terra Aurea and being the one to hold all the power, not your mates. I'm offering you something you never could have dreamed of."

I feel dizzy, nausea clawing its way up my throat. How long has he been scheming for control over the crown? There's no way I would betray Leo and Owen, but I can't say no to Simon or he'll keep me trapped here forever. My mind whirls as I think of what to say to get me out of this room.

I paste on a shy smile, dipping my head and hoping my acting skills fool him enough for me to get the hell out of this room.

"I didn't realise you saw so much potential in me," I say, pretending to blush. It plays right into his ego and he smiles wider.

"Together, we could be unstoppable." He repeats and I nod, as if considering his plan.

"I'd like that." I fist my hands in my lap digging my nails into my palms as I force myself to seem eager and relaxed.

"It'll take me some time, but I'll get the rest of the council to agree to let you complete the bond."

He holds out his hand and I try not to tense as I slide mine into his open palm. I brace myself as the familiar burn travels through my body and into my arm, every ounce of energy seeping from me and into him. Sweat beads on my forehead and I struggle not to slump forward as he takes more and more. His eyes roll back as the magic floods his veins, turning them gold.

As the last dregs flow through, he keeps hold of my hand for a few extra beats before letting go. He gives me a nod, leaning back in his chair and sighing in content. I give him a small smile and get up to leave the room.

"Oh, another thing," he says, eyes still closed. I stall, my hand reaching out for the door handle.

"The princes want to see you tomorrow. Make sure not to let on about our plan."

"Of course," I swallow, waiting for the door to close behind me before slumping against the wall.

Despite the tiredness plaguing my body, I force myself to stand up and walk to my bedroom, making sure to keep my head down and not hurry so much. I need to go to the palace so I can tell the boys about Simon's plans. I'm no longer locked into my room at night, and the Elders don't bother to check on me, so I won't have to worry about them discovering I'm gone as long as I'm not more than a few hours. It's already early evening, so most of the coven will be settling down for the night.

I close my bedroom door and lay down on the bed, trying to remember how I managed to transport to them before. I close my eyes, letting the bond flow through me and imagining the palace. I pray that Simon left me with enough magic to do this as I tug on the bond and let my residual magic fizzle in my veins. It takes a few tries before sparking to life inside me, small but just enough. I sink into the mattress until it feels like I'm floating on air and when the magic ebbs away, I open my eyes to my bedroom in the palace. As much as I want to curl up and sleep, I get up and run down the hall, bursting into Leo's office praying that they're both there.

I slam the door open, both of their heads snapping up to meet my panicked gaze. Leo stands and makes quick steps towards me as I pant in the doorway.

"We need to talk."